I made sure to set my alarm to get up earlier this morning because of the big day planned. I ate a light breakfast, then did some planning for the rest of the time here. After downing my tea, I headed to the bus station (bus station is called BusAras and bus line is called Bus Eireann).
I was able to get a ticket to Cashel for a return trip fairly cheaply. I waited around the train station for about 20 minutes until our bus was boarding.
It was nearly a 2 1/2 hour ride to Cashel and the sight was awesome. This was my first glimpse of the actual "countryside". It was nothing but green hills and farmland. The sight was amazing, but wouldn't compare to my destination. What made it even better was listening to Irish music along the way.
As we approached Cashel, my final destination could be seen: the Rock of Cashel (AKA St. Patrick's Rock). As I planned my trip, I knew this was going to be the highlight.
Cashel is a very small town, an outskirt of Tipperary. When I say stereotypical Irish town, this is what you would think of. It's almost difficult to describe, but is a warm and friendly town. Luckily, the town is small enough, I didn't really need directions to the rock; it was pretty easy to find.
The Rock of Cashel is actually the name for a rock that a "castle" sits on. It looks like a large grassy hill with protruding rocks. At the bottom of the road, there's a gift shop but continuing up the road was a bit of a climb.
It only costs €7 to get in, which I think is well worth it. Once you get in, you have free reign to go on the grounds wherever you please (except the gated off rooms). I was a little surprised, being that this is a huge historical landmark in this town and it's in the middle of preservation. I was notified that if I'm at the front door at 12:30, I could get in on a guided tour. I had about 20 minutes, so I walked around the outside of the building. It is impressive to say the least. In addition to the building, since it's on a big rock, it has an awesome view of nothing but green hills and another church in ruins out in a field.
The tour began at St. Patrick's Cross. Actually, it isn't the original. They took down the original and placed a replica to preserve the original. Since it's made of sandstone, it would be weathered pretty quickly. We learned a great deal of history about the grounds. Back in the 600's, the grounds were used for a wooden fortress. In 1101, it was changed over into a church and built out of stone. It looks like a castle, but there were a lot religious battles going then, so churches were built for defense.
There are actually 4 buildings. Two of them are from the original structure: a round tower and the original Romanesque chapel. The chapel is made of sandstone and has been eroding. So, there is scaffolding surrounding the building, holding up a shell to protect it as they work on preserving it. Unfortunately, it hurts the view. Later on, in the 1300's, St. Patrick built a cathedral in the middle, which is the largest portion of the structure. In the 1500's, a "mansion" was built onto it for the bishop. Lastly, the bishop built a housing facility for the choir, which is now used for the ticket counter and exhibition (where the original St. Patrick's Cross is held on display). Other than the original chapel, all of the structures are a gothic design.
Outside, on the ground, is a large hunk of rock. The structure above it is damaged heavily. We were told that there was a large storm in the 1800's that destroyed the building and this rock was a part of the wall.
Circling the structure is a tall stone wall with arrow slits. Just on the other side is a rolling hill that looks just awesome. Surrounding the whole structure is MANY grave stones. Some of them date as old as the buildings themselves with weathered off writing, and some are fairly recent. This has to be the coolest thing I've seen yet. I spent several hours there just soaking in how awesome it is, not to mention admiring the view.
As I was getting ready to leave, I saw a walkway that goes down the hill that the structure is sitting on. About halfway down the hill, there is door leading to path that walks across the hill. If you saw the video I posted earlier, this is where it was taken. Following to the end of the path, I came to a road that I took to a large field. A walkway in the field leads to a ruin of Hore Abby, an old church. This was pretty cool. Gravel was laid down on the floor, but other than that, no restoration or preservation is being done. That means that it is in the original condition it was found. It was really cool crawling around the ruins. In the back is a small cemetery with ancient grave stones that are almost overgrown with tall grass. It looks like a place that would be eerie at night (especially with crows hanging around it). The best part? From these ruins, you get an awesome view up the hill of the Rock of Cashel. Even better, it was overcast with dark clouds, making an awesome backdrop.
The fields here are what you would think of when you picture Ireland. Medium-to-tall lush green grass with absolutely no weeds. I'm not sure what type of grass it is, but it has a soft, cushioned feel to it. What I find cool is that all of the walkways in the fields (except the one cement that is in the above photo) are just matted down paths. No cement or gravel. I think that makes it look even more authentic and awesome. Not to mention, walking on the paths feel like walking on thick carpet.
After the ruins, I made my way back to the bus station where I waited only 20 minutes or so. Luckily, because the bus only comes through every 2 hours. Along the way, I came across the ruins of St. Dominic's friary. It is in the middle of restoration, so I was unable to go in.
It was the same 2 1/2 hours back. Overall, I put in about 15 miles of walking in Cashel so I was beat and slept part of the way back.
Being that we were in the countryside, we were able to see the farmland. I didn't see much planting, but much of the farmland looked to be used to keep cows, horses, and LOTS of sheep. Each pasture is surrounded by stone walls. I did see a couple bugs today. I think that makes it a total of only 5 bugs that I've seen in Ireland. I could get used to that.
I must have been gone longer than I thought because it was getting late by time I arrived at the hostel. I went out for a little walk in Dublin before getting dinner while walking, there were some more street performers out.
As I said before, the photos just don't do their justice. You just have to be here to really appreciate the beauty and awesomeness of Ireland. (Awesomeness is probably the best word to describe it). In fact, when I was on the walkway on the hill (where I got the video), I was there for a good 25 minutes and didn't want to leave. It's one of those sights that you could just enjoy for hours. Tomorrow I plan to see Trim Castle so keep posted. Dia duit.
(Unfortunately I was unable post all of my photos, but I hope you enjoy these ones)
