Travel Information

One of the best ways to discover Ireland’s rich culture and history is to take a driving vacation that visits its major castles. This is very simple and can be arranged just by going to any of the numerous car hire agencies in the airports or major cities. For the small price of car rental you have complete control over your agenda and can even make important detours to the nearby tourist attractions. Many car hire agents would be very happy to help you personalize your car travels. Cahir Castle is one architectural landmark that is worth the car trip. Located in an island on the River Suir, it was built in the 15th century. In its time, it was considered the largest and one of the most impregnable castles. Until the advent of the canon, no one could destroy it—when it first fell, to Inchiquin in 1647 and Cromwell in 1650, it was after a brave fight. A car trip to Cahir Castle will also allow you to experience its rocky terrain, and appreciate what an architectural feat it was to build such a strong fortress in such an uncompromising environment. It is particularly impressive how the terrain was used to become part of the castle’s strengths—through a series of courts (inner, middle, outer and barbican) built around the layers of land while serving as successive lines of defense. The castle was built by Seamus Gallda (James the Foreigner), ancestor of the Butlers, Barons of Cahir. His descendant, Richard Butler, the thirteenth Baron Cahir, restored the castle several centuries later. He rebuilt the great hall and replaced the picturesque Irish battlements with more solid English ones. Your car trip to Cahir Castle will take you through a modern gateway from the road bridge. Since it is open daily you can schedule your car travel anytime during the year. To rent a car to take a car trip to Cahir Castle, you can approach a carhire agency in any of Ireland’s airports or major cities.