Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s oldest medieval castles. Standing majestically on a promontory overlooking the rest of the town of Cahir, the castle rises to its full height with a charm straight out of the Middle Ages. A visit is possible, and it would be terrible to miss it!

History of Cahir Castle

A 12th-century castle

The castle was built in 1142 by Conor O’Brien, Prince of Thomond, on a lurking island in the Suir, right in the center of the present-day town of Cahir. In 1375, it was given by Edward III of England to Jacques Butler, Earl of Ormond and Baron of Cahir.

Cahir Castle remained in the hands of the Butler family for many centuries, undergoing a 3-day siege in 1599 by the Earl of Essex’s army.

In 1640, during the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle underwent 2 further sieges, which were terribly difficult for the population of the village and the castle. A great deal of damage was then caused, and repaired in 1840, including the great entrance hall.

Cahir Castle remained under the ownership of the Butlers until 1961, when the last owner died. In the absence of an heir, the State took possession of the building, and decided to open it to visitors in 1970.

Visit Cahir Castle

A remarkably well-preserved medieval castle

After paying a reasonable entrance fee (€3 per adult), you’ll take a guided tour of the castle’s various rooms, starting with the large white banqueting hall, with the throne of the former Butlers lords. Here you can admire a fabulous wooden ceiling, as well as the various windows overlooking Cahir and the surrounding area.

You’ll then visit the castle’s impressive tower, with its never-ending staircase, and discover a panorama from the top that’s well worth the detour!

And don’t miss the mini audio-visual room, where you’ll be treated to a short show retracing the history of the Château and the life of the period. The presentation is multilingual, and also available in French.

And don’t forget the miniature model of the castle!