From Castles to Cashels

Hello Irish Life Experience Families and Friends! Yesterday, we had the opportunity to travel to Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel. The weather, AGAIN was in our favor. The sun shone most of the day and we were only caught in a few sprinkles of showers. It was gorgeous for the majority of the tour and we couldn't have lucked out more. We started the day with a tour of Kilkenny Castle. The Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles. Scout said his favorite room of Kilkenny Castle was the Picture Gallery. He especially thought the fireplace was interesting with all of the intricate designs. The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke (c.1146-1219) during the first decade of the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James (c.1360-1405), 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in c.1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde (1893-1971), presented it to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50. Can you believe that??? Afterwards, we took some pictures in the garden and enjoyed our packed lunches on the lush green grounds. Students were than able to wander around Kilkenny and had a blast meandering their way throughout the cobblestone streets shopping for souvenirs. A few hours later, we marched onwards to the Rock of Cashel. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Rock of Cashel-it's huge, it's complex, it's iconic, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world! It's in the heart of Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel-Carraig Phádraig, more formally known as St. Patrick's Rock or the Cashel of the Kings. Reputedly the site of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. Long before the Norman invasion The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster, although there is little structural evidence of their time here. Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the rock was gifted to the Church. The buildings represent both Hiberno-Romanseque and Germanic influences in their architecture. The complex has a character of its own, unique and native, and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Students were able to explore the Rock and take some gorgeous pictures of views and the fortress itself. It was spectacular. Catherine thought Rock was so cool!

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