Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Rock of Cashel






While in Kilkenny, we took a side trip to see the Rock of Cashel. The rock is an outcrop of limestone and their are ruins on top it. Cashel was the seat of the kings of Munster prior to the Norman invasion. The site has a round tower (these are unique to Ireland) built in the 1100s, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, Gothic cathedral built in the 1200s , and 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. There are two sarcophaguses in the ruins as well. There is also a cross on display that legend says if you can reach your arms around it, you won't have a toothache for the rest of your life.

We took a tour of the ruins of the site and as usual it was an excellent tour. I have to say, I am quite impressed with the quality of tours provided by the OPW. The tour guides seem to really know about the sites and be interested in Irish history.

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