Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland

I have yet to see anyting more imposing or awe inspiring than the Rock of Cashel. Breathtaking, spellbinding, awesome... These words don't even do it justice.

It was originaly built as a fortress in the 4th or 5th century. In the late 7th century St. Patrick baptised a King of Munster here. Cashel was the seat and symbol of the overkingship of Munster and the inaguration place of its kings. In 1101 the reigning King of Cashel gave "the Rock" to the church. Of course their was much religious turmoil in Ireland for the next 700 years and "the Rock", being the great symbol that it is, was not peaceful. In 1869 it was given into State Care as a National Monument and underwent great restoration.

The original St Patrick's Cross sits indoors, out of the elements. A replica sits outside in it's (approximate) original location.

The Rock of Cashel is a great stop if you have children because the grounds are very open and easy to wander. Feel free to admire the architecture and the Celtic art, since the entire site is walled in kids can't get very far.

There is quite a steep walk up to the main entrance so be sure to bring along your stroller as you really don't want to carry anyone.

"The Rock" certainly overshadows the other great sites in Cashel but try not to overlook Hore Abbey (we couldn't tour it as there were cows in the field), Athassel Priory, the town of Cashel with it's abbey and friary and the Bolton Library which houses the "world's smallest book".