The Rock of Cashel is iconic in its historic significance. It has an impressive cluster of medieval buildings, including a round tower, high cross, chapel, cathedral, abbey, giant hall, and tower house. The chapel (Cormac's) was begun in 1127 and consecrated in 1124. The cathedral was built later, between 1235 and 1270. The oldest and tallest structure is the 92-foot tower, dating from c. 1100.
The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. It is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by Saint Patrick in the 5th century. Of all the castles we saw, this one had the most religious significance.
According to Irish legend, the Rock of Cashel was formed after the Devil took at bite out of a nearby mountain. Devil's Bit Mountain, 20 miles away, has a huge gap in which the Rock of Cashel would fit nicely. The castle was also the site of a huge massacre. In the summer of 1647, close to 1,000 men, women, and children were slaughtered when Oliver Cromwell commenced a campaign against Irish strongholds in Munster. There have been ghostly sightings over the years, especially of a young shawled girl with long hair.
The graveyard at the Rock of Cashel is one of the most active in Ireland. There are many high crosses. The grounds around the buildings contain an extensive graveyard and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, mostly pastures being grazing by dairy cattle and sheep.
The Rock of Cashel is also known as the Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock.
Lights - Camera - Action
While we were visiting the castle, they were filming a pilot for a Netflix series. The action took place outside the castle, so it didn't stop us from touring the castle. Often, castles are closed to the public when filming takes place. We we were able to observe the action, mostly through a slit in the castle wall. I had never seen a movie being made before, ironic since I started out as film major in college. They were filming a battle scene. Then, the actors took a lunch break. I wonder what the title of the series is and if it ever made it off the cutting floor.
Hore Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery near the Rock of Cashel. It was founded in 1272. There is a nice view of the Rock of Cashel from the abbey and vice versa. The abbey is pure ruins, with grass growing out of the stones. It seemed like it would be a fun place for kids to play, especially at Halloween. I enjoyed meandering around the ruins.
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