Your whole family will enjoy a trip to the historic Rock of Cashel in Ireland. It is located above the town of Cashel in County Tipperary. It is one of the most historic and spectacular heritage sites in Ireland.

Cashel is one hour by car from Waterford, Kilkenny, Limerick and Cork. Dublin is only two hours away.

The setting of the Rock of Cashel rises above and towers over the town on an outcropping of limestone. It is said that this is the site where St. Patrick converted Aenghus the King of Munster in the 5th century.

The church towers, high crosses and chapel were erected in the 12th century and are still standing. When you visit the site, you can explore the central square tower and enclosed living quarters. The main house was recently restored. The stone walls around the Rock of Cashel are beautiful.

You will want to see the exhibits and take a guided tour to get the full experience of the Rock of Cashel. When I visited, I took many photographs of the castle and the views from the grounds. You can see for miles in each direction.

The Town Plaza is within walking distance from the Rock of Cashel. The Victorian town centre is a busy retail area with nice shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The Bolton Library on John Street, Cashel, contains a collection of antiquarian books which were collected by Archbishop Theophilis Bolton. He was archbishop from 1730 to 1744. The library is situated in the Chapter House at Cathedral Church of St. Patrick’s Rock and St. John the Baptist.

Cashel Folk Village is near the Rock of Cashel. It is an interesting group of reconstructed thatched village shops and other businesses where you can study the local history.

If you are a golfer, you will want to visit some of the nearby courses. This southeast region of Ireland has thirty eighteen hole courses. You are more likely to have nice weather for your golf game in this part of Ireland. It is known as the "Sunshine Circuit". After your visit to Cashel, you will find some of the most beautifully designed golf courses at Cahir, Ballykisteen, Thurles, Dundrum and Tipperary.

When you are traveling near Cashel and nearby Thurles, you may want to visit other historic sites in the area. The ruins of Dominic’s Abbey is southeast of the Rock of Cashel. It was built in the 13th century by Archbishop McKelly and dedicated to St. Dominic.

Athassel Abbey, in Golden, is located on a four acre site at a bend in the River Suir. At one time it was the largest active monastic site in medieval Ireland.

Holycross Abbey and Cahir Castle are two other historic sites to see on your trip through southeast Ireland. The Glen of Aherlow has beautiful walking trails and fantastic views of the landscape. Mitchelstown Caves are another great spot to explore.

You will find a wide variety of opportunities for you and your family when you travel in southeast Ireland. Whether you are looking for a quiet destination or a stopover for your travels between Dublin and Cork, you will enjoy your time in Cashel.

Copyright, Patricia McKinney-Lins. All rights reserved.