Cashel on the way to Dublin (8/8)

Allan got a little damp on his run this morning. It looks like we will be in for a day of mixed weather. We travelled east today almost from one side of the country to the other.

Jill heading for the ruins on the rock

We all met up at in Cashel to visit a famous monastic site there. The Rock of Cashel, a very imposing site, had its origins as a fortress. Tradition has it that St Patrick baptised the grandsons of Conall Corc, the founder of the Cashell kingship, but it wasn't until 1101 that the site was given to the church. Brian Boru had defeated the original overking, whose seat it had been, in 1002, and by handing the Rock over to the church Boru made a very strategic move. Not only did he deprive his enemies of their ancient royal seat, but it also advanced his credentials as a church reformer. In 1111 the church in Ireland was divided into four territorial dioceses and has changed very little since that time.

The round tower

The buildings still standing on the rock date from several eras. The oldest is the round tower, thought to have been built in 1101. It is assumed that by 1111 Cashel would have had a relatively large church. Cormac's Chapel, (which was unfortunately closed and covered in scaffolding,) was built in 1134. It was built in the Romanesque style and is the earliest and best example in Ireland. Its original frescoes are under threat from damp, hence the restoration work going on at the moment. The remains of the cathedral are thought to be 13^th century from its Gothic architectural style, but little is known about its construction and who built it. It was altered several times. Added to the site was a residential tower and Hall of Vicars Choral in the 15^th century. The cathedral was sacked by the Parliamentarians in 1647 and its inhabitants massacred. It was still used by the Church of Ireland until 1749 when its cathedral status was transferred to St John's church in the town. Thus the site was abandoned and the cathedral fell into disrepair. Some conservation work was carried out in 1875, and in 1975 the Hall of the Vicars Choral was excavated, and then restored.

The frescoes being restored

On our way back to the vans for lunch, Sandie bought us a wonderful cartoon map of the sites as a momento of our holiday with them. After lunch we all headed for our last caravan park for the trip, just outside Dublin. 

Due to a mix up, we got involved in a traffic jam as a result of an accident which we could have avoided if we had set up the GPS correctly.  As usual, we enjoyed a great meal before turning in for the night.