Sunday 10 September 2023

Cashel Palace

THE archiepiscopal Province of Cashel comprised eleven dioceses, under the Archbishop and five suffragans (assistant bishops).

The see of Cashel was either founded or restored at the beginning of the 10th century; and was made an archbishopric in 1152.

Emly, which was established in the 5th century, is said to have been at first an archbishopric also.

They were united in 1568.

The Province of Cashel was almost confined to County Tipperary, branching a very little way into counties Kilkenny and Limerick.

It was twenty-eight miles in length, and twenty-three in breadth.

The united sees were very compact, extending thirty-two miles one way, and thirty the other.


THE PALACE, Cashel, County Tipperary, was built between 1730-32 by the Most Rev Dr Theophilus Bolton, Lord Archbishop of Cashel, 1730-44.

It was designed by Sir Edward Lovett Pearce.

The palace comprises two storeys over a basement, with a dormer attic in a high-pitched roof.

The entrance front is Palladian, with rose-coloured brick and stone facings.


The main block comprises seven bays, with a three-bay central breakfront.

There is a spacious panelled hall, with a screen of fluted Corinthian columns and pilasters; arched door-cases embellished with scrolls; and a modillion cornice.


The principal reception rooms face the garden front, looking towards the Rock of Cashel.

These rooms were redecorated early in the 19th century by the Most Rev Charles Agar.

A long room on one side of the forecourt once contained Archbishop Bolton's splendid library.


The last prelate to live at the palace was the Most Rev Richard Laurence, Lord Archbishop of Cashel and Primate of Munster, 1822-38.

The diocese of Cashel was united with that of Waterford in 1839.

In 1844, the former palace (the property of the ecclesiastical commissioners since the change of residence by Archbishop Laurence to Waterford) was purchased by the Dean and Chapter of Cashel.

Cashel Cathedral

Thereafter the premises were converted into a residence for the Dean; and also a residence for the "preacher of the Cathedral" was provided.

The Church of Ireland sold the palace in 1959 to the 2nd Baron Brocket, who opened it as a hotel in 1962.

The hotel ceased trading in 2015 and was later sold to the property developer John Magnier.

In 2017, redevelopment started, with plans in to re-open the hotel in 2022.

First published in September, 2015.

2 comments :

Anonymous said...

Apparently it is up for sale.

Andrew said...

The Magniers bought it so a lot has been spent on it. I feel it's lost some of its charm in the process but it will certainly bring some big spenders to the town and to the nearby studfarms. An old pub next door has been incorporated which is very smart. Still it's a shame to lose another old bar with character.