Rock of Cashel, Ireland: Travel Tips, Hotels, B&Bs

The Rock of Cashel — or Carraig Phádraig — is one of Ireland’s top attractions. Located beside Cashel town, in County Tipperary on a walled plateau, it also goes by the names of Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock. Just looking at the photo makes me want to start climbing!

The Rock of Cashel is about 20 kilometers (almost 13 miles) from the town of Tipperary, so about 21 minutes by car. It’s also about 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) from Kilkenny, or about 50 minutes away by car. It’s 66 minutes by car from Adare (75 kilometers or 46 miles).

The distance from Dublin to Rock of Cashel is 166 kilometers (103 miles) and takes approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes if you take the fastest route.

>> Also check this out: A day trip tour by coach bus to Kilkenny and Cashel from Cork. Starts at approx. $44 per person.

Here’s the Rock of Cashel Map

The Rock is between the R505 and the R660 roads. It’s off of Dublin Road, about 500 meters from the center of town.

Rock of Cashel History at a Glance:

Legend has it that St. Patrick bravely banished Satan from a cave on a mountain about 20 miles away (called Devil’s Bit). The consequence was that the Rock dislodged and landed in Cashel— a gift for the locals, who now enjoy the benefits of a steady influx of tourists year-round.

This is the place where people say that Aenghus the King of Munster was converted by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. The rock was the seat of the High Kings of Munster for hundreds of years until the Normans invaded in the early-12th century.

In 1001, the King of Munster (Muirchertach Ua Briain) gave his fortress, which was built on the Rock, to the Church. 

Most of what you’ll see now dates to the 12th and 13th centuries, and includes a chapel, round tower, graveyard, and cathedral. The architecture is one reason why people come to see the Rock of Cashel; another is its collection of Celtic art, which experts consider among the best in Europe.

Rock of Cashel Opening Hours

The Rock of Cashel is open year-round on this schedule:

• Mid-March to mid-June: 9:30 am. – 5:30 p.m.
• Mid-June to mid-September: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Mid-September to mid-October: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Mid-October to mid-March: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Note! The last admission of the day is 45 minutes before closing time.
• Also, guided tours take about 45 minutes. There are public restrooms nearby.

Admission Costs

• Adults – 7 euros
• Students (with a valid i.d.) – 3 euros
• Seniors – 5 euros
• Family – 17 euros
• I’ve read that they do take credit cards.

Hotels and B&Bs in Cashel:

Ashmore House B&B

Ashmore House is within walking distance of the Rock of Cashel. It has five rooms and an award-winning garden. Decor is traditional and tasteful.

Aulber House

Aulber House is located at the edge of the historic town of Cashel. It includes over 1 acre of classical gardens and is just a 20-minute walk to the Rock. Decor looks traditional and comfortable.

Bailey’s Hotel

Bailey’s 4-star hotel is in the center of town. It has a bar and bistro dining in its Restaurant 42. Decor is traditional but clean-lined. There’s also a penthouse suite with a king-sized bed and double Jacuzzi tub. When I checked it had a 9.2/10 rating on Booking.com out of more than 550 reviews.

O’Brien’s Cashel Lodge

Located at the foot of the Rock of Cashel, O’Brien’s Cashel Lodge is a 10-minute walk to town. Guests praise the hosts and the water pressure! Decor is traditional.

They serve breakfast, but the kitchen is self-catering so you’re free to cook when you want.

Peggy O’Neill’s B&B

Peggy O’Neill’s B&B is 15 minutes on foot to the Rock of Cashel. The property includes on-site parking for free, a deck where you can kick back, and a garden. When I checked it had a 9.4/10 rating out of over 400 reviews on Booking.com!

Rossroe Lodge B&B

The Rossroe Lodge B&B has views of Cashel Bay and mountains. When I checked it had a 9.6/10 rating from over 115 reviews. Guests say the breakfast and service is great.

Hotels and B&Bs In/Near Tipperary:

Anner Hotel

The Anner Hotel is a 4-star establishment that’s 13.8 miles (22.2 km) from the Rock of Cashel, in Thurles. It has an indoor pool, restaurant, and bar. Decor is traditional, leaning towards ornate in some areas.

>>I also found this: If you stay in Tipperary and like horseback riding, you can go on a two-hour mountain trail ride that starts at around $63 per person.

Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel

The Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel is a 40-room hotel in Limerick Junction. It’s also about 18 miles (29 km) from Grange Stone Circle. The hotel includes a spa, onsite restaurant, babysitting services, and more. Decor is traditional and modern.

Horse and Jockey Hotel

The four-star Horse and Jockey Hotel is also in Thurles, about 8.6 miles (13.8 km) from the Rock of Cashel. It has 65 rooms, a restaurant and bar, full-service spa, indoor pool, and more.

For more information

There are lots of pubs and restaurants. For recommendations, head to the Cashel Heritage Centre and Tourist Information Office on Main Street. The upper half of the building is painted bright yellow — you can’t miss it!

The office is open:

• March to October, every day from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• November to February, 5 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

And that’s it! I’m getting my hiking boots on right now!

Have you been to the Rock of Cashel? Got questions? Let me know!