Day 4--Welcome to the Rock

On Tuesday we woke up early and headed into Cashel proper to see the Rock of Cashel. We were lucky enough to get there early (I would recommend this) and take some pictures before it was infiltrated with Spanish high schoolers and French tourists. Nothing against either group, they were just prolific. It was also very hot, so getting their early was nice for that. Our tour guide said it was the hottest day she had ever experienced in Ireland . I suppose this is a very inhospitable spot in the cold though, there is no wind break and if it rains I am sure it is miserable. We did actually go on the guided tour and I am glad we did, we learned a lot. The oldest part of the Rock dates to 1100, and is the perfect round tower. The cathedral is gothic style and was built in the 13th century. There is also a graveyard, but some of the tombs were moved into the actual cathedral to prevent their damage. There is one tomb for one of the archbishops who was a rather amusing fellow. He was married and had children, and after the reformation tended to claim Protestantism and Catholicism if it suited him. He is buried under a Latin plaque that says "Here I lie, or do I?" however, the historical society is rather sure that he is buried there. There is also a nice view of Hore Abbey, which is just down the street. This is the actual town of Cashel, it is a love little town with lots of flowers and friendly cafe and shop owners.