If you want to see the most incredible collection of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe, pay a visit to the Rock of Cashel. It is also known as the majestic Cashel of the Kings – and religiously, it is called “St. Patrick’s Rock.” This historic site has a lot of names with many stories to tell. The place proves to be valuable for visitors and guests who cannot help but be in awe of the buildings which crown the Rock with such complexity and colossal appearance that make it a charming, scenic and wondrous site.
The Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the kings of Munster before the Norman invasion. Although a few remnants of the earliest structures still stand, majority of the buildings exude an ancient feel, as they date back from the 12th and 13th centuries. This is also said to be the place where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster in the 5th century A.D. and locals would tell you about the story of the Devil’s Bit – the mountain from which the Rock of Cashel is said to have originated. The Devil’s Bit is found 30 km north of Cashel and they say that when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, it resulted to the Rock landed in Cashel – and it is for this reason that it is also called St. Patrick’s Rock.
In addition to the interesting stories, you will be amazed to see a round tower about 28 meters high – one of the tallest and oldest of buildings in Cashel. Although it was still stand because of the mortar used to fill it for safety reasons, you will be astonished with how well preserved it is. You’ll also see a chapel, some tombs and well-designed graveyard crosses in the area, which definitely look just amazing.