The Swiss Cottage
An idyllic fantasy of country life
15 March - 3 November 2024
Admission
Guided Tour:
Adult €5.00
Senior €4.00
Student/Child €3.00- (12-17yrs)
Family €13.00
Group rate €4.00
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The Swiss Cottage
The Swiss Cottage, just outside the heritage town of Cahir, is a cottage orné – a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage used for picnics, small soirees and fishing and hunting parties and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big house.
Built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall, who, we believe, managed to persuade world-famous Regency architect John Nash to design it. Originally, simply known as “The Cottage” it appears to have acquired its present name because it was thought to resemble an Alpine cottage.
Inside, there is a graceful spiral staircase and some exquisitely decorated rooms. The wallpaper is partly original and partly the fruit of a 1980s restoration project, in which the renowned fashion designer Sybil Connolly was responsible for the interiors.
Highlights
Gallery
Opening Times
15 March – 3 November 2024
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last Admission 17:15
Access to the interior of the cottage is by guided tour only.
Notice
Access to the interior of cottage by guided tour only and is on a first come first served basis.
Max tour capacity 10 persons
All bus groups of 10 or more must be pre-booked.
Sundays and Bank Holidays – No buses after 12.00.
Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the Summer months.
Seasonal Opening Times
- 1 October - 26 October
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Last Admission 17:15
- 27 October - 31 Octoder
Daily 9:00 – 16:30
Last Admission 15:45- 1- 3 November
Daily 9:00 – 16:30
last admission 15:45
Getting Here
2km south of Cahir Town off R670 – road to Ardfinnan (Cahir is a Heritage Town).
Access to The Swiss Cottage is Via Cahir and R670 Ardfinnan Road only. Strictly no access from the R668 Clogheen Road
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Baby Changing
- Brochure
- Car park
- Card Accepted
- Coach parking
- Guided tours
- On the Suir Blueway
- Recycling
- River Walk
- Toilets
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
Restrictions
- Assistance dogs only
- Hold hand rail
- Limited Access
- No indoor photography
- No lift
Nearby sites to visit
The Swiss Cottage
Cahir Castle
A defensive powerhouse of the thirteenth century
Approx. 1.9 km from The Swiss Cottage
The Main Guard
A courthouse with centuries of history under its arches
Approx. 15.1 km from The Swiss Cottage
The Rock of Cashel
The high king of Irish monuments
Approx. 18.2 km from The Swiss Cottage