Cashel (County of Tipperary)

A long time ago, Cashel was the capital of the Kingdom of Munster, one of Ireland's main major provinces. Very powerful at the time, the city shone throughout Ireland.

That is why the Rock of Cashel, a collection of cathedrals, churches and other religious buildings, is built there. A true symbol of power for the time.

Nowadays, the city is highly touristic. You can enjoy its colourful city centre, shops, restaurants and accommodation.

For lovers of local products, it is essential to taste their local cheese: Cashel blue. It is a delicious blue-veined cheese that is sold throughout Ireland.

We spent a day in the town of Cashel, it is a small town worth a visit. We were able to see some magnificent monuments :

- Rock of Cashel : Rock of Cashel is a collection of absolutely exceptional medieval buildings and remains that dominate the rest of the city. It's a major place of Irish tourism, the site would welcome thousands of visitors every year to discover the beauties of Irish medieval history. On the programme, many royal and religious buildings, sometimes magnificently preserved, sometimes in ruins, are to be visited. Overlooking the city of Cashel and the surrounding plains of County Tipperary, the origins of Rock of Cashel go back to the 4th century, when a first fortress was built on this rocky headland and was named "Castle of King". As its name suggests, this building was to become the residence of the regional kings, and later, of the Supreme High Kings of Ireland.

The 28-metre high Rock of Cashel tower was built around 1100. The building was then used to monitor the surroundings of the fortress and to store numerous manuscripts and religious relics of great value. The main tower is rather impressive and well preserved. It is also possible to climb the stairs to reach the top and get a breathtaking view of the Rock of Cashel. The chapel was built in 1127. It is characterized by 2 towers symmetrically located on each side of the building, as well as by a magnificently carved barrel vault. The chapel contains a tomb, which would probably be that of King Cormac.

It should be noted that this chapel contains a fabulous fresco, very well preserved despite the weather and the cold. Much more important than the other buildings, Saint Patrick's Cathedral is said to have been built in 1235. Composed of a square tower, as well as a second tower dating from the 15th century. The latter is attached to the cathedral, but does not form part of the main building. At the entrance of the cathedral is also the Hall of the Vichars Chorale. This building is located at the entrance to the fortress and is said to date from 1420 and is the venue for the rehearsal of the choir of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The visit can be done by yourself or by a guide. It is necessary to count between 8 to 11 euros per person.

- Hore Abbey : A few hundred metres from the famous Rock of Cashel site is Hore Abbey, a ruined Cistercian monastery. The building dates from the 13th century, and nowadays offers a beautiful view of its ruins. The abbey has been able to survive to this day: the walls are still standing and the remains in place give an excellent idea of what the Hore Abbey could have looked like in its early years. The visit is free of charge.

- Cashel Folk Village : This museum presents historical retrospectives of the Irish Revolutionary Period (1916-1923) and the Irish Great Famine (1845-1851). There is also a penal chapel containing religious artifacts, a statue of Sean Russell (1893-1940), leader of the IRA during the Second World War, a replica blacksmith's blacksmith's shop and information on Catholic pastor John Lanigan (1758-1825). Admission to this museum is 6 euros per person.

We also ate in a typical Irish brewery. Feehan's Bar. The brewery offers a typical Irish cuisine and also many kinds of beers. It is located in the city centre of the city. We had a very good time there, and a rugby match was also broadcast, so there was a very good atmosphere. It's a very good time.