Powerscourt
On our way to Kinsale, we stop at the magnificent mansion and gardens of Powerscourt. These gardens are the most impressive gardens in Ireland and consist of 1600 acres. The house was commissioned in 1730 and the gardens were commissioned between 1858 and 1875. There is a Japanese garden, Tower Valley garden, Italian garden, Rhododendron walk, Triton Lake, Dolphin pond, Pet Cemetery, and Walled Garden. In the backdrop of this magnificent estate sits Great Sugarloaf Mountain.
We have only ONE hour to cruise through the gardens. To make it more enticing/frustrating, there was a huge dollhouse exhibition and a huge gift shop full of handmade woolens and other items not just calling my name, but screaming my name. I felt like I was placed into a wind tunnel filled with hundred dollar bills, wearing a suit without pockets, and was told I could keep what I could catch in 5 seconds!
I carefully selected my path. I was able to visit the Italian garden, Triton Lake, then run through the Rhododendron walk to visit the Dolphin Pond and the Walled garden. I sacrificed the miniature display and gift shop for these gardens which were spectacular. Take a look at the slideshow below for more.
We have only ONE hour to cruise through the gardens. To make it more enticing/frustrating, there was a huge dollhouse exhibition and a huge gift shop full of handmade woolens and other items not just calling my name, but screaming my name. I felt like I was placed into a wind tunnel filled with hundred dollar bills, wearing a suit without pockets, and was told I could keep what I could catch in 5 seconds!
I carefully selected my path. I was able to visit the Italian garden, Triton Lake, then run through the Rhododendron walk to visit the Dolphin Pond and the Walled garden. I sacrificed the miniature display and gift shop for these gardens which were spectacular. Take a look at the slideshow below for more.
The Rock of Cashel
Overlooking the Plain of Tipperary, The Rock of Cashel sits in all of its glory. This was once the site of the ancient Kings of Munster from 300 to 1100 AD, before the invasion of the Normans.
In 450 AD, Saint Patrick baptized King Aengus here. Legend has it that Saint Patrick was so caught up in the process, he accidentally pierced King Aengus's foot with his his staff. The King, believing that it was part of the baptismal process, bit his lip and said nothing.
In 1101, one of the Kings (either King Muircheartach O'Brien, or King Cormac MacCarthy, depending on which historian you believe), gave the Rock to the church to curry favor and stop the clan fighting. Monks from Glastonbury, England, settled here. A tower was built without any mortar - a testament to the building skills at the time! It is still standing despite the intense natural elements which it is subjected.
In 450 AD, Saint Patrick baptized King Aengus here. Legend has it that Saint Patrick was so caught up in the process, he accidentally pierced King Aengus's foot with his his staff. The King, believing that it was part of the baptismal process, bit his lip and said nothing.
In 1101, one of the Kings (either King Muircheartach O'Brien, or King Cormac MacCarthy, depending on which historian you believe), gave the Rock to the church to curry favor and stop the clan fighting. Monks from Glastonbury, England, settled here. A tower was built without any mortar - a testament to the building skills at the time! It is still standing despite the intense natural elements which it is subjected.
Buildings erected after the first tower on the site show the sophisticated architecture skills of the time. It is thought that either monks from Regensberg, Germany, came here with their construction skills or that monks were sent to Regensberg to learn construction skills.
In the 12th century, an Irish cross was erected - the arms of the cross were supported by two vertical supports, representing the two men Christ was crucified with. Only one of the supports remains.
"Cashel" means castle, rock or stone fort.
During the Reformation, in 1540, King Henry VIII, abolished this monastery (along with others). Queen Elizabeth I, gave the land to one of her cronies. In 1647, during the Irish Confederate Wars (Oliver Cromwell's horrific subjugation of the Irish), the Rock was sacked and Irish troops, townspeople, and the clergy were massacred. The main roof of the cathedral was removed in 1749 and the Rock became history.
In the 12th century, an Irish cross was erected - the arms of the cross were supported by two vertical supports, representing the two men Christ was crucified with. Only one of the supports remains.
"Cashel" means castle, rock or stone fort.
During the Reformation, in 1540, King Henry VIII, abolished this monastery (along with others). Queen Elizabeth I, gave the land to one of her cronies. In 1647, during the Irish Confederate Wars (Oliver Cromwell's horrific subjugation of the Irish), the Rock was sacked and Irish troops, townspeople, and the clergy were massacred. The main roof of the cathedral was removed in 1749 and the Rock became history.
In 1134 Cormacs Chapel was consecrated. Amazingly for Ireland's moist conditions, frescos have been discovered on the walls. They were white washed by Anglicans who thought these frescos, painted around 1160 and 1170, were too ostentatious.
The chapel is covered by a rainproof structure and dehumidifiers are constantly running in an effort to preserve the frescos. |