Cahir Castle (Caisleán na Cathrach) which means “Stone Fort” is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Ireland and was built in 1142 by Conor O’Brien, a lord of Thomond. It sits on a rocky island in the center of the River Suir in what is now the South Tipperary town of Cahir.
In 1375, the castle was granted to James Butler, after he was made Earl of Ormond for his loyalty to Edward III. The first Baron of Cahir was not created until 1542 and for the next century, the castle was the center of conflict between nobles supporting alternately Catholics or Protestants and cousins fighting over inheritance.
In 1375, the castle was granted to James Butler, after he was made Earl of Ormond for his loyalty to Edward III. The first Baron of Cahir was not created until 1542 and for the next century, the castle was the center of conflict between nobles supporting alternately Catholics or Protestants and cousins fighting over inheritance.
Even with continued conflict, the castle was enlarged from the 15th through 17th centuries, and it remains as it appeared in those days. It retains its beautiful stone keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure, so the castle you see today is impressive. We walked along the high defensive ramparts and marveled at the mechanism that pulled up the heaving iron portcullis (an iron gate at the castle entrance).
We wandered through the amazingly preserved castle rooms and up and down the many stories, through the huge Great Hall where feasts would have been held.
We even headed down into the depths of the castle into what I think were the dungeons. They sure looked like dungeons to me, with their iron bars!
As we climbed up curving, narrow dangerous stone stairs, I couldn’t help but wonder, “How did ladies with long gowns manage to climb up and down these steep stairs without breaking their necks?”
The private rooms were also fun to visit. In medieval times they had “garderobes” (sort of like closets) where the richly embroidered outer garments were stored. These clothes in the garderobe would have been regularly “beaten” rather than washed, to get rid of vermin. Yuk!
Jim of course had to pose over the privy (toilet) which was basically a hole which opened out to the side of the castle.
Jim of course had to pose over the privy (toilet) which was basically a hole which opened out to the side of the castle.
Cahir Castle really gives you a sense of what living in the castle might have been like for the people who occupied it so many centuries ago. It is a fun castle for those with lively imaginations!
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