One of our facebook fans mentioned yesterday that it's hard to absorb the ages of some of these ancient buildings. Being from Canada, where an old building might be 200 years, we are always amazed when we are in structures that are maybe 800 years old. It's truly hard to comprehend. After all, we were taught in school that history began when Christopher Columbus "discovered" America in 1492!
I remember the first time this really sunk in. We were in a big church in Czechia that was built around the year 1100. I mean, we had been in old buildings in England quite a few times before, but this was when I really started thinking about it.
And then of course some of the Roman ruins in Turkiye that are more than 2,000 years old. Amazing stuff. I keep thinking just how insignificant our 85 years or so on earth really are.
Anyhow, what all this brings me to is our visit yesterday to an 800 year old cathedral. The Rock of Cashel...
The cathedral was built between 1235-1270.
Once again, we were able to use our English Heritage cards to avoid paying the €11 per person entrance fee.
The Rock of Cashel is popular because it is one of the best preserved examples in Ireland.
There are several ancient sarcophagi.
We got there right when it opened so there weren't many people around!
View from the Rock of Cashel.
Can you see Max?
The round tower is the oldest surviving building at the Rock, constructed in the year 1101.
Cormac's Chapel was built between 1127-1134.
Decorations inside the chapel.
Some of the original painting has been conserved.
We had done the guided tour which lasted about an hour. Once again the OPW (Office of Public Works) guides are really good. So glad we made a stop in to see Cashel Rock.
But, back on the road!
We spent some time on the motorway.
Not much traffic though.
Then we got onto a secondary road.
No shoulders, and close bushes!
This section was a little wider.
Almost at the national park.
Yesterday's drive, 145 kms (90 miles).
We found a spot to park Max, and took off on a walk into the park.
Killarney National Park.
Yep, it's a beautiful spot.
We could spend a week just here!
We went for a short 6 km (3.5 mile) walk...
Island out in the lake.
Just having some fun.
We found a cave to explore.
Me, coming out the other side.
On our way back, we came across some more ruins. The Muckross Abbey was built in 1448, and is located within the park boundary.
Muckross Abbey.
Amazing detail considering this is exposed to the weather.
Click the photo to make it full size.
Click again to zoom in.
It is free to just enter and wander around.
A yew tree in the center of the cloister.
Busy day, but there is so much to see around here it looks like we're going to have a few busy days in a row!
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And in Canada...
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