Today doesn’t look as promising weather-wise, as yesterday …. On our way back to Dublin.  

Cahir Castle-1172 AD, has 3 courtyards.  The proper name for the castle (I am not even going to try to say it) means …“old stone fort of the fishery”. 800 plus yrs old is from medieval times. 

The river with fishing weirs was the 1st line of defence, then the wall on the outside & long bows that shot out of the openings on the walls. It was erected from sold limestone rock and is atop limestone rock & surrounded by the river

Butler family owned it from 1375 for loyalty to King Edward 3rd until 1961 for almost 600 years until In 1964, the last Bulter died with no heirs. As a result it was passed onto the government.  The eagle represents power and protection of the castle and people by the butler family. 

The town was built in the 17 century

The courtyard was added in 16th century. 

Holes in wall were where the beams were used for the living space above and the floor for the animals below (which helped to keep the people warm). At one spot pointed out to us, that there was the Michicolation— murder hole…. Where if the invaders made it through the rest of the defences, had boiling fat poured over them to slow them down.  Ouch!!!

Central part, through the arch, in 16th century had 50 people living and working…. helpers. 

Round tower was the prison tower. In 1599, a cannonball is stuck in wall when the British lead by the Earl of Essex attacked the castle…. It was the only really successful attack. The family were allowed to back in but after 2 other attacks, one in 1650 when Oliver Cromwell attacked they surrendered and they never moved back in . 

The family toilet is in the tower where the cannonball is stuck.  

The walls are 6-8 feet thick. 

Banquet hall has a heated floor now. It has saved the mortar and walls from mould and decomposion. It has great acoustics and it used for performances even today. 

Roof is made of sold oak with the struts built like a Viking ship

It is the finest medieval castle in the country 

Next, Kilkenny is largest walled city in Ireland. Kilkenny Castle was built in 1397 but although some of our group went in, we did not take the tour. The castle was also owned by the Butlers.