Rock of Cashel- "city of the kings"

Cashel has a long history dating back to 450AD.  I can't even imagine this age. In the year 990 AD king Brian Boru fortified Cashel and in 1101 turned the Rock over to the church of Ireland.

The section seen here on the left is the Bishop's castle.

The Round tower is the oldest building dating back to 995AD on the Rock and rises 92 feet. Allowing a good view of any approaching Vikings. If you can see behind Wendy, you will notice an entrance that rises 10 feet above the ground. That was their entrance accessible only by a ladder. This was a means of keeping unwanted people out.

Back entrance into the Nave.

St Patrick's cathedral was built in 1169. This part was destroyed by fire in 1495 when the enemies brought the roof down on 800-900 people trapping them. It had a flamboyant varitation of Irish Romanesque style.

St  Patrick's cross  (replica) stands 7 feet tall. It is said to be the coronation stone of the Munster kings. The two sides have carved figures, one of Christ crucified and the other a robed St Patrick with his feet resting on a  ox head. You can see in the background they are working on a 4 year restoration project.  They were starting this a week after I was here 2 years ago.

Cormac's Chapel built  in 1127 by Cormac McCarthy, king of Desmond and Bishop of Cashel. It is said to be one of the earliest and finest churches built in Ireland. You are only seeing one end.  Paintings are being discovered under the whitewash as they are cleaning the chapel of its mold. One painting is the baptism of Christ. Some areas are blocked so my pictures aren't telling you the story of the chapel.  You can research it more, as there is much history here.

This is the original cross which is housed in the Hall of the Vicar's Choral protecting it from the weather.

I am in the Hall Of the Vicars Choral. Over the fireplace you will see the sheild of the choral.  There are 8 members of the choir and 1 organ player which are both lay and cleric appointed to sing during the services. The Hall has been restored. The woodwork is very nice.

This is also in the Hall of the Vicar Choral. The fireplace wall is to the left. This was once the domain of cathedral choristers.

The view from the Rock. This shows you the great vantage point for viewing any approaching enemy.

The cemetary is closed to any new "residents" but if your family has a plot here and there was a previous commitment you could be placed here.  This grave has the newest recording of May 2011.

The graves date back to the 12th century. Another view of the suroundings.

On to Cork and Cobh tomorrow.

Cheers :)