Rock of Cashel & Golden Vale

The Rock of Cashel rises dramatically from the Golden Vale - Ireland's most spectacular medieval site crowning a limestone outcrop. This route explores Tipperary's historic heartland of saints, kings, and rich farmland.

Why This Route?

Cashel and the Golden Vale offer:

• Rock of Cashel - Ireland's most dramatic medieval complex
• Hore Abbey - Cistercian ruins below the Rock
• Cahir Castle - Best preserved castle in Ireland
• Golden Vale - Ireland's richest farmland
• Holy Cross Abbey - Restored medieval abbey

The Route

Cashel

The town beneath the Rock:

Rock of Cashel

Ireland's most dramatic medieval site:

• Seat of Munster kings (4th-12th century)
• Cathedral (13th century)
• Round tower (11th century)
• Cormac's Chapel (finest Romanesque church)
• High cross
• Hall of the Vicars Choral (museum)

Cormac's Chapel

Ireland's finest Romanesque building (1127-1134):

• Stone roof
• Carved doorways
• Frescoes (fragmentary)
• Sarcophagus

The Town

Heritage centre and facilities:

• Bru Boru (cultural centre)
• Traditional music shows
• Craft shops
• Good accommodation

Hore Abbey

Below the Rock:

• Cistercian abbey (1272)
• Atmospheric ruins
• Free access
• Photogenic with Rock behind

Holycross

Restored medieval abbey:

Holy Cross Abbey

12th-century Cistercian abbey:

• Fully restored (1970s)
• Active parish church
• Relic of True Cross (hence name)
• Beautiful stonework

Thurles

Cathedral town:

• Cathedral of the Assumption
• GAA founded here (1884)
• Market town character

Cahir

Town dominated by its castle:

Cahir Castle

One of Ireland's largest castles:

• Built on island in River Suir
• Butler family stronghold
• Remarkably complete
• OPW guided tours

Swiss Cottage

Ornamental cottage (1810):

• Regency "rustic" design
• Original interiors
• OPW site
• Near Cahir

Clonmel

Tipperary's county town:

• Historic streetscape
• Old West Gate
• Franciscan Friary
• Good facilities

Return via Fethard

Medieval town with:

• Town walls
• Sheela-na-gig (Holy Trinity Church)
• Folk museum
• Traditional atmosphere

Rock of Cashel

History

• Seat of Munster kings from 4th century
• St Patrick baptised King Aengus here (5th century)
• Given to the Church (1101)
• Cathedral built 13th century
• Burned in 1647

The Complex

• Round Tower - 11th century, 28m tall
• Cormac's Chapel - 1134, Romanesque masterpiece
• Cathedral - 13th century Gothic
• Hall of the Vicars Choral - Now museum and entrance

Visiting

• OPW site
• Admission charge
• Audio guide included
• Allow 1.5-2 hours

Cahir Castle

Why It Matters

• One of Ireland's largest medieval castles
• Remarkably intact
• Island setting
• Three wards (inner, middle, outer)

History

• Built 1142
• Butler stronghold from 1375
• Surrendered to Cromwell (1650)
• Restored 19th century

Visiting

• OPW site
• Guided tours available
• Allow 1 hour
• Audiovisual presentation

Practical Tips

1. Rock of Cashel - Arrive early or late to avoid coaches
2. Combined tickets - Available for multiple OPW sites
3. Hore Abbey - Free access; fields can be wet
4. Swiss Cottage - Check opening times (seasonal)
5. Fethard - Worth the detour for medieval atmosphere