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Visiting The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel at Cashel, County Tipperary is one of Irelands’ premier tourist attractions.

Some of the best photos of the Rock are shot from a distance which is a point to remember if you want a good shot.

Having been at the centre of crucial events in Ireland’s history for more than 1,000 years, it is most noted for its’ peculiar architecture with tall church buildings crammed close together on a small high plateau above the small town of Cashel.

Directions To The Rock Of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is hard to miss as it hovers above the small town of Cashel. Cashel is located on the N8 Dublin to Cork road. Travel times for those driving are 2 hours from both Dublin and Wexford, 1 hour from both Cork and Limerick, 20 minutes from Tipperary town, 1 ¼ hours from Waterford.

There is a car park directly below the Rock which currently charges 6 Euros per car per day. It’s not a bad deal seeing that otherwise you’d be paying parking fees for on-street parking in the town. The Rock is a fifteen minute uphill walk from the centre of town.

Stone carving at the Rock of Cashel

Opening Times

The Rock is one of the few heritage sites which are open all year:

Mid-March to early June:  9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Early June to mid-September: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mid September to mid-October: 9 a.m.. to 5.30 p.m.

Mid October to mid-March 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Prices

OPW ticket prices for the Rock are double that of what they charge at most of their other Irish heritage sites, owing to the huge popularity of the place. Currently prices are 6 Euros per adult, and 3 Euros per child. If you have a Heritage card (OPW loyalty card which is worth getting if you are planning to visit lots of their sites during the season) there is a small concession.

Our Opinion

We loved our visit to the Rock. The OPW staff are very friendly and helpful. We highly recommend the guided tour by their knowledgeable guides which brings the history of the site to life.

Keep in mind that OPW objects are often not particularly tourist friendly. Their priority is conservation and preservation of historic sites. There are no toilet facilities at the Rock, there is no coffee shop, and they don’t accept any card payments. Come prepared and you shall have a good time!

When we visited, parts of the Rock were scaffolded due to amajor preservation project. Conservation and preservation works are ongoing in order to save this monument for future generations.

Special Tips

No. 1

This is one of Ireland’s most frequented tourist sites, so visitor numbers are a consideration. If you want to avoid the huge crowds, go in the early morning before, or in the late afternoon after the tour buses. 

No.2

Bring enough cash to pay your way in and for the small gift shop at reception. The OPW do not have a facility for Laser or credit cards, or payment by cheque. If you don’t bring cash, reception staff will have to turn you away and you will face a 15 minute walk into town to the nearest ATM.

No.3

If you have your own wheels, you might combine the visit to the Rock with a visit to Hore Abbey, the impressive ruin of a Cistercian monastery which is located at the foot of the hill, right in the shadow of the Rock.

No.4

Explore the pretty small town of Cashel which has a couple of other spots that are worth a visit, such as the Folk Village, a tourist office and a heritage centre.

Tower house castle in the centre of Cashel, which is now a hotel.

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Many thanks! Colm and Susanna

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