16 Mar Cahir Castle, County Tipperary
Cahir Castle is on an island commanding the Suir bridge, the largest of its period in Ireland, was built in the 15th century by successive members of the Butler family, lords of Cahir, on the site of a 13th century Norman fortress, restored in 1840 and 1964. It comprises an elaborate curtain wall between round and square towers, enclosing a tall keep in the restored rooms of which is a collection of early oak furniture and a working portcullis. Cahir was besieged by Essex in 1599 and Inchiquin in 1647 in 1647. The castle was regarded in the 16th century as ‘the bulwark of Munster and a safe retreat for all agents of Spain and Rome’, but Cromwell was not to be deterred and when encamped below its walls in 1650 issued an acerbic reminder to its garrison, ‘if necessitated to bend my cannon upon you, you must expect the extremity usual in such cases’. The inhabitants took his point, capitulated, and the garrison marched out with banners flying.
Cahir Castle is a real hidden gem, contact us now to organise your visit on your Ireland tours.