CAHIR CASTLE
Caisleán na Cathrach
Cahir, County Tipperary

Cahir Castle is one of the largest castles in Ireland. It was built in 1142 by Conor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, on an island in the River Suir over an earlier fortification called a cathair, or stone fort in Irish, which lent its name to the current castle, and indeed the town that grew up around it.

The O'Brien's retained the keep until 1375 when it was granted to James Butler, who had sworn his loyalty to Edward III subsequently bestowed the title of Baron of Cahir.

The Butler's of Cahir supported English rule, but when Elizabeth brought war to Ireland, they sided with the Irish. In 1599, the castle was captured by the army of the Earl of Essex after a three day siege. For the following year, the castle was put under the charge of Sir Charles Blount.

The castle was besieged twice during the Irish Confederate Wars, also called the Eleven Years War, Cogadh NA haon deag mbliana in Irish, and was fought between 1641-1653. (not to be confused by the Cromwellian War, 1649-1653). In 1647, George Mathew was the guardian of the young Lord Cahir. During this was the castle was forced to surrender to Lord Inchiquin following the battle of Knocknanauss. In 1650, the keep was again surrendered, but this time to Oliver Cromwell during his conquest of Ireland, known as the Cromwellian War.

The castle continued to grow since it was constructed in 1142, including major remodels in the 15th and 17th centuries. However, the Great Hall had fallen into disrepair since the 17th century, but saw some partial restoration in 1840. By this time, the keep had been returned to the hands of the Butlers and remained in their hands until the last Lord Cahir passed away. In 1964, the family bestowed the keep to the Office of Public Works.

There are four major areas of this site, the Outer, Middle and Inner Wards and the Barbican at the outer entrance.

The Inner Ward is on the site of the original Norman castle; the foundation, Keep and curtain walls are 13th century. The Keep was restored in recent years and includes a great hall, which is mostly 18th century construction, though it comprises a wall and window of 15th century construction.

From the ramparts, as well as the upper floors of the Keep, you can see the River Suir rush past. From the Keep windows in front you can see the weir on the other side of the bridge.

The Barbican was a main gatehouse into the Inner Ward and remains quite detailed today. You can see the workings of the gate inside the castle.

Note: Cahir Castle was used in part in the 1981 movie "Excalibur". The first scene filmed at the castle is with a young Arthur who battles in the river for the protection the keep owned by Leondegrance. The scene was filmed in the river on the far side of the castle. At the end of the battle, Arthur has Uryens on his knees in the river asking for his fealty.

Later, Arthur brings his bride Guenevere to his keep, filmed within Cahir Castle and meant to be Arthur's keep. They enter through the barbican and stop within to dismount from their horses. The scene shifts to the inner courtyard where Guenevere first meets Lancelot, who's coming down the stairs from the wall-walk.

Other areas in Ireland were also used in the filming of this film, such as the nearby Rock of Cashel, Powerscourt Waterfall and various other nature settings around the Wicklow Mountains.

Along the side of the castle, running parallel is a walking path that will take you up to the Swiss Cottage, the playhouse for the Bulter's. It's about a mile long walk. If you prefer to drive, from the car park go right to Ardfinnan Road. Follow the signs out to the Cottage car park and walk across the bridge to the Cottage entrance.

Broadsword hanging in the keep at Cahir Castle

~ Paid attraction
~ Parking available
~ Easy access from car park, limited wheelchair access

http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/CahirCastle