Direction Ireland

Rock of Cashel

Midlands Ireland | County Tipperary

The iconic complex of Medieval buildings, the Rock of Cashel, is located in the town of Cashel, at the heart of County Tipperary, just off the M8 motorway. This one of the most important and most visited tourist attraction in Ireland is spectacularly situated on a limestone outcrop, proudly overlooking surrounding plains of the Golden Vale. It is also known as Cashel of the Kings or St. Patrick’s Rock. For several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion, it was a seat of the kings of Munster, and according to the legend it is here, where in 445AD St. Patrick converted King Aengus to the Christianity. In 1101, Murtagh O'Brien, the King of Munster donated this site to the Church. The oldest structures are the early 12th Century Round Tower (height of 28m) and the Romanesque chapel, named after King Cormac, which construction began in 1127. Cormac's Chapel is one of most remarkable and beautifuly decorated Romanesque Churches in Ireland, and only one with remains of Romanesque frescoes. The largest structure on the site is the 13th Century Gothic Cathedral with the square tower added in the 14th Centrury. The last modifications were made in the 15th Century by Archbishop Richard O'Hedian. He has built the Hall of Vicars Choral and the rectangular residential tower house. Rock of Cashel continued to serve as a Church of Ireland cathedral until the middle of 18th Century, and in 1869 it came into State care. Now, it is under the care of OPW and is open as tourist attraction whole year around.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • Mid September - Mid October:
    • Daily: 9 - 17.30
  • Mid October – Mid March:
    • Daily: 9 - 16.30
  • Mid March - Early June:
    • Daily: 9 - 17.30
  • Early June - Mid September:
    • Daily: 9 - 19
  • Closed 24th to 26th December
• ADMISSION FEES :
  • Adult: 8€
  • Child/Student: 4€
  • Senior/Group: 6€
  • Family: 20€
• CONTACT :
  • Phone: +353 62 61437
  • E-mail: rockofcashel@opw.ie
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes