I had to look up the information about the massacre in 1647. It refers to the actions of Murrough O'Brien, a descendent of the earliest kings of Ireland, and the 6th Baron of Inchiquin and later the First Earl of Inchiquin, who twice changed allegiance during the Confederate Wars. Originally supporting King Charles, he switched sides to support the English Parliament when Charles did not make him President of Munster. The English Parliament rewarded him with the title of President of Munster and he fought viciously to maintain protestant control during the Irish Uprising of 1641 and the Confederate Wars. It was during this time that he earned the nickname "Murrough the Burner" as he laid waste to those places he conquered. The taking of the Rock of Cashel was particularly ruthless in the killing of civilians, priests, and soldiers who had surrendered. They also then sacked and pillaged the church and set fire to the buildings. Unhappy with the Parliamentarians, he again switched allegiance, re-declaring for the King in April 1648. Unable to withstand the Cromwell's invasion and the defection of his own military, he exiled to France in 1650. He was granted the Earldom from King Charles II in 1654. He converted to Catholicism in 1658 and died in Ireland in 1674.
Frankly, after reading about the massacre, it is amazing anything stands at all here on the Rock of Cashel!
And you can see there are several parts that are under renovation.
It was a gorgeous day, and the countryside around Cashel is absolutely amazing.
Handstand at Cashel!
When I posted this on facebook I called it "No handstand" but Jeff kindly pointed out it was a backstand!
These are aerial shots of the Castle and parts that we couldn't fully see because of the renovations.
To get to it, we had to climb a very steep hill. This is why it is called The Rock of Cashel: it sits on a rock!
We stopped here for water and a rest.
Sharla went further down the road for some shopping!
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