The Rock of Cashel is one of the most intriguing sightseeing places in Ireland. The rock 60 m high dominates with its medieval castle church and monastery on top a huge plain. Cashel was from the 4th century on seat of the Kings of Munster and was transferred to the Church in 1101 AD. Already in the 5th century Saint Patrick elevated the rock to a bishops see. The famous king Brian Boru was crowned here and named Cashel 977 AD as his residence. In the 12th century Cormac's Chapel was erected one of the most beautiful Churches on the Isle in roman stile. Further there is a large gothic cathedral of the 13th century located in the ruins as well as a St. Patrick's Cross (11. century), whose original is on display in the museum and a 30m high round tower. The view in the valley shows the ruins of Hore Abbey.

Our tour is lead by an anorexic and edgy Irish girl which we quickly name Mrs. Allright. Why? Lets listen:
Ladies and Gentlemen, Cashel used to be the seat of the High Kings of Ireland until the late 11th century, all right. Also the famous Brian Boru, High king of Ireland was crowned and held court here from 1005 on, all right. All descendants of him and his family are named O Brian, all right. He is always brought in connection with the Harp, a special Harp is even named after him and has become a national symbol of Ireland, all right!

This is continuously going on and in a speed that the ears ring. Anyway, the program is interesting because the grounds and buildings are full of history. Not for nothing is this the rock of the rocks. Alone the location has its advantage. We visit the Chapel, the cathedral and the round tower (from the exterior only) and after some 100 pictures (e.g. of the valley and some certain tourists) we descend the holy rock which shall have been visited by St. Patrick himself.

After some pictures at the parking lot of an Irish boy and a little cafe, we drive off and begin our search for Kilkenny,

Search? Yes, because roads and ways in Ireland are somehow difficult. And so are the road signs. Usually there is supposed to be a left turn in Clonmel, indeed there is, but the road is going on and winding and it takes already too much time. But where to go if there are no alternatives? So we drive on and on the road along and Tata! Suddenly we are in Waterford. Well here it shall give nice crystal, but actually we didn´t want to come here. Luckily from here there is a foolproof road to Kilkenny so the we finally find the village.

But the problems continue. Our hotel is somewhere at the outer rims, but where? The description is unusable because there are more than one roads out of town. Finally at a gas station does somebody think to know where the hotel is. Correct. At the described road lies the Hotel. New. SO new that there currently runs a emergency training. But this is only a short delay and we get a very new and clean room.

The city of Kilkenny (Irish Cill Chainnigh, meaning: church of Canisius)  is located in the southeast of the R. of Ireland at s´the shores of the River Nore. It is the county seat of the identically named county. With her 8.625 inhabitants (as of 2006) respectively with surroundings about 22.000 people, Kilkenny is Irelands smallest city.

By the way, two Irish are committing, no not suicide, but marriage. I wonder if the photos turn out well, I for myself would not have made them against the sun, the hired photographer does?

Ok, later more details regarding the room, we still want to sightsee something. We go to the city by foot which is life threatening at the beginning, because there are no walkways at the roadside. But the situation improves soon and we get to the town center of the village (13.000 inhabitants). First visual highlight is the castle. Former seat of the Lords of Butler its a well maintained country castle (and also in the inside there shall be nice furniture) with a fantastic park on the grounds. Further you get a view on the riverside In the background is the shilouette of a brewery. Self declaring in city with this name, isn´t it?

We go downhill to the river, which runs pictorially through the town. At the main road there are many pubs but before we take a closer look, wed first like to visit the cathedral. Just in Time, because at 5 they close and now its a quarter to 5. More interesting in our opinion is the round tower. A church’s interior, if you know one you know (almost) all. Ok the tower entree is charged with 2 EUR. And for this you have to climb. Steepest steps up. Its a torture for the need and at the tops the way gets further really tight.