Mellow Wanderer

Tag: heritage

  • St. Patrick’s Rock: Walking in the Footsteps of Ireland’s Kings at the Rock of Cashel

    St. Patrick’s Rock: Walking in the Footsteps of Ireland’s Kings at the Rock of Cashel

    The Rock of Cashel is an imposing sight, sitting high on a towering hilltop, overlooking the Cashel community in County Tipperary. It’s one of Ireland’s most visited historical and dramatic sites. The medieval fortress dates back to the 4th century. History has redefined the Rock over the centuries as the Cashel of Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock.

    Hundreds of years before the Norman invasion, the Rock of Cashel was the centerpiece of power for the Kings of Munster. It’s where they ruled high over the region behind the protection of fortress walls. Supposedly, according to Irish legend, in the 5th century, St. Patrick converted Aenghus the King of Munster to Christianity at this site. Yet the Catholic Church has no historical evidence that this ever occurred.

    Another Irish folk tale tells how St. Patrick purged Satan from a mountain cave. Satan took a bite out of the mountain on the way out of Ireland, spit it out, and the rock landed in Cashel. (Travelers to Ireland will hear many Irish folk tales during their journey).

    Much blood was shed over the 2,000 year history of the Rock. Various invasions, warring clans, and the Irish Confederate Wars have left the fortress battered and scarred. The Rock of Cashel at one period was owned by the Catholic Church. A great cathedral was built and the exterior grounds became an extensive graveyard. The Confederate Wars saw great clashes between native Irish Catholics and English-Scottish Protestants, and English military forces. The Rock of Cashel was the epicenter of those battles and eventually fell into ruin and was abandoned.

    ROCK OF CASHEL GRAVEYARD

    Then in the 19th century restoration work began to preserve this incredible site of Irish history, medieval architecture, and culture. The grounds are massive with sweeping high views of lush green meadows, and rooftops and street landscapes below. The pristine beauty gives no hint of its past bloody uprisings and battles.

    If you visit, wear a good pair of walking shoes. It’s quite a steep hike from street level up to the top. There are no restrooms at Rock of Cashel, only below near the car park and a small gift and snack shop. It is a self-guided tour. Admission price and other information can be found at the Rock of Cashel official website.

    Bonus Video

    ROCK OF CASHEL VIDEO

  • Dublin, Ireland: Dazzling Culture, Charm, And Where Every Day Is St. Patrick’s Day

    Dublin, Ireland: Dazzling Culture, Charm, And Where Every Day Is St. Patrick’s Day

    Sure, Dublin’s lively Temple Bar district may be the center of St. Patrick’s Day revelry, but it seems like the festive holiday mood is an every day occurrence here. The brightly colored exteriors of many traditional Irish pubs are ornately decorated, often coordinated with the changing seasons. An eclectic mix of music, ranging from old Irish folk songs to jazz and rock classics, floods the streets from a variety of bars and clubs. Street buskers and specialty shops also make this distinct district a charming, fun place to roam.

    Temple Bar
    Shops
    Buskers

    Wander beyond Temple Bar and explore more of Dublin.

    My Tour Of Dublin

    We started our journey through Ireland’s largest city at Dublin Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Its brooding gothic-style facade immediately transports you back to medieval Ireland.

    Another Gothic inspired historic landmark is the enormous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with its panoramic stained-glass windows. For me, walking through the various alcoves was a dark and foreboding journey, as several marble and brass statutes grimly stare-down and point at passersby, as if non-believers will be condemned to eternal damnation.

    Then there’s the Door of Reconciliation, a symbol of peace that ended a war between two families, or clans, the Butlers and the Fitzgeralds. When the leader of the Fitzgerald family extended his arm through a hole in the sanctuary door to the leader of the Butler family, both shook hands and agreed to stop fighting. It lead to the famous Irish expression “To Chance Your Arm.”

    A short walk from the cathedral is prestigious Trinity College, a world-class university attracting international students. Trinity College was founded in 1592 and is in the bustling city center of Dublin.

    The public is welcome to stroll the campus and visit some of the many historic buildings, especially the Old Library, which is a breathtaking sight. The library houses the 9th century Book of Kells, a stunningly beautifully handcrafted calligraphy manuscript of four gospels from the monastery of Kells, in County Meath, Ireland.

    The Old Library houses a treasure trove of Irish history and cultural heritage. The busts of famous philosophers line the aisles, and the massive shelves hold thousands of rare books. You’ll also see a gorgeous rare medieval harp purportedly owned by the High King of Ireland, and more commonly seen in the logo of a Guinness Extra Stout, perhaps Ireland’s most beloved pub brew.

    Dublin has rich offerings for history lovers and party goers. An exciting destination with a welcoming spirit sure to bring a smile to your face long after a visit here.