There’s a lot going on historically and architecturally at the ancient Rock of Cashel.

Heritage Ireland calls it, “A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.”

Here’s a short video introduction from Rick Steves.

And I found this video with a timeline of the buildings extremely helpful before visiting the site.

First came the round tower, built c. 1100. I would see another round tower like this at Glendalough.

Cormac’s Chapel, as noted at top, came next and was consecrated in 1134.

The Gothic cathedral, now in ruins as you see below, was constructed between these two buildings in the mid 13th century. After my little slipping adventure in Ennis Friary, I made sure to be careful in the rain on the exposed grave slabs in the chancel.

There are also 15th century buildings, including a residential tower house, a dormitory, and a Hall of the Vicars Choral, now the ticket office and museum (to which we retreated in the pouring rain).

One of the more memorable events Stephen McPhilemy described for us was the gruesome 1647 sack of Cashel in which around 1,000 local inhabitants (civilians) and Irish Confederate Catholic soldiers were massacred by English Parliamentarians, in and about the church.

Thus it was quite significant that Queen Elizabeth II would begin at Cashel during her official state visit to Ireland in 2011 (arriving by helicopter!).

Rock of Cashel is museum no. 85 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).