Is Cashel worth a small detour?

Question

In about 3 weeks time I've got to drive from Limerick to Dublin, but the schedule means I have a 'spare' night, which I could spend in Limerick or Dublin or somewhere between. Cashel looks interesting - is it?

Answer 1

You shouldn't miss a chance to visit the Rock of Cashel and maybe have a stroll around the town. They do regular tours up at the Rock which last about an hour. Admission is around Eur 6, including the tour, and the views are amazing.

From the Rock there's a short trail down to h**e Abbey, and from there, a walk around the town doesn't take too long. If you call into the tourist information centre and its quiet, they may take you on a guided tour. I'm not sure if you can arrange this in advance. Cashel is a good place for food too, with plenty of cafes and pubs. For dinner, the Palace and Chez Hans serve food as good as anywhere in the country, but the prices match. There are cheaper options around too, most of them on the main street (its small - you can't miss them).

Depending on which night you are there, there may be live music in some of the bars, or the Bru Boru centre does evening shows which are a mix of traditional music, dancing and history - a bit cheesy but enjoyable, a bit like Riverdance without the glossy make-up.

For accommodation, the Cashel Palace Hotel is beautiful but hugely overpriced - stay in one of the B&Bs. Friends of mine stayed at the Ladyswell and Baileys, both are fine.

Cashel is a small town and there's not a lot to do bar what I've mentioned, but it is a pretty little place and for me a visit to the Rock alone makes it worth a stop.

As an alternative, you could consider stopping in Kilkenny - it's bigger than Cashel, the Castle is beautiful, there is more to do and better shopping. I still recommend Cashel above Kilkenny, but then again I'm from Tipperary, so I am biased.  

Answer 2

I would suggest Limerick and Frank McCourt's town where he grew up and wrote a sad and sometimes funny book called ANGELA'S ASHES about his childhood in Limerick.

Answer 3

Cashel is nice, so is Cahir, and they are near each other. I would check with the tourist board about opening times into both sites.

While neither Cashel nor Cahir are on the main N7 between Limerick and Dublin, they are not too far out of the way.  

Answer 4

No. Keep on driving, sonny.

Answer 5

Yes, worth a detour.

I stayed here which was nice:

http://www.derrynaflanhouse.com/

B& B just outside Cashel.

A few nice eating places in Cashel.