Top experts refute planning report for new hotel at the base of the Rock of Cashel

Leading experts have objected to the proposed development of a 28-bedroom hotel at the base of the Rock of Cashel.

The hotel, if approved, would be located at Moor Lane on a greenfield site at the base of the southern slope. Among those who made submissions was the Head of UCD School of Archaeology, Professor Joanna Bruck, local archaeologist Neil Jackman (Abarta Heritage) and Queen’s University’s Dr Patrick Gleeson.

They say the development would compromise the site’s integrity and undermine its bid for the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dr Gleeson outlined his position in a lengthy submission.

“It is my view that this application would have a significant impact on the archaeological resource, cultural heritage and integrity of the Rock of Cashel complex and is incongruous with the Cashel Town plan.

“Given that the Rock of Cashel has also been added to the Tentative List for UNESCO WHS status as one of Irelands’ ‘royal sites’ I would also like to emphasise that this application would have material impacts on the wilder inscription of the group as it undermines the setting, landscape context and integrity of the complex,” wrote Dr Gleeson.

He is a Senior Lecturer of Archaeology in Belfast and an award-winning expert in Ireland’s royal sites.

He said his works cited in the archaeological report by Consultant Archaeologist Maurice F Hurley submitted with the application have been “misrepresented”, and the report contains “factual errors” about the significance of the site.

“It is, therefore, a gross misrepresentation of my work and the significance of this data to imply that there is little evidence that the area proposed for development is not directly associated with the royal and episcopal role of Cashel or that the features identified in testing do not relate to this background.”

“It would be a travesty if this precious evidence was allowed to be destroyed through development,” said Dr Gleeson.
Head of UCD School of Archaeology, Professor Joanna Bruck, wrote that the greenfield site should be protected.

“The Rock of Cashel cannot be viewed in isolation from the wider landscape of which it forms a hub, and the idea that development can safely occur just beyond the edges of the Historic Monument is highly problematic.

“The proposed development is located just a few tens of metres from the Rock of Cashel, and there is therefore high potential for negative impact to as yet unrecognised subsurface archaeological remains at this location,” said Prof Bruck.

More than 30 objections were submitted before Monday’s deadline.

Among the other submissions were locals, a US tour operator and a TV and film production designer.

Marymount Assets Limited submitted the application, and documents indicate the development is part of the Cashel Palace Hotel - which was recently refurbished and reopened in the tourism town.

A decision is due by December 19, 2022.

To find out more about how UNESCO World Heritage sites are assessed, check out our explainer video at the top of the page.