rock of cashel tour guide

Rock of Cashel Tour – Tips and Guide For First Time Visitors

Categories Tipperary , Where To Go

The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel in County Tipperary.

It is one of the most spectacular attractions in Ireland . So if you are looking for a complete guide for your Rock of Cashel tour, here are tips and guide for first-time visitors.

RELATED READ: Rock Of Cashel Day Trip From Dublin

Things you'll find in this article

What is Cashel?

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Cashel means stone fort. It is said that there’s a big stone at the top of the fort that played a significant role for rituals and ceremonies.

This iconic landmark was the seat of the High Kings of Munster and was built between the 12th to the 13th century.

Aside from its beautiful structure and scenic spot, the Rock of Cashel is also known for its important play in history and religion. The Cashel is associated with two famous legendary people in Ireland. It was said that St. Patrick arrived in Cashel and baptized the King Aengus in AD 432. These days, Rock of Cashel is one of the must-see castles in Ireland .

The Rock of Cashel also played a significant part on the historical inauguration and ceremonials of the royals before including the inauguration of Brian Boru, the King of Munster at 978. He was the first King of Munster to become the High King of Ireland at 1002 and the only Irish ruler to unite all of Ireland for a significant period.

After the Battle of Clontarf, there weren’t any buildings left in the fort except for the remnants of the residential castle and the fort itself. The reconstruction began at 1100 and added more structures in the area that includes a cathedral, a chapel, a graveyard, and the round tower.

The round tower is the tallest building in the fort at 28 meters high and the oldest building that dates back at 1100.

The Cormac’s Chapel, the chapel built for King Cormac Mac Carthaigh begun in 1127 and finished at 1134. Upon the permission of the Vatican to set up four archbishoprics in Ireland, the cathedral was built between 1235 to 1270 and the tower house castle to house the archbishop of Cashel.

From then on, the Rock of Cashel didn’t only become a historically significant but also played an important role in the religion.   Brian Boru’s grandson, Muircheartach Ua Briain, gifted the Rock of Cashel to the church as a way to win the heart of the people as the McCarthys, a political rival, were gaining power and was also interested to the symbolic Cashel.

Also with the church’s rising power and influence, the McCarthys won’t be able to possess the Cashel as the public would favor the church.

One of the most significant events in the history of Cashel is the Sack of Cashel that happened in 1647. During the Irish Confederate Wars, Oliver Cromwell commanded Murrough O’Brien and his English Protestant  Parliamentarian  army to attack the town of Cashel.  

The residents took refuge at the Cathedral in Rock of Cashel but they were followed by the army and killed all of them including the Irish Confederate troops and the Catholic clergy.

The massacre resulted in roughly 1000 lost lives. Murrough O’Brien ’s troops destroyed several important artifacts and it resulted in the slow decline of the Rock of Cashel.

Now, the Rock of Cashel is an important landmark in Ireland and it is also one of the most visited attractions in the country with almost 400,000 annual visitors.

Opening Hours

9 am to 4:30 pm during winter and 9 am to 7 pm during the summer.

Admission Fee

Adult : €8.00, Group / Senior : €6.00, Child / Student : €4.00, Family : €20.00

Contact Information

Location: Rock of Cashel, Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland

Phone: 062 61437

Email: [email protected]

How to go to Rock of Cashel Tour by public transportation

Rock of Cashel is over 167 kilometers from Dublin . If you don’t have a car, you can take the Bus Eireann (#X8)   from Busaras Bus Station to Main St. This takes about 2 hours for €24-29 a trip or €48-58 for a round trip. The bus leaves every 4 hours.

Then from the bus stop, just walk about 10 minutes to get to the entrance of Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is one of the best day trips from Dublin. 

Or you can also get this Rock of Cashel tour from Dublin includes a tour to Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, and the Rock of Cashel for €60.

Rock of Cashel is over 160 kilometers from Galway . If you don’t have a car, you can take a train to Limerick Junction for €57-78. This takes almost 3 hours and trains only run twice a day. Then take a taxi from Limerick Junction to the Rock of Cashel.

This takes about half an hour for €30-40 a trip or €60-80 for a round trip.

Rock of Cashel is over 93 kilometers from Cork . If you don’t have a car, you can take the Bus Eireann (#X8)   from Cork Bus Station, Cork Parnell to Main St. This takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes for €16-20 a trip or €32-40 for a round trip. The bus leaves every 4 hours.

Then from the bus stop, just walk about 10 minutes to get to the entrance of Rock of Cashel.

Or you can also take this Rock of Cashel tour from Dublin includes a tour to Kilkenny and Rock of Cashel for just €45. It is also one of the best day trips from Cork . 

Rock of Cashel is over 83 kilometers from Shannon City . If you don’t have a car, taking 3 connecting buses from Shannon to Rock of Cashel is the cheapest option for public transport. From Drumgeely Road, you can take a Bus Eireann (#343) to Glentworth.

This takes almost 40 minutes for €7-9 one way or €14-18 round trip.  

And then from Glentworth, take a bus (#55) to Tipperary and get off at Abbey St which takes about 35 minutes for €5-7 a trip or €10-14 for a round trip.

Then from Abbey St, take another bus (#T41) to Cashel which takes 30 minutes for €4-6 a trip or €8-12 for a round trip.

Rock of Cashel is over 61 kilometers from Limerick . If you don’t have a car, you can take a train to Limerick Junction for €7-11. This takes almost 30 minutes and the train runs hourly. Then take a taxi from Limerick Junction to the Rock of Cashel.

Rock of Cashel Tours From Major Cities

There are several tours that go to Rock of Cashel. It just a matter of starting point. Below are some of the best day tours to Rock of Cashel that we recommend if you are staying in Dublin or Cork .

This Rock of Cashel tour from Dublin includes a tour to Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, and the Rock of Cashel for €60.

If you want to see more sights from Dublin, this 2-day tour includes a trip to the top tourist spots in Ireland: Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, the Burren, Braveheart battlefields, the city of Cork and the Rock of Cashel. And it is only €149.

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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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A Guide To Visiting The Rock Of Cashel: History, Tour, + More

By Author James Connolly

Posted on Last updated: July 10, 2023

The Rock of Cashel is easily one of the most iconic castles in Ireland .

One of County Tipperary’s main tourist sites, the Rock of Cashel is an imposing limestone outcrop that’s home to a clutch of fascinating medieval structures.

Visitors from across the globe flock to this magnificent structure to experience what has to be one of the nation’s more unique attractions.

Whether you come for the history, the stunning views or just to get some seriously cool photos, the Rock of Cashel is an essential stop (it’s also one of the best things to do in Tipperary ).

In the guide below, we will take a closer look at The Rock of Cashel. We will delve into the origins of the ancient buildings located atop the rock as well as how best to visit them and much more besides.

Table of Contents

The Rock of Cashel: Some quick need-to-knows

Photo by Brian Morrison via Ireland’s Content Pool

The Rock of Cashel rises high above the small town of Cashel in County Tipperary, southern Ireland. Atop the rock sits a variety of medieval buildings including the imposing ruins of a 12th-century Gothic church.

With views across the surrounding area, visitors come here for a glimpse of both manmade and natural wonders, yet the stunningly atmospheric ruins are the crowning glory of the Rock of Cashel.

Quick facts

• It’s located in the town of Cashel in County Tipperary
• The oldest building (there are several here) dates from c.1100
• The castle is set on top of an outcrop of limestone
• There is a round tower, a chapel, a high cross, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey and more

Opening hours

• Mid-March to mid-October: 09:00 to 17:30 (last admission 16:45)
• Mid-October to mid-March: 09:00 to 16:30 (last admission 15:45)
• Adult: €8.00
• Group / Senior: €6.00
• Child / Student: €4.00
• Family: €20.00

The History of the Rock of Cashel

Photo by Brian Morrison

According to Irish folklore , the Rock of Cashel is originally from the Devil’s Bit, a mountain some 20 miles north of the town.

How exactly did the rock get to Cashel? Well, some say that the rock is the result of a huge battle between St. Patrick and the devil.

The story goes that the devil had taken up hold in a cave on Devil’s Bit Mountain. According to legend, a huge battle between the pair erupted one day.

It’s said that St. Patrick evicted the devil from the cave with such force that a piece of the mountain was propelled all the way to Cashel, where it still stands today.

There’s another story that tells of the same battle mentioned above, however, in this tale, the devil put up a battle.

Soon into the fight, the devil realised that he was no match for St. Patrick, and he blew a hole in the mountain from which he escaped through. The piece of mountain that was blown away landed in Cashel.

A home to the Kings of Munster

For many centuries, the Rock of Cashel was home to the kings of Munster. When the Normans invaded, this became their stronghold in the area and, in 1101, the local king donated the fortress he has on the rock to the Catholic church. 

Today, there remains precious few traces of the site’s original ancient roots, with most archaeological remnants dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

The main buildings on the Rock of Cashel today are Cormac’s Chapel and the Cathedral, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries respectively.

Rock of Cashel tours

Photo left: David Yawalkar. Right: Thomas Bresenhuber (Shutterstock)

Nowadays, many who choose to visit opt to head off on a Rock of Cashel tour. This can be a great idea for visitors looking to get a closer appreciation of the site.

The only Rock of Cashel tour on offer currently (as of October 2020) is a self-guided tour that takes place via a one-way system (like many attractions in Ireland, currently).

The self-guided Rock of Cashel tour can be booked online here (note: please check their website in advance to ensure it’s open).

Where to grab a post-adventure meal nearby

One of the highlights of any Rock of Cashel tour is the chance to refuel after your adventure at one of the many local foodie hotspots. 

Just a three-minute walk from the Rock of Cashel is Cafe Hans, a popular spot serving hearty locally-sourced fare. Expect delicious dishes such as baked cod and tasty sandwiches made with local soda bread.

Also nearby is Chez Hans, where the menu changes daily. With quality fare served in a cosy Victorian building, the food here is high-end and the presentation reflects this.

Finally, Ladyswell restaurant is a top option for visitors seeking simple, no-fuss cafe fare in central Cashel. Paninis, sandwiches, soups and more, all served with chips, will certainly hit the spot after a cold, windy morning spent exploring the Rock of Cashel.

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Heritage Ireland

The Rock of Cashel

BOOK ONLINE

See all opening times

Cormac’s Chapel visit is by guided tour only

Limited tickets for the interior tour of cormac’s chapel can only be purchased at the site..

Please ring ahead for tour times and details of same as these can change at short notice

Last tour of this site is 15:45 daily

Guided/Self-Guided Tour: Adult €8 Senior €6 Student/Child €4 Family €20 Group rate €6

Getting here

St. Patrick's Rock of Cashel Cashel Co. Tipperary E25 KX44

Get Directions

Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, The Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.

Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, according to legend St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.

In 1101 the site was granted to the church and Cashel swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most significant centres of ecclesiastical power in the country.

The surviving buildings are remarkable. Cormac’s Chapel, for example, contains the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland.

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and – deservedly – most visited tourist attractions.

Opening Times

See Seasonal Opening Times

Closed 24 – 26 December inclusive.

Please note that all groups must be pre-booked.

Tour operators visiting The Rock of Cashel are requested not to drive directly to the site but rather to avail of the nearby car-park.

The tour times of the Chapel and the General Guided tours can change at any time due to weather and if we have works going on inside.

Cormac’s Chapel visit is by guided tour only.

Limited tickets for the interior tour of Cormac’s Chapel can only be purchased at the site. 

Seasonal Opening Times

Daily 09:00

Last Guided Tour 15:45

Last admission 16:45 Average Length of Visit 1 – 1.5 hours

Last admission 15:45 Average Length of Visit 1 – 1.5 hours

[email protected]

By Car – Public car park close to site.

By Bus – Take the X8 to Cashel and walk 500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road.

By Train – The nearest train station is Thurles.

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Getting Here

By Car  – Public car park close to site.

By Bus  – Take the X8 to Cashel and walk 500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road.

By Train  – The nearest train station is Thurles.

Open location in Google Maps

Facilities Restrictions

• Audio Visual Show
• Card Accepted
• Coach parking
• Events Venue
• Guided tours

Restrictions

• Appropriate footwear
• Assistance dogs only
• Hold hand rail
• Low Doorways
• No climbing
• Uneven walkways

Social Guide and Visitors Guides

Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting The Rock of Cashel. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to The Rock of Cashel.

Download the Social Guide

Download the Visitors Guide

Guide français du Rocher de Cashel

Rock of Cashel Deutscher Reiseführer

Treoir as Gaeilge

Guida Rock of Cashel in italiano

Przewodnik po Rock of Cashel po polsku

Guía de Rock of Cashel en español

Nearby sites to visit

Holycross abbey.

A place of pilgrimage with a fascinating past

Approx. 13.4 km from The Rock of Cashel

Cahir Castle

A defensive powerhouse of the thirteenth century

Approx. 16.4 km from The Rock of Cashel

The Swiss Cottage

An idyllic fantasy of country life

Approx. 18.2 km from The Rock of Cashel

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Rock of Cashel

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Rock of Cashel - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Rock of Cashel

Sight-seeing & attractions

• Knockmealdowns

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. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions. Access for visitors with disabilities by prior arrangement.

Guided Tours:

Available: Every hour , on the half hour

Duration: 45 mins

Guide book: English, Irish

Leaflet: English , German, Italian, Spanish and Polish

Elaine Moriarty

OPW St. Patricks Rock of Cashel , Cashel , Tipperary

heritageireland.ie

+353 62 61437

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Rock of Cashel tours

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Rock of Cashel Tour

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most iconic sites, A collection of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale dating back to the 12th-century Cormac’s Chapel is one of the earliest,and finest churches built in the Romanesque style. The Hall houses the museum where the original Cross of St. Patrick can be found.

Whats Included: Luxury Vehicle with tour guide

What’s not included: Entrance fee’s to sites, lunches & Gratuities.

Duration: 1 Day

Tour Details

• Rock of Cashel
• National Studd
• Japeneese Gardens

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If you would like to discuss any of the tours shown on this site, or if you’re looking to customise your own tour and just want to ‘pick our brains’ we’d be only too delighted to chat with you.

• WELCOME TO CAISEAL Our Town - Our History
• LET’S TELL YOU OUR STORY Cashel is a heritage town in County Tipperary with a unique historic character.
• CASHEL OF THE KINGS
• VISIT THE ROCK A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale
• ARTS & MUSIC
• IN IRELAND'S ANCIENT EAST Explore a world of medieval and celtic history.
• A UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Immerse yourself in Irish music and culture. A Céad Míle Fáilte awaits you.

ROCK OF CASHEL

One of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland and one of the most visited.

CASHEL HERITAGE CENTRE

Award winning Heritage Centre and Tourist Office including craft shop stocking local crafts.

BRÚ BORÚ CULTURAL CENTRE

Theatre hosting some of the best shows in traditional Irish entertainment throughout the year.

CASHEL FOLK VILLAGE

The only 1916 Easter Rising/Irish War of Independence/Irish Civil War Museum combined.

One of Ireland's most spectacular tourist attractions

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites, a prominent green hill, banded with limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy plain and bristling with ancient fortifications. It's a five-minute stroll from the town centre up to the Rock, from where fantastic views range over the Tipperary countryside.

ABOUT CASHEL

Our mission is to promote and publicize the many wonders that exist in Cashel beyond the iconic Rock of Cashel. This website is part of our efforts to ensure that people learn about the history, attractions and hidden gems of this wonderful world-famous location.

Our purpose is to develop the historic town and ensure that visitors come to Cashel and have a pleasant, entertaining, informative, well-priced and memorable visit that they would be happy to recommend to friends.

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