Sunday, March 18, 2018

A Quick Stop At the Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary ♥



On our way back from our super relaxing and lovely stay at the beautiful Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa last weekend, we had a quick stop off at the charming little town of Cashel, Co. Tipperary to visit one of the most historic sites in Ireland once again, the magical Rock of Cashel.

It's a place we've been to many times before, but as we were passing, we noticed that the scaffolding - which has been encasing the site for many years, was now gone. So we had to go again for a look.

Entry was only €4 per person, they were charging the student rate for everyone as the chapel was closed to the public - ongoing works I suspect, but that was perfectly fine with us.

The site itself dates back to the 12th century, and as I walk around the graveyard, high on the hill looking out to a patchwork of green fields and monastery ruins below, the wild Irish breeze hitting hard, I can't help but think of all the people and characters that have walked upon this land over the centuries.

Even though I've been there many times before, the Rock of Cashel still hits me as such a powerful and magical place. Standing within it's walls is as if you're encased in history. It's solemn, serene and quite reverent within the walls of the Rock.

Luckily we visited at a time when there weren't that many people around - usually the site is flocked with tourists, but this time we were able to have a proper look around and take our time wandering around the site.

 There are many interesting things to look at around the Rock of Cashel. There are gravestones laid on the ground, coat of arms and other carvings on the walls. There is also artwork - one mural in particular is desperately trying to be saved from further wearing down.

It's a place which keeps bringing us back even though we've been there many times before, and I think that itself is a great testament to how magical it is. I love history and especially learning about different periods of Irish history (a little known fact is I have a history degree) and if I could manage to visit all the historic sites in Ireland I'd die happy.

The places around the Rock are really quite lovely. Not too touristy, but with a real sense of pride for the place.

Just down from the Rock itself is this charming little lane way, which always gives me a feeling of proper, old Ireland. There's a lovely little cottage painted blue and white at the end of this lane and I'm not sure if anyone lives there, it doesn't look like there is, but I always think of it as such a peaceful place to live.

If you're looking to stop off somewhere that offers a glimpse into ancient Irish history, then the Rock of Cashel is definitely worth a visit.

You can read about one of our previous visits to the Rock of Cashel in the summer of 2016 here.



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19 comments

  1. My husband LOVES visiting castles. We're planning a trip to the area before too long and we will definitely have to add this to our list.

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  2. I've always wanted to visit Ireland and see all the castles and old structures. It's been a dream of mine for years.

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  3. 1.


    How amazing is that place!? So peaceful and majestic looking! I was imagining how people lived in the castle when it was first built. I'm a big fan of castles and other historic places.

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  4. There's so many places in this world that I want to travel but I would really like to go to an area of the world that has castles like this. I have never been in a castle and I've always wanted to explore one. It's such a romantic notion and they're so beautiful.

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  5. Oh my goodness what a beautiful looking castle. There is something beautiful about historic buildings and this is most definitely no exception. Thank you for sharing your photos.

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  6. Wow, that is just beautiful! One of my co-workers is really into old castles and buildings, and she absolutely loves Ireland. I will have the share this with her.

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  7. Ireland is on my list of places to visit someday. I love the rich culture and history that surrounds the country. The castle looks peaceful and I would love to see the quiet town for myself.

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  8. Wow! This is absolutely gorgeous. I would love to see this in my trip to the area this fall!

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  9. It definitely is worth seeing. I enjoy ruins and historical places very much and it's so nice to be able to see them in person aside from just watching them in travel shows or reading about them.

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  10. WOW! What a gorgeous place. I would love to take my family there one day. They would love it.

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  11. Wow! This is so stunning! We have never been to Ireland but I have to add it to our bucket list! Can you believe that someone used to live in the castle?! Oh wow, I kind of wish someone would toss on a roof and refurbish it too. Amazing!

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  12. Wow, that is one stunning place. I would love to be able to see this in person someday. I'm going to have to add this to my bucket list.

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  13. Gorgeous photos! I would love to visit with my children. They enjoy exploring new places.

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  14. I am blown away by the beauty of this place. I'm jealous you've been so many times!

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  15. Wow! OMG! This place really looks heaven. I want to go in here. No i am dying to go here.

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  16. Other than the Philippines, one foreign country that we really want to visit is Ireland. We really think that it is such a beautiful country to explore. Lucky you for seeing those beautiful places.

    -Lynndee

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  17. Your pictures are gorgeous! I'd love to visit this place someday. Thank you for sharing your travel experience!

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  18. I've always wanted to travel to Ireland and see all the castles and old architecture. So pretty! Loved your pictures!

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  19. What a gorgeous castle! I'd love to see one in person one day!

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