Castle of the Week 120 - Cahir Castle, Tipperary County, Ireland
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Cahir through the Ages |
 Described to Elizabeth I as
"the only famous castle in Ireland which is thought impregnable," the
aptly named stronghold at Cahir (cathair means "stone fort") boldly
commands its water surroundings as it would have done during the
queen's reign. Erected on an island in the River Suir, which was
navigable to this point by boats and small ships, Cahir Castle provided
a crucial link between Waterford and Limerick. Within 200 years of
its founding, the castle developed from a rudimentary stone fort into
one of Ireland's largest and most impressive medieval fortresses.
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 Cahir Castle is
a fascinating site consisting of three main areas, each representing
a different phase in its history. Now encompassing the inner baily,
the 13th-century Norman castle occupied the highest point on the
limestone island. Always the most complex part of the development,
the inner bailey featured strong towers at each corner and an
enormous gatehouse that overlooked the southern side of the island
which was not yet fortified.
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 Commanding the north-western
corner of the Norman castle, the three-story keep acted as the
original strongpoint. Fitted with latrines that dumped into the river
and private accommodations on the upper levels, the imposing
rectangular towers suited the military and domestic needs of the
lord. Stairs next to the square northeastern tower led down into the
round well tower, a curious structure that projected outwards from
the curtain wall to penetrate the waters of the Suir.
In the 15th century, James "the Foreigner" Butler altered the layout of the fortress and converted the rectangular gatehouse into a primary residence, akin to a keep-gatehouse. Separating the rectangular twin towers, the central passageway originally allowed access into the inner bailey from the south. When Butler gained possession of Cahir Castle, he blocked the gate and moved the main entrance to an arched gap just to the east. At the same time he also enclosed the remainder of the island creating a spacious outer bailey with two round towers to watch the southern approach. During the 16th Century, the lords of Cahir added a cross-walk to the northern end of the outer bailey. The newly enclosed open area became known as the middle bailey. |
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Damage, Disrepair, and Debt |
 Despite contemporary boasts of
impregnability, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex (from 1556-1601), who
was one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite courtiers, damaged the
formidable castle in a 10-day siege in 1599. The castle was repaired
little until the 1840s when the tattered stronghold experienced a
renaissance. Richard Butler, the 1st Earl of Glengall, began to
restore his ancestral home. However, the Butlers found themselves in
serious financial straits by the end of the decade and were forced to
declare bankruptcy and sell off much of their property, including the
castle, to cover the debts.
In the late 1870s, Lady Margaret Butler Charteris reacquired the Cahir estates, and the empty castle remained with the family until 1961. While modern development has consumed much of the town, the fully consolidated castle at Cahir remains the Butler's lasting and grandest legacy. Its militarized façade contrasts with the softer, more regal appearance presented by the Butler's Castle at Kilkenny. Today Cahir is managed by Dúchas-The Heritage Service, and is open throughout the year for an entrance fee. |
Write-up provided by Sir Hugh.
Special thanks to:
Pictures from Ireland Photo
Album taken by Dale Kocevski
Ground plan from Zurück
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*) denotes a former staff member.