Cahir Castle

Cahir castle is one of the largest, best preserved castles in Ireland and is situated on a rocky island in the middle of the River Suir.

The origins of the town can be traced back to the third century when a Dun (earthen fort) was built upon the rocky island and gave the town it's origional name "Dun Iascaigh" or "town of the fish fort". The subsequent building of a stone fort (Cathair) is recorded in the town name as Cathair Dun Iascaigh.

May 2007, copyright Carmen J. DiGiacomo (Como)

The Butlers were granted lands in the area in 1192, but they didn't build their first castle until the 13th century.

The castle is comprised of three sections, surrounded by a thick fortifying wall, with the main structural towers and hails around the innermost section.

Entry to the castle is along the sloping tower that defends the entrance running parallel to the inner-section wall, and then through to the reception area. This opens out into the small middle section, over shadowed by the large gatehouse and keel to the right. Go through the gatehouse, under the reconstructed and fully functioning gate, and you come to the inner section.

Beside the northeast tower is the small well tower which offers the best vantage point over the river.

Cahir Castle and the town lie about 15 km south of the town of Cashel and its impressive fortification, The Rock of Cashel