Cahir Castle is a true survivor. Despite siege and bombardment it has endured for centuries, only to stand today as one of Ireland’s largest and best preserved castles. This imposing Anglo-Norman stronghold is a must-see for anyone intrigued by the county’s rich history.
Originally erected in the mid-12th Century, Cahir Castle was designed by Conor O’Brien to be an impregnable defensive fortress. It stands at a key strategic location on an island in the River Suir, and almost appears to have grown organically from the rock itself.
The castle passed into the hands of the powerful Butler family in 1375 since then it has fallen three times. The first was in 1599, during the Nine Years War, following three days of siege by the Earl of Essex who was leading a campaign against rebels in the region. A cannonball fired during this siege can still be seen lodged in the castle wall today.
Cahir Castle fell again to Inchiquin in 1647 and then to Cromwell in 1650. Clearly aware of the castle’s immense potential, Cromwell did not dismantle it as he did so many others. For this we can be truly thankful.
Once today’s visitors have crossed the river bridge to the castle, they can climb winding stairways to the lofty battlements, duck through networks of narrow hallways, walk through furnished rooms and even pop down to the dungeons. Informative tour guides, documentary films and detailed models help bring the past to life. As immersive historical experiences go, Cahir Castle is hard to beat.
