Swiss cottage, Cahir
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Built around 1810 at Kilcommon near the town of Cahir in County Tipperary (Ireland), the Swiss cottage is a fine example of cottage ornée, or ornamental cottage. It was originally part of the estate of Lord and Lady Cahir, and used for entertaining guests. The cottage was probably designed by John Nash (architect), famous for designing many Regency buildings.
Cahir, alternately spelt: Cahier, Chaier, Chaierdowneske, Chaer-down-Eske, may have been built by Richard Butler, 12th Baron Caher, 1st Earl of Glengall (1775-1819), who married 1793, Emily Jeffereys, daughter of Blarney Castle. Milady Cahir is referred to by Napoleon's Josephine in connection with the Château de Malmaison.
After some years of neglect, restoration of the cottage started in 1985. The Swiss cottage opened to the public in 1989.
Similar buildings exist at Burrenwood; Derrymore, Bessbrook, Newry, Co. Armagh (National Trust); and the Petit hameau de la Reine at Versailles.
