The "Rock of Cashel"- yes I walked up the hill !

View 1 from the Rock

View 2 from the Rock.

Me contemplating the view

Cashel Day 3-Sunday 23rd May
Great day again today. As usual started with someone cooking my breakfast. Boy am I going to suffer withdrawal symptoms when reality returns the first day at home and I have to make breakfast myself. I have been so lucky with all the B and B’s I have stayed in. The owners have been so friendly and gone out of their way to make me feel at home. God is good.
My travels today took me to yet another great place once again. The place is called the “Rock of Cashel”.(Photo above) This, as I said yesterday, was the place of Kings until the 12th Century when it was passed over to the “Church”. (As was the custom to build on something high so you could see your enemies coming. Now we know why many early Christian dwellings are often high on a hill.) From then on it became one of the most thriving centres in Ireland. Gradually, after “Henry” did his bit and tried to abolish monasticism it fell into disrepair. For nearly two centuries it was just a ruin that the local boys used to run away to and dare each other to do rather dangerous feats. Finally the city council in the 1960’s took control and started to return it to its historical glory. Today it is one of the four top tourist and historical sites in Ireland. All I know is that it, like some of the other sacred places I have journeyed to over past days; there is something that speaks to you, especially if you are lucky enough to have some quiet time without others around. I have been blessed that this has occurred often. For about 30 mins I was able to sit on a rise just below the “Rock” believe it or not in the ancient graveyard and “just be” looking at the most incredible almost 360dgs scenery of the countryside surrounding the rock buildings. (Photo illustrates).

Tomorrow I leave Cashel and journey south west to Mallow. Will chat again then.

Miss you all.

Cheers

Anne (Tess)