In a country known for evocative scenic ruins this is the grandaddy. This is one of Ireland’s most historic sites. Rising above the plain of Tipperary there are ruins here from when St Patrick baptized the king in 450, though the cathedral dates from the 1200’s. The whole complex is a ruin thanks to Cromwell (who burned the cathedral with hundreds of townspeople seeking sanctuary inside). Driving up you’ll see a bright green hill with limestone rocks and ruined cathedral rising from a grassy plain. You can walk 5 minutes from the town center to the Rock and enjoy the views along the way. For a few euros extra and a guided tour, you can see the 12th century Cormac’s Chapel which is a nice demonstration of Romanesque architecture and frescoes.
Hours, daily:
- Mid-Sept – Mid-Oct; 09:00 – 17:30 (last admission at 16:45)
- Mid-Oct – Mid-March; 09:00 – 16:30 (last admission at 15:45)
- Mid-March – Early June; 09:00 – 17:30 (last admission at 16:45)
- Early June – Mid-Sept; 09:00 – 19:00 (last admission at 18:15)