Baileys Hotel Cashel are honoured to have on display an exact replica of the Derrynaflan Chalice. Kindly presented to the hotel by Mr. Michael Ryan of Boomerang Skips & Environmental Services in conjunction with the new tours they will be running out to the island. All are welcome to visit and view it in the lobby of the hotel.

The original chalice from the 8th or 9th century, was part of the Derrynaflan Hoard of 5 liturgical items discovered in 1980. It is now on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

Baileys Hotel will also be running tours to Derrynaflan church, starting in April, and including transport and a tour guide. The walk into the church ruins start near Killenaule along a recently laid path on the old railway lines. It makes for an easy hike for all levels of walkers. Access has been granted to Baileys by Mr. Ryan to drive out closer to the church for those who are unable to walk far.

The guide will not only lead the way but give the history of the area also. The surrounding boglands of the church are being rewet by Bord no Mona. A rare type of butterfly, the Marsh Fritillary, is expected to emerge there early this summer as the bog provides more of the natural conditions for rare flora and fauna.

Derrynaflan church was founded by St. Ruadhan of Lorrha. It is also thought to be the burial place of the Goban Saor, the legendary craftsman of the 7th century responsible for many of the round towers and architecture still seen today.

Visit Baileys Hotel Cashel’s website