Climb the keep and Great Hall
Winding staircases climb the towers past authentic medieval interiors to the Great Hall and its giant Irish deer antlers; the well tower gives the best river views.
Cahir Castle
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About
One of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles, a 13th-century Butler stronghold on a rocky island in the River Suir that has doubled as a set for Excalibur and The Tudors.
Things to Do
Spot the medieval defences
Pass beneath the spikes of one of Ireland's few working portcullises, then hunt out the machicolations and the varied arrow loops set into the towers and walls.
Walk the riverbank to the Swiss Cottage
A riverside path follows the Suir roughly 2 km south to the Butlers' ornamental Swiss Cottage, turning a castle stop into half a day out.
Inch Field park and fairy trail
Just outside the walls, the Inch Field public park has wooden sculptures and a fairy trail, and is said to hide King Arthur's sword, Excalibur.
Take a guided tour
Thirty-minute guided tours cover the Butler family's six centuries of love, betrayal, murder and warfare. Book tour tickets online; groups must pre-book.
Courtyards, culverin ball and siege exhibition
A culverin ball fired in the 1599 siege is lodged high in the garderobe turret in the middle courtyard, and the siege exhibition's detailed model shows the castle under attack.
Catch the audiovisual show
A 15-minute presentation, Cahir Castle and the Story of Irish Castles, runs in the castle cottage with commentary in Irish, English, French, German and Italian.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open all year with seasonal hours. January-February daily 09:30-16:30 (last admission 15:45); March-25 May 09:30-17:30 (16:45); 26 May-August 09:00-18:30 (17:45); September-mid October 09:30-17:30 (16:45); late October-December 09:30-16:30 (15:45). Closed 24-30 December inclusive.
- Admission: Adults €5.00, group/senior €4.00, child/student €3.00, family €13.00
- Parking: A public car/coach park sits close to the site; the castle is in the centre of Cahir town, so park once and walk.
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