A few miles outside of Castleisland, on the road to Farranfore, the passer-by will be forgiven for not recognising the place where once stood Kilfelim Church. Nothing remains of it today; indeed, nothing remained of it when John O’Donovan enquired in 1841: The site is pointed out in the south end of the townland…… Continue Reading
A Sketch of Coolclogher House, Killarney
Castleisland District Heritage has kindly been granted access to Coolclogher House Visitor Book 1950-1961. Coolclogher House, otherwise known as South Hill, Killarney, Co Kerry, is an eighteenth century residence built on the former Herbert Estate, and designed in the manner of Muckross House. Its construction, according to former owner, Mr Hilliard, was in stages: …… Continue Reading
At Home in Ireland: Lt-General Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart
A childhood of shifting scene and a mixed nationality may be responsible for my useful knack of growing roots wherever I happen to find myself – Happy Odyssey (1950) It is always of interest to the local historian, in this case one in Castleisland, to learn about the background of famous people. In this respect,…… Continue Reading
Castleisland Theatricals from Harry Brogan’s ‘Party Pieces’
Castleisland District Heritage has acquired an original typescript monologue performed in 1957 on Harry Brogan’s radio programme, ‘My Kind of Recitation,’ sponsored by Jacob’s Biscuits.[1] Sixty years ago, the monologues were popular entertainment and could be purchased for a shilling from Radio Éireann. In Castleisland, the monologues were performed locally to packed halls…… Continue Reading
Echoes of 1921: Holzer’s Paranormal Investigation of a North Kerry Tragedy
The Lively Ghosts of Ireland (1967) by American based parapsychologist and author, Hans Holzer (1920-2009), illustrated by his (then) wife, Catherine Geneviève Buxhoeveden, author of Growing up Haunted A Ghostly Memoir (2008), is the product of paranormal investigations in Ireland in the 1960s.[1] It includes a number of tales from ‘the rocky Kerry Coast.’ …… Continue Reading
Ballymacadam Castle: Towards a History of a Geraldine Stronghold
Elizabeth Marshall, daughter (and heiress) of Ralph Marshall Esq of Ballymacadam and Callinafercy, Co Kerry, and sister of John Markham Marshall of Kilburn House, Milltown, Co Kerry, was born in 1799. In about the year 1819, Elizabeth was accompanying her aunt, as her guardian, to India. During their journey, she met her future husband, Robert…… Continue Reading
Hunted: Pursuit of Gerald, ‘Rebell of Mounster,’ 1581 to 1583
Formerly one of the largest landowners in the whole of Ireland, the Earl of Desmond’s territory was devastated by the English. At length, all his castles fell into their hands[1] By 1581, the Earl of Desmond had taken to the woods for protection from the Elizabethan forces. For a time, he maintained a considerable following,…… Continue Reading
John Twiss of Castleisland, ‘Mythical Clergyman’s Son’
Castleisland District Heritage awaits the outcome of its petition to obtain the Presidential Pardon of John Twiss of Castleisland, for which application has been made to government on behalf of his descendants. John Twiss of Castleisland, convicted in 1894 for the murder of James Donovan, was the subject of much discussion in the press…… Continue Reading
Secrets of a Haunted Ireland: Brendan Griffin’s Tribute to the men of 1921
His music aired across the fields, The constant hush that never yields Came through so crisp and sharp and clear As Christmas died into the year. From The Last Christmas Castleisland District Heritage has acquired a copy of Secrets of a Haunted Winter written by Fine Gael politician, Brendan Griffin, TD. Brendan, who served as…… Continue Reading
John Twiss of Castleisland: Family Links to the ‘New World’
Castleisland District Heritage awaits the outcome of its application for the Presidential Pardon of John Twiss of Castleisland, wrongfully hanged in 1895 for a murder he did not commit.[1] In the meantime, research into the family of John Twiss is ongoing. Research shows that many in his extended family left Ireland for the ‘New World,’…… Continue Reading