Rock of Cashel

Off  on our daily trip.  We can't go too far but we can do some day trips.

So today we head to the Rock of Cashel. I have also added my trip with Ellen Shaughnessy.

My friend Ellen Shaughnessy.

Above: Adam and Brent are standing in front of the original St Patrick's Cross that was here from the 12th century. One side has the crucified Christ in a full length robe and on the other side is a figure of a bishop or abbot. The cross is missing the arm of the cross on the left. The middle of the base of this stone is hollow so that the stone could be transported without its massive weight.

The pressence of this building goes back as a fortress to the 4th or 5th century. In 1101 the Rock of Cashel was given to the Church.

The building are set up like a cross.

 Here you see part of the inside of the church.  These windows which are filled in on the top now would have been covered from top to bottom  with the stretched animal skins to cut down some of the cold. The transluscent skins would still let some light in.

The round tower which is the oldest surviving building on the Rock and dates back to 1101. This tower is 28m high.

  This is the Hall of the Vicar's Choral dating back to the 15th century. This was the living area for the 8 members and their director.  

 The shield of the Choral choir.

 The eating area for the choir on the left and the main room above.  The tapestry is beautiful and as the guide states there are four mistakes woven in to show that we as mortals make mistakes.

 Sleeping quarters above the balcony.

 My friend Ellen Shaughbessy came to visit and we took a trip to the Rock.

 Inside Cormac's Chapel one of the earliest and finest churches in Ireland.built in Romanesque style.  Here you see the mold that has come through the sand stone. They are drying out this church for four years and then will try to put a protective covering over it to preserve it for the future.There are patches of artwork that was found under the whitewash. These are  some of the earliest examples of Irish medieval art to have survived.

 An Abby near by.
There is so much more history to this fascinating place. Go and Google "Rock of Cashel "and you will see...

A quick stop in town to warm ourselves and play a game of Uno before heading back home.
Cheerio :-)