Cahir Castle

This imposing 13th -15th century structure was skilfully designed to be a state of the art defensive castle. Every foot of the rocky island was utilised to such good effect as the to make difficult in places to determine which part of the castle is the main part and which is the living rock from which is seems to grow. Located in the centre of Cahir town, Cahir castle is one of Irelands largest and best-preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. Its history dates back to the 12th century when Conor O'Brien built a fortification on an island in the river Suir. Then in 1375, the powerful Anglo-Norman family, the Butlers came into the possession of the castle. They had been granted a Barony in Cahir for their loyalty to the English crown. The Butlers have been associated with the castle ever since. The castle was overtaken three times in its history. It fell to Devereux, Earl of Essex, in 1599 after it had been battered for three days with artillery. It surrendered without a fight to Inchiquin in 1647 and again to Cromwell in 1650, but otherwise had a notably undistinguished history, which possibly helps to explain why it survives in such remarkably good condition today. Over the centuries the Butlers considerably rebuilt and extended the building. However, by 1599, the castle had reached its present appearance with the only subsequent alterations taking place in the 1840s, when the Great Hall was partly rebuilt. In 1961, the last Lord Cahir died and the castle reverted to the state. The castle’s attractions include a guided tour with an excellent audio-visual show which informs visitors of all the main sites of the area. There are also several exhibitions.

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