Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle (mainly 13-15th century), now fully restored, was the largest of its period in
Ireland. It has a massive keep, high enclosing walls, spacious courtyards and a hall, and
is now an architectural interpretative centre. A guide service is available all year round,
Building began in the early 13th century when the castle came into the hands of the Anglo
Norman Butlers in 1375. The Butlers of Cahir sided with the Irish in the Elizabethan Wars,
and in 1599 Elizabeth's deputy, the Earl of Essex, took the castle after a short 3 day siege
in which the walls were widely breached by - the English artillery. In 1647 the castle was
surrendered to the Parliamentary commander, Lord lnchiquin, by the guardian of Lord
Cahir. George Mathews. Mathews also surrendered the castle to Cromwell in 1650 without
firing a shot. Two years later the long war ended officially with the signing of articles in
Cahir Castle.
