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Munster's District of
Cashel
Ceann mor:
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Cashel is a relative late-comer to the history
of Eire. Known as the home of the
Eoghanact clan, and later, the O'Briens, The
Rock of Cashel was converted into an
ecclesiastical site in 1101. Little can be said
of the pre-history of the site, as any
structures or artifacts from the earlier
periods are obscured by the church
buildings.
 
CASHEL - the Rock of Cashel (a 200 ft acropolis of limestone in central Tipparary) is one of the best known sites in Ireland. Actually the place name Cashel is recorded elsewhere and the one in Tipparary was once known as Caisel Mumhan (Cashel of Munster) to set it apart. The Eoganacht occupied the rock probably in 5th century, before the alleged visit of St Patrick whose name is also associated with it. Cashel is the only Irish royal seat to have a Latin derived name, and for all its reputation it still lacks the antiquity of Cruachan, Tara or Emain Macha.In the latter part of the fourth century, Cashel was selected as the power-base of the Eoghanachta Clan, which had come from Wales. In less than a hundred years, they had conquered the surrounding territory and made Cashel into their "Royal Seat". In the fifth century, St. Patrick paid a visit to Cashel and converted the King to Christianity. During the ceremony, Patrick accidentally stabbed the Eoghanacht in the foot with his crosier. Thinking this was a part of the initiation, the King bore the pain like a good, stout Celt. Possibly, he had heard tales of Patrick's actions against other non-believers, and was reluctant to act. In the middle of the tenth century, the O'Brien clan ousted the Eoghanachta from "The Rock", in a lengthy series of battles. After fighting to hold on for nearly 150 years, King Muircheartach O'Brien gave the hillfort to the church in the first year of the twelfth century. Since the Eoghanachta (now, the McCarthy's) could not fight against the church, they removed themselves to Cork. However, to show there was no ill will, bishop Cormac McCarthy built a beautiful chapel on the hill in 1127. Portions of "Cormac's Chapel" are still standing, along with a number of later ecclesiastical structures. Unfortunately, these later structures have obscured all traces of the earlier hillfort. (Map and graphics by MacMorna Niafer Text by Flidais and MacMorna Niafer) Guide to Celtia
The Discussions of Cashel:
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