Rock of Cashel, the site of a monastic stronghold from 4th to 12th centuries, outside the town of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland
The history of the Rock of Cashel starts in the forth or fifth century when the Eoghanachta clan built a small defensive position on the site; he was however converted to Christianity when Saint Patrick visited the small stronghold. The Rock of Cashel remained as the seat of the kings of Munster until the O'Brien tribe, under leadership of Brian Boru, conquered the fortress in the tenth century. After his victory Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland, only to be killed in the Battle of Clontarf a few years later. In order to prevent the Eoghanachta clan, by now the McCarthys, retaking the fortress it was handed over to the Church by King Muircheartach O'Brien in 1101. As a sign of good will, Comac McCarthy built Comac's Chapel in 1169 in which the stone sarcophagus in the chapel is said to contain the remains of King Cormac. Later it became the seat of the archbishop and under the Church the settlement expanded rapidly. A chapel in the twelfth century, followed by the cathedral in the thirteenth century and the Hall of the Vicars in the fifteenth century. Naturally enough the community was ransacked in 1647 by Cromwellian forces!
Size: 5197px × 3465px
Location: Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland
Photo credit: © George Munday / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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