Cahir, Co. Tipperary
35 minutes drive from Sliabh gCua Farmhouse bed and breakfast.The main tourist attractions in Cahir are Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage. The town and surrounding area has numerous speciality heritage walks. The River Suir provides fishing for tourists.
Cahir Castle
One of the largest castles in Ireland, was built in County Tipperary in 1142 by Conor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, on an island in the river Suir. Now situated inside the town centre of Cahir, the castle is one of the best preserved castles in Ireland and has guided tour and audiovisual shows in multiple languages.
In 1375, the castle was granted to Butler, newly-created Baron of Cahir, for his loyalty to Edward III. The Butlers of Cahir sided with the Irish in the Elizabethan wars, and in 1599 the castle was captured after a three day siege by the army of the Earl of Essex.
In the Irish Confederate Wars of the late 1640s (waged during the English Civil War) the castle was besieged twice. In 1647 George Mathew, the guardian of the young Lord Cahir, surrendered to Lord Inchiquin following his victory at the battle of Knocknanauss. In 1650 he surrendered again to Oliver Cromwell, during his conquest of Ireland without a shot being fired.
Swiss Cottage, Cahir
Built around 1810 the Swiss cottage is a fine example of cottage orné, or ornamental cottage. The cottage was originally part of the estate of Lord and Lady Cahir, and used for entertaining guests. The cottage was probably designed by John Nash (architect).
After some years of neglect Swiss cottage was restored and eventually opened to the public in 1989.
Cahir Town
Information on tourism, business and community in the town of Cahir.