Today was spent over a bit of East Cork with my Archaeology class for our second, and last, field trip. We visited everything from wedge tombs to the Rock of Cashel. I'm glad I was able to see these sites with my class because I know otherwise I might not have gotten a chance to make it out to certain historical sties, not to mention the discounted group fee is nice! ;)
The weather was quite sunny for a good portion of the trip, but towards the end it decided it wanted to get storm-y -- que intense wind and fierce rainfall. I was nearly running out of the Rock of Cashel for the bus. Had any amazing time though and got some great pictures! Only downside was that the monument is undergoing restorations, so I couldn't get a better view of the entire church, etc.
The Rock of Cashel is a 12th century monument overlooking the south of Tipperary. It's one of the most beautiful sites I've seen here thus far. From all the archaeology knowledge I've been studying, I learned that it was once home to the kings of Munster and includes many romanesque artifacts like a round tower, high-crosses, a royal sarcophagus, and Cormac's Chapel (one of the earliest Romanesque churches in Ireland where wall murals have been discovered). It's amazing to see what humans accomplished before the invention of the technology we use today. I feel so lazy knowing what I depend on to get through the day, let alone trying to build such a beautiful fortress on top of a rock!
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| Lily & I having a little fun in the cemetery |
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| just trying to move this rock...totally normal. |
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| largest wedge tomb in Ireland! |
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| 13th century Glanworth Castle |
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| The Rock of Cashel from below |
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| Courtney, Patrick, & Lily (pictured in red, black, and white) outside the church |
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| ROUND TOWER! |
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| beautiful view from atop the Rock! |
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| detail on inside of chapel |
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| some paintings that have just recently been discovered in the church. |
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| High-Cross (I love the artwork on these monuments!) |
