Cahir Castle was our first stop after leaving Killarney National Park. The castle is located in the town of Cahir, on a rocky island in the River Suir. The castle dates to the mid-1100s when it was constructed by Conor O'Brien. It was expanded in the 13th century, and it is Norman in design. The castle was remodelled twice, once in the 15th century and again in the 17th century as the main line of the owners (Butler family) died out.
The origins of the castle can be traced back to an earthen form located on this island in the River Suir. Later, the castle would have been constructed out of rock. We walked around to the entrance, the rocky island becoming clearer as we could see the brickwork from the castle raising up from it.
We saw a full-scale model of the early phase of the castle and the beginnings of the town of Cahir.
As we approached the entrance, we took note of the imposing structure of the castle.
The eagle made of stone sits above the door.
This castle was used in the 1980s film Excalibur. It was also used in Braveheart, but it was not the main filming location for that film. I will be posting about another Irish castle soon, and that is the one that is associtated with Braveheart the most.
We found ourselves into the inner ward, near the keep.
Inside is the banqueting hall. It was originally larger than it is today, and part of it dates from the 13th century. Large pageants were held here with hundreds of people in attendance. It must have been quite a sight to see.
The keep was altered to convert it into private living quarters for the Butler family in the 15th century. Its roof was restored in the 1960s.
The views from the castle over Cahir and the river were impressive.
In addition to wandering around the castle, one of the buildings had really good information panels about women throughout history in the Ireland and the roles expected of them.
The original entrance to the castle is in the northwest tower in the inner ward. It could be defended independently, and it was guarded. A murder hole exists overhead.
Of importance is the original porticulis, which was restored. It dates from the 13th century.
After we had finished, we went to explore the village of Cahir. We just walked down the street a short way and popped into a souvinir shop.
As we were getting ready to leave, I took some photographs of the castle from across the river. The sun came out at this time, so we had hopes for nice weather for the remainder of the day. We then continued our road trip, and the next stop on the journey was the Rock of Cashel.
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