Cahir Castle Tours and Activities

Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle


Cahir Castle is a true survivor. Despite siege and bombardment it has endured for centuries, only to stand today as one of Ireland’s largest and best preserved castles. This imposing Anglo-Norman stronghold is a must-see for anyone intrigued by the county’s rich history.

Originally erected in the mid-12th Century, Cahir Castle was designed by Conor O’Brien to be an impregnable defensive fortress. It stands at a key strategic location on an island in the River Suir, and almost appears to have grown organically from the rock itself.

The castle passed into the hands of the powerful Butler family in 1375 since then it has fallen three times. The first was in 1599, during the Nine Years War, following three days of siege by the Earl of Essex who was leading a campaign against rebels in the region. A cannonball fired during this siege can still be seen lodged in the castle wall today.

Cahir Castle fell again to Inchiquin in 1647 and then to Cromwell in 1650. Clearly aware of the castle’s immense potential, Cromwell did not dismantle it as he did so many others. For this we can be truly thankful.

Once today’s visitors have crossed the river bridge to the castle, they can climb winding stairways to the lofty battlements, duck through networks of narrow hallways, walk through furnished rooms and even pop down to the dungeons. Informative tour guides, documentary films and detailed models help bring the past to life. As immersive historical experiences go, Cahir Castle is hard to beat.

Popular places to visit


Top Cahir Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cahir House Hotel

Cahir House Hotel

3 out of 5
The Square, Cahir, Tipperary
Cahir House Hotel
Talbot Hotel Clonmel

Talbot Hotel Clonmel

4 out of 5
Cahir Road, Clonmel, Tipperary
Talbot Hotel Clonmel
THE DAIRY, with open fire in Ardfinnan, County Tipperary

THE DAIRY, with open fire in Ardfinnan, County Tipperary

Clonmel
THE DAIRY, with open fire in Ardfinnan, County Tipperary
Hotel Minella

Hotel Minella

4 out of 5
Coleville Road, Clonmel
Hotel Minella
Cashel Palace Hotel

Cashel Palace Hotel

5 out of 5
Main Street 1, Cashel, Tipperary
Cashel Palace Hotel
Baileys Hotel Cashel

Baileys Hotel Cashel

4 out of 5
42 Main Street, Cashel, Tipperary
Baileys Hotel Cashel
Authentic  thatched cottage in the heart of  Irelands ancient East.

Authentic thatched cottage in the heart of Irelands ancient East.

Clonmel
Authentic thatched cottage in the heart of Irelands ancient East.
Ach na Sheen Guest House

Ach na Sheen Guest House

2 out of 5
Clonmel Road, Tipperary, TA
Ach na Sheen Guest House
Fennessy's Hotel

Fennessy's Hotel

2 out of 5
32 Gladstone Street, Clonmel, TA
Fennessy's Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cahir Castle

During your visit to Cahir Castle in County Tipperary, be sure to explore the stunning castle itself, rich in history and architecture. Nearby, you can enjoy a round of golf at a local course or unwind at a nearby spa. Additionally, the area offers lovely walking trails for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to soak in the beautiful Irish landscape.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience is Cahir Farmers Market, located 322m from Cahir Castle, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Tipperary Town Plaza and Tipp Town Shopping Centre, both 20.9km away, feature a variety of shops for gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Cahir Park Golf Club, just 1.1km from Cahir Castle, surrounded by lush landscapes. Alternatively, head to Clonmel Golf Club, 16.1km away, for more outdoor golfing excitement. For a unique experience, visit Clonmel Greyhound Stadium, also 16.1km away, to enjoy thrilling races.

Adventure

For a thrilling adventure near Cahir Castle, head to Kartworld Adventure Centre, 49.9km away, for exciting karting experiences. Enjoy the stunning scenery on the Barnane Walk, located 35.4km away, or embark on a cycling tour with Lismore Cycling Holidays, found 38.6km from the castle.

Nightlife

For a vibrant night out near Cahir Castle, catch a show at the Bru Boru Cultural Centre, just 16.1km away, where you’ll soak in rich entertainment and culture. Alternatively, 48.3km away, Perks Entertainment Center offers thrilling arcade adventures perfect for the whole family.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cahir Castle

While visiting Cahir Castle in County Tipperary, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area. Explore the impressive ruins, the historic Cahir Castle and its keep, and visit the local Cahir Library. Enjoy the scenic beauty of nearby lakes and discover the legacy of Lord Cahir. With plenty of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences, there’s something for every traveller to enjoy around this iconic landmark.

  • Swiss Cottage: A charming historic house located 805m from Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage showcases stunning architecture and rich cultural vibes. It's the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the past while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
  • Inch Field: Just 322m away, this eco-friendly park offers a peaceful escape with lush greenery and outdoor activities. It's ideal for families looking to enjoy nature, play, and relax in a serene environment.
  • Cahir Library: Located 322m from Cahir Castle, Cahir Library is a welcoming space for families and culture enthusiasts. Explore a range of books and resources while soaking in the community spirit of this charming library.

Best time to go to Cahir Castle

The best time to visit Cahir Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cahir Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Cahir Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cahir Castle

To save money on your trip to Cahir Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and November, as accommodation prices tend to be lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings, especially on Tuesdays, which are the least expensive days to stay. Utilise Expedia's price filters and consider package deals to combine your accommodation with flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cahir Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Cahir Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cahir Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cahir Castle is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to customise your options, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Cahir Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.