Just eleven miles north of Cahir on the road to Dublin,
CASHEL
grew around, and is completely dominated by, the spectacular
Rock of Cashel
, a limestone outcrop topped by a splendid array of medieval buildings. No tourist bus will bypass the site - so an early-morning or late-afternoon visit will make an important difference to your first impressions. In deep contrast to the ecclesiastical splendour of the Rock is the tiny
Bothán Scóir
- a unique one-roomed peasant dwelling. For antiquarian book-lovers the
GPA Bolton Library
is a must, and the museum at
Cashel Folk Village
will appeal to anyone interested in Irish social history.
A view of the Rock in the dwindling light of dusk is one of Ireland's most memorable sights; consider this along with the town's position around 95 miles from the ferry ports at both Dublin and Rosslare Harbour and there's a very strong argument for stopping over in Cashel if you are heading to the west coast
