Athassel Priory — Attraction in The Municipal District of Cahir — Cashel

Athassel was once one of Ireland's largest medieval priories. Although it is now a protected historical site, very little, if anything has been done to preserve or renovate the structures. As a result, visiting the priory is a somewhat tedious task! It's only about 10 minutes west of Cashel via N74 so you can easily drive the well signed road or take a taxi. The priority is visible from the road but there is no designated parking area. There is a wide, gated gravel driveway across from the stone wall and people do park there, but be sure to leave room for farm vehicles entering or exiting the driveway. To walk to the priory, climb over the stile set into the stone wall to the left of the iron farm gate which is padlocked. Cross the grassy field which can be quite boggy and is covered with cow paddies. The fields were once the site of a thriving town, but now nothing remains of it. Cross over the 13th century stone bridge and you will see the iron gated entrance to the prior some 100 yards ahead. There are many cows milling around between the bridge and the gate - walk slowly and quietly through the herd til you reach the gate. It is not locked, but it is so rusted that it took two of us to open it. From the gate, you enter the priory aisle which became overgrown with grass and was used as a burial ground. The ruins of the side chapels, cloister and chapter house are worth exploring as there are many interesting architectural details (sculptures, carvings, etc.) to be seen. If you are visiting The Rock of Cashel and have time, Athassel is worth spending a few hours to visit. But climbing over the stile and crossing the grassy fields is not for those of...

This is one hell of a hidden gem and a crime that you can't access it more freely I have been to alot of abbey's in Ireland but this one is so well preserved and the detail is unbelievable Google maps will bring you to the wrong access point so type in Athassel Abbey ENTRANCE into Google maps you will be arrive at a small gate and step wall that you can climb over sadly there is no parking but we parked across the road just don't block the gate it so sad more people don't get to see this amazing location check out my YouTube channel for the history of amazing Irish locations...

Beautiful sight. We read previous reviews and just hopped the wall and opened the gate to the ruins. No tickets needed. It is someone else's property so be respectful.

Be sure to choose and lock the gate back while you're inside or you'll have cows follow you in. They saw us go in and there were several that followed to the gate. Had we not closed it they would have wandered in to eat all the lush grass at the site....