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          Ireland is full of castles. Cahir Castle is one of its most spectacular. The fortress castle — construction began as early as 1142 as an Irish structure — remains largely intact, despite its age and despite undergoing three successful sieges in just over fifty years. The imposing castle is dominated by a large keep surrounded by six towers and high, thick curtain walls. Originally built on a rugged island in the River Suir, Cahir Castle has since become surrounded by the town of Cahir. The river serves a natural moat

CAHIR CASTLE ON THE RIVER SUIR
CAHIR, COUNTY TIPPERARY, IRELAND
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CAHIR CASTLE:
MEDIEVAL ISLAND FORTRESS

HISTORY: The origin of “Cahir”, like many names in Ireland, is obscure. The local suggestion is that it comes from an Irish stone fort (a “cathair”) that occupied the site before the Anglo-Norman castle was built. Anglo-Norman nobles who were granted Irish territories by the English Crown built on the original Irish foundations of Cahir Castle. In the late 14^th century the castle came into the possession of the powerful Butler family, the Earls of Ormonde and Barons of Cahir, for their service to King Edward III. The Butlers altered, strengthened, and enlarged the fortress.
          The remote, strategically marginal location of the castle kept it untested until the end of the 16^th century. In 1599 the Butlers supported the wrong side during the 9-years-long Elizabethan Wars when Irish rebels sought independence from England while the Queen was distracted by major confrontations with Spain. In May of 1599 the English army under the command of the Earl of Essex laid

siege to Cahir Castle, using gunpowder and cannon to breach its stone defenses, taking the castle in 5 days. In 1600 James Butler and a force of rebels took back his family castle, only to surrender it quickly to the English.

          Two generations later, during the Irish Confederate Wars of 1641-53, Irish supporters of the English king, Charles I, faced the armies of Parliament during the English Civil War. The Irish Confederates enjoyed a period of virtual autonomy and near independence in exchange for the support of the English monarch. England’s Parliament, already at odds with the king, would not abide even unofficial Irish independence, and sent an army to Ireland. During this period the Butler family twice surrendered the keys to Cahir Castle within four years, once in 1647, and again in 1650, to Oliver Cromwell himself. Although nearby

CAHIR CASTLE UNDERWENT SIEGES IN THE
16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES, INCLUDING
FALLING TO CROMWELL AND HIS ARMY
DURING THE IRISH CONFEDERATE WARS. REMARKABLY, THE CASTLES TOWERS AND BATTLEMENTS REMAIN LARGELY INTACT.

CAHIR CASTLE IS THE REAL THING—A MEDIEVAL CASTLE
THAT INVITES EXPLORATION.

Rock of Cashel was ruined by Parliamentary troops, during both short sieges little damage was inflicted on the Cahir Castle.

TODAY: In the more than 350 years since the castle gradually fell into disrepair, and the Butler Family moved out. When the last Lord Cahir died in 1961 ownership of the castle was transferred to Ireland. Heritage Ireland is responsible for maintaining and operating the castle.
          Although largely unfurnished, Cahir Castle is the real thing — a medieval castle that invites exploration. The castle is not handicapped-accessible, with narrow and low passages, cobblestone walkways, and many staircases. Its open stairs and narrow, high ramparts may be climbed by anyone brave enough. Care should be taken whenever it has rained, for the age-smoothed stone walks, stairs, and ramparts become quite slippery. Children should be supervised by parents at all times.

LOCATION: Cahir is a small market town (pop. approx. 3,000) that has long been a crossroads of routes between Dublin and Cork and between Waterford and Limerick. Cahir is at the junction of the N8 and the N24 in southern County Tipperary, and a very doable excursion for Home At First guests in Central Ireland or in eastern County Cork.

CAHIR CASTLE IS THE CENTER OF CAHIR TOWN. SEVERAL OTHER VISITOR ATTRACTIONS ARE NEARBY.

GETTING THERE FROM CENTRAL IRELAND: The 110-mile-long Suir rises near the geographic center of the Republic of Ireland in northern County Tipperary east of Nenagh. The Suir’s meanderings provide a travelogue through much of Tipperary, leading south between the highlands of Tipperary and County Kilkenny through Thurles and just skirting Cashel town and its famous fortress/monastery (the Rock of Cashel) before reaching Cahir, where it turns east for the second half of its journey to Waterford and the sea. A day excursion from Home At First’s Central Ireland locations is most enjoyable by meandering like the Suir south from northern Tipperary. Combine with a visit to the Rock of Cashel, ten miles north of Cahir on the N8.

GUIDED GROUP TOURS ARE AVAILABLE AT CAHIR CASTLE.

Cahir Castle Opening Hours: Open daily, year-round
     • April—Mid-June: 9:30AM to 5:30PM
     • Mid-June—Mid-Sept: 9:00AM to 7:30PM
     • Mid-Sept—Mid-Oct: 9:30PM to 5:30PM
     • Mid-Oct—March: 9:30PM to 4:30PM

Location:

     Castle Street in the center of Cahir town.

     Public parking available on street & in large parking lot.

Admission: (prices subject to change)
     • Adult: €2.90
     • Group & Senior Citizens: €2.10
     • Children & Student: €1.30
     • Family: €7.40

CAHIR CASTLE IS
OPEN YEAR ROUND

CAHIR CASTLE IS GREAT FUN FOR THE
WHOLE FAMILY. CAUTION: CHILDREN SHOULD
BE SUPERVISED, ESPECIALLY ON THE OPEN
STONE STAIRCASES AND BATTLEMENTS.

Notes:

     • Audio-visual presentation.

     • Guide pamphlet available.

     • Guided tours available.

     • Coffee shop with light snacks on-site.

Contact Telephone: +353 (0) 52 744 1011