Ireland Trip - Cahir Castle

On a rock in the middle of the River Suir, this medieval fortress can trace its history from the 3rd century, when a stone fort, called a cathair, was first built on the rock. It was built in 1142 by Conor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond.  Cahir Castle was built in the 13th century.   Granted to the powerful Butler family in late 14th century, the castle was enlarged and remodelled between the 15th and 17th centuries. It fell into ruin in the late 18th century and was partially restored in the 1840s. The Great Hall was partly rebuilt in 1840. 

 

You can see that some of the structures are different from others.



We climbed up this set of steps to the top of a wall that surrounded the keep.




Jolene and I took photos in a complete 360° arc from the top of the wall.





Here you can see some of the town and the stairs we climbed to get to the top of the wall.





This building was built 200 years after the keep on the opposite side of the ground.





Jolene snapping photos from the top of the wall.





Time to go back down the stairs.






The first floor had a good view out the window and a big fireplace.








The next room over was the garderobe, aka the bathroom.  This alcove was the toilet.   Clothing was hung over this opening every evening when someone stirred the contents so the fumes could come up the opening and fumigate the clothing.




The grate over the toilet opening.




I was standing at the door to the keep and looking toward the north. 







Let's just say these were "iuteresting" using a crutch.

















Of all the castles that we visited, this was my favorite.