CORMAC'S CHAPEL

Without doubt, it is a small wonder; considered the oldest Romanesque church in Ireland still standing (1127-1134), built by Cormac maccarthy, prince bishop of Cashel. The chapel of the chapel is populated with heads and mouth of animals, in a style extremely close to that of Dysert O 'Dea Castle, in the county of Clare (the same artists have worked there?).

The frescoes over 800 years old in the choir, the oldest of its kind in Ireland, are the subject of careful restoration work. You will certainly distinguish some remains of colors, very expensive at the time, including the clear blue that comes from Venice. The pillars are composed of geometrical patterns entirely typical of the Irish Romanesque and without a really apparent order: lodges, stars, broken lines… Facing the choir, a magnificent sculpted tomb may be the tomb of Cormac himself. Take a closer look: delicate ornaments representing interlaced animals and snakes would be Viking style.