
Town in County Tipperary, Ireland
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Alecofnz at wts wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Cashel (Caiseal, meaning "stone ringfort") is a town in County Tipperary in Ireland. Its population in 2022 was only 4800, but it's one of Ireland's top tourist draws: the Rock of Cashel is a limestone outcrop with a collection of important medieval sites.
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Carraig Phádraig, St Patrick's Rock
One of Ireland's top sights, mobbed by coach tours in summer, a fortified enclosure on a limestone outcrop. This natural stronghold has probably been settled for millennia; legend says that the devil took a bite out a mountain 30 km north, broke his teeth, and spat out the rock which landed here. The first documented occupants were the Eóganachta, who ruled Munster from the 6th to 10th century AD. They were ousted by the O'Briens under Brian Boru, whose great-grandson King Muircheartach O'Brien gifted the site to the church in 1101. Park at the foot of the rock and follow the walkway. Enter through the Hall of the Vicars Choral, built in the 15th century to house the cathedral choristers. Then pass through the cathedral (13th-century Gothic) and Archbishop's Residence (15th century), with the Round Tower (11th and 12th century) by one corner. The highlight is the Romanesque Cormac's Chapel, completed in 1127: give your eyes time to adjust to the gloom, to pick out the rich carvings and frescos. There are High Crosses in the graveyard.
Reconstruction of thatched village shops, a forge, and other businesses, together with a penal Chapel, IRA museum and presentation of events of 1916-1923.
Just admire the exterior of this 15th-century tower house, which was used as a garrison by Lord Inchiquin's Parliamentarian army. The Kearney family lived in the building for many years, and Fr John Kearney was hanged in the castle in 1652. The building in modern times was a hotel but this closed in 2016.
Mainistir Iubhair
This was founded by the Benedictines in the late 12th century, but in 1270 was granted to the Cistercians. The legend goes that the Archbishop ejected the Benedictines because he dreamed they planned to murder him. This doesn't seem likely, it was everyone else in town that was sharpening their knives for him, and there may have been an England versus Ireland twist to it. The abbey fell into ruin at the Dissolution.
Extensive riverside priory founded by the Augustinians in the late 12th century. It was energetically built up and equally energetically burned down, as was the adjacent village, and finally ruined by the 16th century Reformation. Parking only for 3 cars and you have to scramble over the field wall.
Performance venue for Irish music, song, dance and theatre. It also has a genealogy centre and restaurant.
This track midway between Cashel and Fethard stages Karting, Hot Rod, Stock Car and Banger Racing.
Upmarket restaurant in an old church, probably the best cuisine in the county.
Not that you'd admit to wanting a break from Irish, but here's a Thai.
Friendly bar, serves food to six-ish, but when it's gone it's gone.
Friendly place, decent food. Live music and DJ's Thursday-Monday.
B&B in 200-year-old granary, plus camping and caravan pitches. Clean, welcoming and well-run.
Budget place, gets very mixed reviews for cleanliness and comfort. Large common areas, kitchen and laundry facilities. Has dorm, they also run Town Centre Inn next door.
Basic B&B with six rooms in a refurbished Georgian town house.
Clean welcoming B&B behind the yellow door.
Splendid little B&B with a great host. No dogs.
Charming 1709 building with great comfort and dining.
A magnificent manor built in 1732 for Archbishop Bolton, the fellow who amassed the library. Great reviews for decor, comfort and service.
Bus Éireann 245X runs four times a day from Dublin Busáras and Heuston station to Cashel, taking 2 hr 10 min, and continues south to Cahir, Mitchelstown, Fermoy and Cork.
Read in the guideWalk, the town is compact. You only need wheels to reach Golden and Athassel Priory.
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Shannon · International · SNN
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