Cashel Co.Tipperary Ireland

Day 89/ Ireland 22
Travelled: 61km Cahir to Cashel in County Tipperary 
Stay: Cashel - The Rock carpark free overnight, street day parking €2/2hrs 52.52047, -7.88837
Visited: The Rock of Cashel €8pp (€6seniors)

We waited at Sweeney Repairs for someone to turn up just after 9am. Luckily he had the right size pipe and Mark got to work, taking the bathroom sink out and replacing all the pipes (€20). 3 hours later we had no more leaks and all was put back together. 





Over lunch we decided where to go next. Cashel wasn’t far and so we headed up the M8 and managed to find a parking spot in the street €2/2hrs. We headed straight to The Rock of Cashel and joined the tour. The cathedral ruins and surrounding buildings are perched on top of a dramatic limestone outcrop, rising above the town and the plains of Tipperary. Since the 4th century it had been a seat of Kings of Munster. In 1101 it was handed to the church and it flourished as a religious centre. Unfortunately by the late 1700’s the buildings were abandoned due to ongoing renovation costs.





The bell round towers are unique to Ireland (bar a few exceptions). This one is shorter than most as it is built higher up on a rock. Many others have been damaged by lightning strike. The bell was rung to warn if there was impending danger of an attack.






There were many passages within the walls that connected all the buildings allowing for safe access and escape if required.

The Cormac Chapel has been restored to protect it against moisture damage and to preserve the 12th century alfrescoes.

The O’Scully cross used to be 14m high until it was damaged by a lightning strike. 

In 1930 relatives of those already buried here had to register to have permission to be buried   in the family plot. Jimbo was the 6th last..only 5 more to go.

Remains of Hope Abbey


The hall of the Vicar’s Choral





And kitchen


 After our visit as we were returning to Bluey we chatted with the Parking Warden, we said we better get back before you give us a ticket and he told us that he’s not that strict and hasn’t booked anyone for ages. He then started looking for his ticket booking machine but couldn’t find it. He then remembered he had left it in his aunties car! As he left he said that we could spend the rest of the day where we were and then move up to the other carpark after 5:30pm. Gee the Irish are friendly! At the Tourist information centre we learnt more on the town’s history before having a look around. 



It’s amazing that the original still exists.

My, things have changed..



Mark started to feel thirsty after finding out that Guinness started in this town.

We quenched our thirst at a recommended pub and held up the bar with the locals.





 We then popped in to have a look at a couple of churches as we finished our walk around town. 









The Tipperary colours are still proudly displayed after their hurling finals win against Kilkenny.

At 6pm we moved to the top carpark and settled in hoping for a good nights sleep.