Ireland is rich in surviving medieval buildings. Caguir Castle stands out in this series: not once in its history has it been destroyed or substantially damaged. The authorities' policy of "Always surrender without a fight" contributed to this. Cair can be visited all year round - which is great, because tourists always have the opportunity to visit the citadel, which remembers many - both calm and difficult periods in Irish history. The birds, many of whom live close to the castle walls, will tell you about it, and the walls themselves have something to share... You only have to listen to them.
History of the castle
The construction of the structure can be conditionally divided into three stages:
- Initially there was an earthen fort, intended for the residence of the chief of the ruling family.
- In 1142 a stone fortress was built on the site of the fort. During this period the owner of the fort became Theobald Walter, the first representative of the famous clan of Irish butlers. The building has belonged to this clan ever since.
- In the early 15th century, James Butler began a long, nearly two-century journey to expand the fortress.
However, the quiet life in the fortified fortress did not last long: in 1599, the Butler family failed to defend Cairo against the opposition of Robert Devere's Essex army. Artillery fire caused considerable damage to the castle walls during the ongoing three-day siege, and in the final act the English managed to capture the site, which was handed over to Charles Blunt. But the Butler family did not give up: it was only a year later that they recovered their property.
Over a long period of wars, changing one, the castle was seized twice by the British. However, thanks to the new policy of "Family Surrender without a Fight," this happened without any damage. Despite the captures, Cairo always remained the property of the Butlers.
In 1840, the Butlers began an extensive restoration of the castle, which was not destined to be completed. Due to financial problems, they had to sell Kagir and the surrounding land and declare their family bankrupt.
In 1961 Kagir Castle passed into the possession of the state. In 1964, restoration work was carried out here, after which it was awarded the title of a national monument.
Architecture of the castle
The castle is represented by 3 main parts, reflecting the stages of its history. The highest part is an ancient building from the 13th century. At the corners are tall towers, massive gates face the south of the island.
On the northwest side is the main tower, the dungeon, which is considered the first fortification of Cairo. There were toilets and private rooms. On the steep staircase from this tower a man fell into the next tower - this path was saved during the Shura Flood.
Interesting Facts
- In front of the gates of the castle came down a massive grate that has survived to this day. On St. Patrick's Day, it stands out in green.
- Cairo Castle is a popular location for filming historical movies. Excalibur, a fantasy film about the legendary sword of King Arthur, Barry Lyndon, in which it was a military camp, and The Danish Room were filmed here.
- You can take a guided walk around the castle.
