Cahir Castle

About the museum

Cahir Castle stands on a rocky island in the River Suir in the middle of Cahir. The site was first held by a native stone fort, the cathair that gave the town its name, and the core of the present castle dates from the thirteenth century. In 1375 the castle was granted to James Butler, Earl of Ormond, and a junior branch of the Butlers held it as Barons Cahir for centuries. The buildings were enlarged and remodelled between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The castle was regarded as almost impregnable. It fell in 1599 to the army of the Earl of Essex after a three-day siege, an event noted for the early use of heavy artillery in Ireland. It was attacked again during the Confederate Wars and surrendered to Oliver Cromwell in 1650 without a fight.

The castle fell into disrepair in the late eighteenth century, and the great hall was partly rebuilt in 1840. It became a National Monument in 1964 and was restored by the Office of Public Works, which opened it to the public in 1971. Much of the original structure survives, and the castle has been used as a film location. An audio-visual presentation and an exhibition explain its history.

Highlights

• Well-preserved medieval castle on an island in the River Suir
• Great hall rebuilt in the nineteenth century
• Audio-visual presentation and exhibition on the castle’s history
• Guided tours of the castle
• Used as a filming location for several productions

Permanent exhibition

• Cahir Castle exhibition and audio-visual presentation – An exhibition and an audio-visual presentation explain the history of the castle.

Founded

1971

Operated by

Office of Public Works (OPW) – Heritage Ireland

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Wednesday of each month (Heritage Ireland Free Wednesday; first come, first served, no online booking).

Tickets can be booked online.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Heritage Ireland lists limited access, uneven walkways and the need to hold the handrail and stay back from edges. There are toilets including a wheelchair-accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Baby-changing facilities are available. There are edges and uneven walkways, and a child or student rate and a family ticket apply.

Getting there & parking

The castle is in the centre of Cahir town. The Swiss Cottage is about 1.9 km away.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop on site. Part of the Suir Blueway and River Walk trails.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit