In Ireland, the Rock of Cashel stands as the most complete complex of historical structures from the Medieval Ages. In a self-guided tour of the site, you view excellent examples of: 1. early Christian architecture, (the Round Tower;) 2. Romanesque (newly-restored Cormac’s Chapel, frescoes;) and, 3. Gothic, (ruins of the main cathedral, built between A.D. 1230 and 1290.) In the Hall of the Vicars Choral building, you peek into a 15th century vicar’s life, with its original furniture and tapestry. From its hilltopping location, you see the ruins of 13th century Hore Abbey and Tipperary green fields miles beyond, the best farming land in Ireland.
The land held importance prior to the ecclesiastical construction beginning in A.D. 1101. It was the seat of the kings of Munster that ruled Ireland from A.D. 300 until 1100. Also, legend has it that St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland when he baptized High King Aenghus here in A.D. 450. Modern history added luster to the area when Queen Elizabeth II made the Rock one of the places she visited during her 2011 state visit, the first royal visit to Ireland in one hundred years.
The roots of Ireland exist in its people and its places. Today’s post shows us its Middle Age past, and it marks the beginning of a series on sights in Ireland. Looking forward, (in the next few posts,) and looking backward, (through the artifacts of time and history,) see more of the culture and landscapes of Ireland.