The picture below is not mine, but is Devil’s Bit Mountain. The Devil’s bit is that gap in the middle.
Legend has it that Saint Patrick vanquished the devil from a cave. The devil became so infuriated that he took a bite out of the mountain. When he did, he broke a tooth. Being in pain, he spat out the mountain and his tooth. The site of the Rock of Cashel (about 22 miles south of Devil’s Bit Mountain) is the bit of the mountain and the devil’s broken tooth that was spat out. Originally the Rock of Cashel was a castle, but was later donated to the church by someone seeking favor. From there, it was transformed into a great community. It now lays in ruin, but you get an idea of what it once was.
From the website (Source):
Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, The Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.
Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, according to legend St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity (note: this occurred in the year 432 a.d.) Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.
In 1101 the site was granted to the church and Cashel swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most significant centres of ecclesiastical power in the country.
As with all cities and castles, it was built on a hill to give a commanding view of the surrounding lands.
Cormac’s Chapel dates to the 11th century. Pictured below is the restored chapel. In the process of the restoration, beautiful frescos were discovered beneath the centuries of dirt and whitewash. Although no longer fully intact, the second image is what it is believed to have originally looked like.
After such a hard day of walking and looking, what better place to stop than a traditional Irish pub and have a very tasty Irish coffee.
I hear that the weather has been absolutely remarkable and it was again today, although a bit blustery. The foot is doing well and did not give me any grief. A very good day. Next Wednesday, I travel again. Where will I land this time?
Candle in a Cave 
Hello!
I tried to send a comment, but don’t think I succeeded. If I did, ignore this message.
There is a Celtic Camino. If you want to walk a few steps on it, you might regain lost points. 🙂
My family has a great pub in Dublin if you want to hear traditional Irish music. It’s called The Cobblestone. Tom Mulligan, a most distant cousin, is the proprietor. http://cobblestonepub.iehttp://cobblestonepub.ie/. My mother is a Mulligan.
I have walked sections of the Camino, but only in France (cuisine!). It’s serene and satisfying no matter how many miles and hours you spend with it.
Santiago de Compostela, which I have visited, has delicious cheese, octopus, wine. But the weather is damp at best and it’s unsustainably crowded with tourists/pilgrims even off season. I was disappointed.
Pat
Sent from my iPhone
Thank you! I don’t know that I’m going back through Dublin, but if I do… The Cobblestone is the place to be! I would like to say that the foot is tip top and ready for miles, but I don’t think I’m there just yet. The longer mileage walks will have to wait for a bit.
very interesting! Thank you for sharing! blessings and 🍀
Fascinating history.
What phenomenally gorgeous history lay deep in the weathered stone, I think I could roam around for a lifetime there imagining the glorious history, reading, thinking, pondering. I became a “Postulant” today and hope one summer to be in Ireland seeing some of the same history and views. Enjoy the blessing of the beautiful weather as it’s been a downpour here all day.
>
Congratulations on your postulancy!