Richard Walter Chetwynd, 6th Viscount Chetwynd of Bearhaven was born on 13 December 1800 at Bolton Row, Piccadilly, London. He was the son of Richard Chetwynd, 5th Viscount Chetwynd of Bearhaven and Charlotte Cartwright. He married, firstly, Mary Moss, daughter of Robert Moss and unknown Weyland, on 30 August 1822 at St. George's Church, St. George Street, Hanover Square, London. He married, secondly, Mary Hussey, daughter of John Hussey and Mary Christina Arundell, on 24 September 1861 at Withecombe Rawleigh, Devon. He died on 6 December 1879 aged 78.
He was an officer in the Grenadier Guards. He became the 6th Baron of Rathdowne, Co Dublin on 26 March 1829. He succeeded to the title of 6th Viscount Chetwynd of Bearhaven, Co Kerry on 26 March 1829.