First Conservation Works Since 1650s Begin on Castleisland Castle

Castle of the Island documentary maker, Rob McGuire pictured with Nationwide presenter, Mary Kennedy at the castle site during the RTÉ shoot in 2008. ©Photograph: John Reidy 6-2-2018
The first large scale scaffolding of Castleisland Castle since the mid to late 1650s pictured recently as preservation work is about to begin on the site believed to date back to 1226. ©Photograph: John Reidy

A message from archaeologist and Castleisland Castle documentary maker, Rob McGuire expresses his delight and announces that conservation works have commenced on the ruins of the castle over the past couple of weeks.

Since the abandonment of the Desmond Fitzgerald stronghold at the end of the 17th century, its physical remains have suffered greatly.

Many factors have led to the loss of a lot of the castle’s ancient walls and buildings throughout the centuries. These include human interference and neglect, as well as the destructive forces of nature, which have battered its walls relentlessly, year after year.

Once Powerful Geraldine Castle

Yet remarkably, fragments of the once powerful Geraldine castle have endured to this day.

Nowadays, only three sections of the castle remain. These decaying relics are located on the outskirts of the modern town of Castleisland, on the Killarney Road.

These ruins are a stark reminder of the existence of a key Desmond power-base here in a former era. Remarkably, parts of the castle continue to stand guard over the valley of the Maine, as they have done so for generations.

Its humbling to think that the first castle was constructed here back in 1226.

Various Phases of Building

The castle experienced various phases of building and expansion throughout its long period of occupation.

The first castle at Castleisland was built and inhabited by a Norman family known as the Shanid Geraldines. Their descendants became the infamous Desmond Geraldine family, who reigned over this domain from 1329 to 1583. Regrettably, the Geraldines lost their lands and castles in the Castleisland area and beyond, following the devastating Desmond Rebellion of 1579-1583.

This led to the arrival of the protestant Herbert family from Monmouthshire in Wales, who came to control the ‘Castle of the Island of Kerry’. The castle was finally abandoned at the end of the 17th century. Overall, it is incredible to believe that in the year 2026, we will be celebrating the 800-year anniversary of the construction of first castle here in Castleisland.

A Revival of Sorts

Thankfully in recent times, the castle and its history has experienced a revival of sorts.

In 2017, I established a voluntary group called ‘The Castle of the Island Society’. Our main aim is to preserve and promote the history of Castleisland castle.

Last year, my society published a brochure entitled ‘Castleisland Castle: A Journey Through Time’. Copies of the brochure may be found in some of the main libraries in Kerry. In addition, free copies of the brochure were distributed to local primary and secondary schools, in the hope of increasing public awareness, pride and interest in our local castle.

Last year, my voluntary group successfully acquired funding from the Community Monuments Fund, which is a form of state aid, issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

A Multi-Disciplinary Team

As a result of a successful bid in 2021, a multi-disciplinary team was hired to compile a conservation management report on the castle. This exceptional report was carried out by Clarkebond, which is a UK based company.

As a result of this report, it was possible to apply for another phase of grant aid in 2022.

This year ‘The Castle of the Island Society’ is not involved in the current phase of works. However, I have remained on in a voluntary basis to support and interact with the key landowners and Kerry County Council throughout the year, to help see these works through.

Fortunately, the second application to the Community Monuments Fund was successful and has allowed conservation works to be undertaken on the castle this year.

Undertaking Structural Repairs

These works will focus solely on undertaking structural repairs on the main surviving turret. This is the tallest structure surviving today. The works are being carried out by Costello Masonry Conservation Limited. This family run business has built up four generations of stone masonry experience.

Additionally, Malachy Walsh and Partners are acting as consultants. Both parties have outstanding experience in conservation projects. The current repairs mark a key turning point in the castle’s long and enduring history. This is the first time since the summer of 1658, that repairs have commenced on the medieval castle. Since the last documented repairs, 364 years have passed, and the remaining pieces of the castle have suffered greatly. But all is not lost.

Last Repairs in 1650s

The last documented repairs on the castle that took place between 1656 to 1658. These were undertaken on the request of Sir Edward Herbert, who held the title third Baron of Cherbury and Castleisland.

Edward was an ambitious man and was determined to restore the old Desmond stronghold and to take up residence within it. A meticulous list including costings of the repairs are contained in several manuscripts held in the National Library of Wales.

I had the pleasure of viewing these invaluable documents first hand. Some of the works and tasks recorded include ‘Paying the labourers, who mixed 30 barrels of lyme [lime] for the castle, paying for glass and lead from Cork. Paying for thatching and for the workmen and carpenters for work on the castle vault. Paying masons for the stonework of the new stable inside the bawn. Paying for tobacco and brandy for the workers.’

Bringing History Back to Life

The list of tasks carried out between 1656 to 1658, are long and enriching in detail, every task was noted and accounted for in detail. It makes a fascinating read, and it really brings a colourful period in our local history back to life.

Regrettably, these repairs were abandoned after two years, as Sir Edward Herbert (or one of his advisors) decided to construct a new mansion, near the castle instead.

Sadly, this mansion had a relatively short life span and is now long lost from the landscape. Nevertheless, reflecting on this episode from the past, it is both exciting and incredible to think that similar restoration works i.e. re-pointing of sections of the castle walls with lime mortar, will be undertaken once again, as part of the current phase of repairs.

Skilled Masons and Workmen

Overall, the construction of the scaffold around the main tower in recent weeks, as well as the arrival of skilled masons and workmen on site, is a remarkable milestone in our local history. To conclude, the last couple of years have been very exciting and rewarding for me personally, as I have achieved several key goals, which were set out to preserve and safeguard the castle and its history for future generations. There is now a renewed sense of hope, that with the beginning of the conservation works, that the castle will now be in a stronger position going forward.

Regarding the current phase of works, I would like to thank the local landowners, who have shown great pride and interest in preserving the castle.

Efforts Acknowledged

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Kerry County Council in facilitating these works, particularly the county archaeologist.  I would also like to thank the contractors involved in the works and the personnel from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who administer the Community Monuments Fund. It has been advised that in respect of health and safety, that people should refrain from visiting the castle site, while the construction works are underway.

Overall, these works will help significantly in preserving our local castle for future generations. I firmly believe that our great Geraldine castle can continue to play a key role in the future of Castleisland town. Particularly in relation to the tourism of the area, as it is hoped that in the future, a heritage centre will open in the town.

On Guard over Valley of the Maine

To conclude, in an ever-changing world, it is reassuring to see that fragments of the old Desmond castle still stand guard over the valley of the Maine, as they have done so for nearly 800 years. It is important to acknowledge that were it not for the construction of the ‘Island Castle’ here in 1226, the modern town of Castleisland may never have come to exist. I feel privileged to have played a

role in helping to revive and preserve its history and its legacy in recent years.

Once again, sincere thanks to the team and personnel involved in the current phase of works. I would like to wish them the very best of luck in the weeks to come. ‘Shanid abú.”

If you wish to access more information regarding Castleisland Castle please visit: www.castleislandcastle.com

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