Rock of Cashel

Today we finished our two-week extravaganza by touring the Rock of Cashel.  It was COLD and WINDY today (like everyday we've been here)!  According to the locals, this is the coldest "summer" they've had in many years.  It's going to be a shock going from 55 degrees to 106.

 

According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 20 miles (30 km) north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel.  Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century.

The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.  Few remnants of the early structures survive; the majority of buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  At last, we arrived at our wonderful cottage in Shannon.  We're about 3 miles from the airport and will fly out in the morning. 

So long, beautiful Ireland!  Until we meet again!

Kilkenny

Greetings from Kilkenny!  Below is a picture of our hotel.  It's along the river facing the Kilkenny Castle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                      Kilkenny Castle (Irish: Caisleán Chill Chainnigh) is a castle in Kilkenny, Ireland built in 1195 by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several route ways. It was a symbol of Norman occupation and in its original thirteenth-century condition it would have formed an important element of the defenses of the town with four large circular corner towers and a massive ditch, part of which can still be seen today on the Parade.

The property was transferred to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for £50^[1] and the castle and grounds are now managed by the Office of Public Works. The gardens and parkland adjoining the castle are open to the public. The Parade Tower is a conference venue. Awards and conferring ceremonies of the graduates of "Kilkenny Campus" of National University of Ireland, Maynooth have been held there since 2002.

 

We did the tour of the castle, but were not allowed to take pictures inside.  The picture below is of the fountain which is shaped like a Celtic cross.

Kilkenny is a darling town below are some pictures taken while out and about the streets!

We enjoyed touring the St. Canice Cathedral.  It was a beautiful day.....sun even!! 

 

The present building dates from the 13th century and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland. Beside the cathedral stands a 100 ft 9th-century round tower. St Canice's tower is an example of a well-preserved 9th-century "Celtic Christian" round tower. It is dedicated to St Canice. It is one of only two such medieval round towers in Ireland that can be climbed to the top.

 

The cathedral stands on an ancient site which has been used for Christian worship since the 6th century.

Yes, we did climb to the top of the watchtower.  Amazing views!

It's hard to believe our time in the Emerald Isle is coming to a close.  What an adventure!