The following list of historic houses and castles was compiled by the late Michael O’Donohoe. The handwritten originals can be viewed on this webpage: http://www.odonohoearchive.com/houses-of-castleisland/.1
Ahane Farm, Ballymacelligott
Associated Names: McEllistrim
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: McEllistrims in Ahane at least 200 years. Ahane Farm burned 1916 and later restored. Old Tommy Mac on run for six years. Son Tom TD for 26 years. Family 70 years in politics.
Additional Notes: Further information on the McEllistrim family in the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/.
Annaghmore House, Killeentierna
Associated Names: Northcote, Meredith, Roche
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: House may be early 17th century. Old in 1840. Built by Merediths (ref: O’Donovan). Northcote landlord c100 years ago. House a shooting lodge. Roches became agents and lived there. Timmy Roche now.
Additional Notes: A sketch of Annaghmore House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2000).
Arabella Castle (Castle Eliot), Ballymacelligott
Associated Names: MacElligott
Condition: Ruined
Additional Notes: See page ‘The Lost Castles of the McElligotts’ on the O’Donohoe website.
Arabella House, Ballymacelligott
Associated Names: Blennerhasset, Rowan, Bottom, Peet, Finegan
Condition: Inhabited, restoring garden
Additional Notes: Built by Blennerhassetts in 1740-50. It is thought that the historian, Archdeacon Arthur Blennerhassett Rowan, may have been born here.
Ardnagragh Castle, Ardnagragh
Associated Names: Fitzgerald
Condition: 3 clumps of wall at site.
Notes: It was a Fitzgerald who stole Earl of Desmond’s headless body and buried it in their own burial place. The earls the Fitzgeralds became cottier tenants on lands round their own castle. Brothers at Ardnagragh, Ballinplymoth, Kilmurry (Ballincuslane).
Additional Notes: For further reference, see webpage ‘The Fitzgerald Castles of Cordal’ on the Michael O’Donohoe website.
Ardrivale House, Ballincuslane
Associated Names: Fitzgerald
Condition: No memory of it. Farmland.
Notes: In 1823, David Fitzgerald snr (married Catherine Twiss) lost chancery suit for £300 to Arthur Blennerhasset, Ballyseedy (married daughter of George Twiss).
Additional Notes: See ‘Fitzgerald of Adraval’ in the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/.
Ballincuslane Castle (Kilmurry Castle)
Associated Names: Fitzgerald
Notes: See Kilmurry Castle
Ballinvariscal House (Mount Prospect), Nohoval
Associated Names: Buckley, Lombard, Murphy, Young, Hungerford, Roche, Lenihan
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Built in 1813 for £1,200 by Rev Robert Buckley. Roger Lombard and John Murphy successive residents. A seat of Wm E Young in 1840s. Bought by Lenihan family in 1900.
Additional Notes; ‘At Ballinvorascal, now owned by Mr John Lenihan, lived the Hungerford family before it was bought by the late Redmond Roche of Tubbermaing House’ (The Liberator, 27 September 1930).
Ballybeg House / Cottage, Killeentierna
Associated Names: Brosnan, Hickey
Condition: Demolished
Notes: A Mr Hickey married a Miss Brosnan who had inherited the property. Old house demolished about 1935.
Additional Notes: In 1851, the Incumbered Estates Commission ordered the sale of lands of the estate of Richard Meredith including Killeentierna, Ballybeg, Ranalough, Curramore and Castleisland with sub denominations including Tiernagoose otherwise Dicksgrove and the advowson of the parish of Castleisland and united parishes of Dysart and Killeentierna and the parish of Ballycushlane. In the Incumbered Estates court of 1855, the lands of Ballybeg, 708 acres, were to be sold part of the estate of Richard Meredith Esq. The Census of 1901 records William and Mary Hickey resident at Ballybeg with their children.
Ballyegan, Nohoval
Associated Names: Harnett, Milward/Millward, Moran
Condition: Early house demolished
Notes: In 1814, John Harnett in residence. Home of Millwards early 1900s. Men of this family noted for being handsome and for fine physique. Extensive quarry now covers site of the early residence. Last Millward left in 1988.
Additional Notes: ‘In Ballyegan, the home of the Millwards, in the old days I well remember two of the Millward brothers, great big-bearded gentlemen, physically, perhaps the finest men coming into the town of Castleisland’ (The Liberator, 27 September 1930).
Miscellaneous Notes on Milward/Millward of Ballyegan from the O’Donohoe Collection:
William Sealy, proprietor of the estate of Magh (which he sold) married Deborah, daughter of the Rev William Collis of Fortwilliam who have issue, William and Lucy – Mrs Doctor Fitzmaurice – Alice, Mrs Milward of Ballyegan (Michael O’Donohoe Catalogue, p167). John Millward of Ballyegan recorded in the Castleisland Convent Boys Roll Book (IE MOD/17/17.1/17.1.52) and Sarah Millward of Ballyegan in the Castleisland Convent Girls Roll Book (IE MOD/18/18.1/18.1.73).
In November 1836, it was recorded that Mary Anne, wife of John Millward Esq, Lieutenant of his Majesty’s forces, died at BallyEgan after giving birth to her eleventh child. In July 1839, John Milward Esq of Ballyegan married Alicia, eldest daughter of (late) Samuel Sealy Esq and sister of William Sealy Esq of Magh House. In 1864, John Milward was in residence at Ballyegan when he advertised his missing dog named Flash. John Milward Esq died on 21 November 1869. An auction of livestock at Ballyegan in January 1870 was ordered by the executors of John Milward Esq. In 1887, Mr Hartnett Milward was visited by a party of 10 moonlighters on suspicion of having paid his rent. In 1900, a notice of eviction at the suit of Mr George A E Hickson against Robert Milward in respect of dwelling house, out offices and land at Ballyegan was received. Frances Millward, relict of late Hartnett Millward of Ballyegan, and second daughter of late William Thompson of Parknageragh, died in August 1919.
The wife of Thomas H Milward of Ardmona Cottage, Castleisland, delivered a son on 8 November 1886. Thomas H Milward died on 30 August 1899.
Ballymacadam Castle, Ballymacadam
Associated Names: O’Connor Kerry
Condition: Demolished
Additional Notes: The ruin of Ballymacadam Castle was destroyed about 20 years ago to make way for a quarry.
Ballymacadam House, Ballymacadam
Associated Names: Bailey, Roche, Madgett, Kenny, Herlihy, O’Connor
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Eighteenth century house. Wm Bailey living there in 1814. By mid 19th century, John Roche in residence. By end of 19th century, Madgett owned the property (Kerry Blues). T M Donovan (p144) mentions Fitzgeralds.
Additional Notes: Short sketch about Ballymacadam House in the Michael O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue, pp519-520, note 7. An illustration of Ballymacadam House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2001).
Ballymacdonnell House, Killeentierna
Associated Names: James Fitzgerald, Hussey
Condition: Demolished
Notes: ‘By 1731 the freeholder was Richard Meredith. Soon after John Hussey repaired or rebuilt Ballymacdonnell House but in 1840, it was said to be nearly in ruins’.
Ballynahown House (Riverstown House), Crag
Notes: See Riverstown House
Ballyplimoth Castle, Ballincuslane
Associated Names: Fitzgerald
Condition: Ruin
Notes: Fitzgerald brothers at neighbouring castles of Ardnagragh and Killmurry.
Additional Notes: See webpage, ‘The Fitzgerald Castles of Cordal’ on the O’Donohoe website. An illustration of Ballyplymouth Castle by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2000).
Bawnaskehy House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Barry, Horgan, O’Connor, O’Connell
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: John Barry resident 1840 (T M Donovan). House probably 18th century. Mrs Horgan divided the property between two nephews. Timothy O’Connell bought the property in 1960.
Breahig Cottage, Ballincuslane
Associated Names: Saunders
Condition: Demolished
Notes: Saunders one of the oldest English families. Others Carker House. No memory of Breahig remains. John Richard Twiss’s mother, a Saunders, charitable person and ‘doctor’ for the poor (Carker) p44.
Additional Notes: In 1834, William Marshall Saunders Esq of Breahig registered lands at Carker and at Breahig in his application to vote. In 1840, the lands and dwelling of William M Saunders of Breahig were leased by order of the Equity Exchequer at the suit of Peter Foley. See also Carker House.
Cahereenard House, Kealgorm, Castleisland
Associated Names: Fitzgerald, Heffernan, Griffin
Condition: Burned
Notes: Fr Maurice Fitzgerald lived here in 1820s. Parson William Heffernan in 1880s. Burned by Black & Tans. Bought by Griffins in 1922 who built a new house. Ruins of St Finian’s Church.
Camp Lodge, Camp, Castleisland
Associated Names: Twiss, Hussey, Hewson, O’Connor
Condition: Becoming derelict
Notes: Probably 18th century. John Twiss there in 1814. By 1840, John Hussey there. Hewson around turn of 20th century. In 1930 Mr Con O’Connor was owner.
Additional Notes: On 25 June 1840, in Castleisland, John Hussey Esq of Camp Lodge married Eilon, second daughter of Timothy Leahy, late of Castleisland. In 1864, George M Hewson advertised Camp Lodge with over 32 acres for short term lease. In August 1885, Camp Lodge was raided for arms. Mrs Hewson was absent but Mr Hewson, who was at home with his daughters Lizzie and Georgina, was assaulted. On 15 November 1912, at Limerick, Isabella, widow of the late John W Legge of Mitchelstown, Co Cork, second daughter of late George M Hewson of Camp, Castleisland, died.
Carker House, Ballincuslane, Scart
Associated Names: O’Connor, Saunders, Casey, O’Donoghue
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Built/renovated 1826 by Con O’Connor. Daughter married Dan Casey. In 1890s relatives of Saunders lived there. By 1900s the O’Donoghue had married into the Casey family.
Additional Notes: ‘The Captain Saunders whose distinguished conduct in the affair at Cawnpore under General Wyndham on the 28th November last was mentioned by the correspondent of the Times, is a Kerryman and nephew to William Saunders Esq of Carker House’ (Tralee Chronicle, 5 February 1858). ‘We are glad to perceive that His Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, has appointed Mr William Saunders, second son of William Saunders Esq of Carker House, to an Ensigncy in the 86th Foot’ (Tralee Chronicle, 30 March 1858). On 29 July 1868 at Kilmurry Church, Dr George Myles of Limerick married Marion, second daughter of Wm M Saunders Esq of Carker House. On 16 September 1868, at the parish church Alderney, William Saunders Esq, Lieutenant 66th Regiment, only son of William Marshal Saunders Esq of Carker House, Co Kerry, married Elizabeth Martha Sanford, only daughter of Thomas Nicholas Barbenson Esq, Queen’s Procureur at Alderney. William died in London on 13 April 1877. On 17 February 1882, Frances ‘Fanny’ Saunders, eldest daughter of W M Saunders Esq of Carker, died. In June 1904, at Trinity Church Limerick, Miss Myles, daughter of late George Myles MD and granddaughter of late William Marshall Saunders of Carker House married W T Englefield of Colebrook Avenue, Ealing, London. Some genealogy in wedding report in Kerry Evening Post, 18 June 1904. See also Breahig Cottage.
Carrignafeela Castle, Ballymacelligott
Associated Names: McElligott
Condition: Demolished
Additional Notes: See ‘The Lost Castles of the McElligotts’ on the O’Donohoe website.
Castleisland Castle
Associated Names: De Marisco, Fenton, Fitzgerald, Herbert, Roper, Gage
Condition: Small ruin remains
Additional Notes: See Michael O’Donohoe’s extensive notes on the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Desmond, in the Michael O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/). See also https://www.castleislandcastle.com/.
Castleview, Castleisland
Associated Names: Charter School, Mahon, Harnett, Rice, O’Connor
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Stone dated 1739. Charter School 1758. 3 yeoman killed 1798. Deteriorated by 1801. Closed 1802. By 1809 was Diocesan School for Ardfert. Rev James Mahon master there in 1814. School closed about 1820. Hartnett family took up residence. Dr Rice followed in 20th century. In 1970, Liam O’Connor and family took up residence there.
Clashganniv Cottage / House, Dysert
Associated Names: Powell, Harold, O’Neill, Geaney
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Believed Powells built original end 18th century. In the 1840s a Victorian cottage was built on. Powells continued in residence until the 20th century. Inter-married Harold and O’Neill families in possession for a time. Bought by Dr Donal Geaney 1970 and tastefully updated.
Additional Notes: It would appear from the death notice of John Powell in 1867 that the area was known generally as ‘Sandville’. John Powell’s father, William Powell, recommended by the Earl of Powis to Cpt Herbert in 1782, was the first English agriculturist to come to Kerry who set about improving Muckross. He was responsible for the old oak and elm woods at Muckross and Torc. As a mark of gratitude ‘the old colonel gave the valuable farm of Sandville which the Powell family improved and embellished’.2 John Powell had a son, James Francis Powell, who married into the Twiss family (Helena Francis). James Francis Powell died at his residence on 18 June 1918. His son, William James Powell (Willie), born 1883, succeeded his father and was a founder member of the Kerry Ploughing Association. His death on 10 August 1962 severed the Powell connection with Clashganniv. An illustration of Clashgannive House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2004).
Cordal House, Cordal
Associated Names: Twiss
Condition: Demolished
Notes: Probably built when George Twiss married Honoria Meredith of Dicksgrove in 1773. He died 1802. Heir Robert (High Sheriff 1802-3) resident in 1812. Moved to Parteen in Tipperary. Heir George inherited Birdhill Estate. Fell into ruin.
Additional Notes: In February 1864, William Sanders, writing from Carker House, Scartaglin, addressed the editor of the Kerry Evening Post about the death of Captain John Shaw Phelps, 2nd Battalion, 14th Regiment, who had died from wounds at Queen’s Redoubt, New Zealand on 25 November 1863. He observed that Captain Phelps was of Kerry descent, his mother daughter of William Harnett Forster Esq of Tralee and granddaughter of George Twiss Esq of Cordall House, Castleisland, and first cousin to late Arthur Blennerhassett Esq, MP, Ballyseedy. John Shaw Phelps, born in Sydney 21 May 1829, was the son of James Christy Phelps Esq (1790-1873) of Gostwyck, Paterson River, New South Wales. A number of watercolours attributed to John Shaw Phelps can be seen on the site www.watercolourworld.org.
Crag House / Rockville House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Myles, Reidy, O’Connor, Geaney, Durkin
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Rockville mid 19th century. End 19th belonged to John Marshall Myles. Baron Reidy JP there turn of century. Owned for a time by the O’Connors. Bought by Dr Geaney 1960s who in 1970 moved to Clashganniv while still retaining Crag. Caves discovered 1989. It is now the home of Dr Geaney’s daughter Mrs Durkin.
Additional Notes: An illustration of Crag House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2003).
Crag Cottage or Lodge, Castleisland
Associated Names: Dobyns (or Dobbins)
Condition: No knowledge, no sign
Notes: In 1840 Robert Dobyns was the proprietor.
Additional Notes: In 1847, William Dobyns, second son of Lieutenant Dobyns of Castleisland, of the 22nd Foot, was gazetted to a second Lieutenancy in the Ceylon Rifle Regiment, promoted to First Lieutenant in 1853. At the end of 1855, Lieut Dobyns, after a service of several years in India, was home on leave in Castleisland with his family. In the same year, 1855, somebody signing themselves ‘J R’ contacted the Catholic Telegraph to state, ‘A young Kerry man of the name of Robert Dobyns left this country for America a few years ago. He was in New York until January 1858 at which time he went, I believe, towards St Louis. Desirous to learn his present address …’ The names of Robert Dobbins Esq of Crag and Emily Dobbins are associated with the lease of property at 3 and 28 Main Street, Castleisland. Michael O’Donohoe’s notes include mention of Robert Dobbins, Court Clerk, Dingle. One William Dobbins, Petty Sessions Clerk (Dingle and Annascaul), died in 1905.
Currans House, Currans
Associated Names: Herbert, Bland, Peet, Parker, Collins
Condition: No sign, burned
Notes: Built by Arthur Herbert c1700 (son of Thomas of Sandville and Kilcow). Dr Bland there in 1760. Peet held estate until 1829. Parkers there for a short time. Almost derelict, it was accidentally burned down in 1979.
Dicksgrove House, Dysert
Associated Names: Meredith
Condition: House obliterated. Stables remain. 2 Gate lodges.
Notes: Stone 1739. In 1656 Herbert gave land to cousin Wm Browne, Tiernagoose. Daughter married Richard Meredith. Namesake built road Abbeyfeale Castleisland. Last of Merediths left Dicksgrove 1932. Highly respected landlords. Never absentees.
Additional Notes: Dicksgrove House burned down in March 1932. The fire was thought to have originated in a chimney, ‘Neighbours gathered and the household staff did all that was possible to get the flames under control but unfortunately the fire had taken hold … The owner … was able to save some of the silver and antique furniture but the bulk of the valuable furniture was destroyed’ (Kerryman, 19 March 1932). An illustration of Dicksgrove House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (1997). There is an image of the property in the O’Donohoe Collection – see catalogue for details http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/.
Dromultan Cottage, Dromultan, Killeentierna
Associated Names: Bateman, Stokes
Condition: Nothing visible
Additional Notes: Thought to have been built by John Bateman in early 1700s. In 1840, the lands of Corker (Carker), Droum and Inchicommer near the town of Castleisland were advertised for sale for payment of incumbrances, the estate of John Bateman Esq. In the later nineteenth century, Sir Robert Stokes lived here and his son, Rear Admiral Robert Stokes, inherited. He married but had no issue.
Farnabrack (Farrannabrack) House, Castleisland
Associated Names: O’Connor
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: In 18th century or beyond, O’Connors owned great tracts of land in the area. In 1879, the Moonlighters got their first guns here.
Additional Notes: The following from old documents quoted in ‘Limerick-Kerry Reminiscences’ by J D H, Kerry Reporter, 9 July 1932: ‘A lease of a plot of land at Abbeyfeale was made on 3 February 1811 for lives of lessee and Daniel Leahy, son of David Leahy, now inn-keeper at Abbeyfeale, aged 13 years, and Terry O’Connor, son of Cornelius O’Connor, now of Farranbrack, County Kerry, aged 13 years.’ On 24 September 1832, one Timothy Connor was murdered near Abbeyfeale Bridge by a party of more than 30 persons when he was knocked off his horse and trampled on the ground. A man named Laurence Connor was committed to jail as one of those concerned in the affair. An inquest was held on the body of Timothy Connor at Farrannabrack.
Farran House, Farran, Castleisland
Associated Names: Quinlan, McCarthy
Condition: In disrepair; uninhabited
Additional Notes: This property did not appear in Valerie Bary’s Houses of Kerry. See O’Donohoe webpage, ‘The Quinlans of Kilcow and Farran’ for account of its history.
Flesk Cottage, Killeentierna
Associated Names: Meredith
Condition: In Ruin
Notes: Built by Rev Meredith, Parkmore House. By 1840s occupied by farmer. Difficult to discern when passing.
Additional Notes: This Meredith may have been Richard Meredith (1739-1821); see genealogical note about the Meredith family in the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/, p115, note 9. See also O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue, p112, ‘In his study of the Church of Ireland, creator [Michael O’Donohoe] included an account of the Meredith family of Dicksgrove and Parkmore’. Today, Flesk Cottage, close to the side of the road and surrounded by trees, is unroofed and in ruin. Image of the ruin taken in 2019 is held in IE MOD/C43. It is worth noting that during the period 1862-1872, Rev Robert Fitzgerald Meredith was rector of Ballincuslane.3 See also Parkmore House.
Grouse Hall, Ballincuslane
Associated Names: Fitzgerald, Cahill
Condition: Ruined
Notes: Little is known. Used as hunting lodge by local gentlemen. Owned by Cahills in the 1970s. Burned.
Additional Notes: See notes on Grouse Hall in the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/) p672.
Haremount / Harehill, Dysert, Scartaglin
Associated Names: Twiss, Lenihan
Condition: Falling into ruin
Notes: Said to have been built in 1838 by John Twiss. Sold to the Lenihans in 1952. ‘John Richard’s Cross’. Mother a Saunders.
Additional Notes: Note on Haremount in the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/) p325. John Richard Twiss died at Haremount on 4 December 1924. A note on this family of Twiss in Philip of the Hundred Cows A Folk Tale from Cordal (2015). See also Rockbrook House.
Kilbannivane Glebe House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Crosbie, Packham, Regan, DDC, Castleisland Cattle Breeding Centre
Condition: Ruin
Notes: Built 1818 for £1300. Dean Crosbie first rector to live here. Remained rectory till 1946 when Rev Henry Packham was transferred to Listowel. Bought by John Regan, Creamery Manager, Dicksgrove. Sold to Dairy Disposal Company in 1958. Now Castleisland Cattle Breeding Centre.
Additional Notes: Destroyed by fire in 2008. Further reference, O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/) pp654-656. See also note at Knockane House. An illustration of Kilbannivane Glebe by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (1999).
Kilcow House, Dysert, Currans
Associated Names: Herbert, Thompson, McCarthy
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Edward Herbert MP was seated at Kilcow in 1829. In 1871 Robert Thompson was in residence. In the 1940s, the MacCarthy family moved to Kilcow and renovated the house and yards, where they found a house-stone dated AD 1750.
Additional Notes: Written communications between Michael O’Donohoe and Valerie Bary (author of Houses of Kerry) suggest that there was some confusion between Kilcow and Sandville (see p269 of O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/). Bernard Scalé’s map of 1778 (O’Donohoe Collection Ref: IE MOD/C4 (56)) illustrating the barony of ‘Troughanacmy’ depicts ‘Killcow’ near the castle of Castleisland, clearly a place of some importance.
Kilcow House was named ‘West Kilcow’ on the early Ordnance Survey map; the later map indicates ‘West Kilcow’ at a location further west of the earlier property, the earlier designated ‘East Kilcow’. The MacCarthy family remain in residence at Kilcow.
Killeentierna House, Dysert, Currans
Associated Names: Herbert
Condition: Demolished
Notes: Lands fortified by Donagh McCarthy. Given to a Blennerhasset. Twiss family freeholders 18th century. House built by Rev Thomas Herbert 1839. His son Arthur Edward Herbert shot. Used as Glebe House by Church of Ireland. Later presbytery. Now two new houses.
Additional Notes: Further reference to Arthur Edward Herbert in the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/).
Kilmurry Castle / Ballincuslane Castle
Associated Names: Fitzgerald
Condition: Much of ruin remains
Notes: Fitzgerald of Kilmurry, brother in Ballyplymoth, brother in Ardnagragh. One would not dare trespass on the others’ land. Castle taken by Colonel Phaire 1650.
Additional Notes: See O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/) pp678-680, for further reference to the castle and webpages, ‘The Fitzgerald Castles of Cordal’ and ‘Kilmurry Castle: In Search of its History’. A sketch of Kilmurry Castle by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (1995). An illustration of Kilmurry Castle was drawn by artist Peter Weafer in 1957 (O’Donohoe Collection Ref: IE MOD/C41).
Kilmurry House, Ballincuslane
Associated Names: McIntosh, Raymond, Mahony, Walsh, Brosnan, Hill
Condition: Dilapidated
Notes: Said built 1839 by Rev Archibald McIntosh. By 1870, Robert McIntosh and sisters cared house for George Raymond KC Dublin. Later O’Mahonys till 1918 followed by Walshs.
Additional Notes: In 1887, an inquest was held at Kilmurry House on the body of John Leary, Kilmurry, who was shot on 5 January 1887 by James Edward Fisher, an emergency caretaker in charge of Kilmurry House. Fisher claimed self defence and was acquitted. An illustration of the incident appeared on the front page of the Illustrated Police News, 22 January 1887. An illustration of Kilmurry House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2005).
Knockane House, Glanshearoon, Castleisland
Associated Names: Conyers
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: In 1840, residence of Edward Fitzgerald Conyers, Rector of Castleisland. Known as Knockane Glebe House. Mahers there for several generations.
Additional Notes: The Maher family remain in residence (2019). Another property, Kilbannivane Church of Ireland Glebe House, in an area known as Knockane (leaving Castleisland on the Brosna road) was located in the townland of Kilbannivane. It was destroyed by fire in 2008. Further reference, O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/) pp654-656.
Knockaneacoolteen House, Currans
Associated Names: Kenmare Estate, Moriarty, McDonnell, Daly, Horan
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: The Horan family bought the property at the turn of the century and continue to live and farm there.
Knockaunbaun House, Tullig, Castleisland
Associated Names: Brosnan
Condition: Derelict
Notes: The Brosnan family who farm there believe their family has been here for many generations
Additional Notes: Alternative spellings, Knockabawn / Knockaubaum / Knockanebane / Knockanebawn. In the 1820s to 40s, the name of Darby Kenny, farmer and leaseholder, is recorded. An action of Replevin taken by Rev Jeremiah O’Leary, parish priest of Castleisland against Charles Houran and others heard in the Record Court of the Kerry Spring Assizes 1851sheds some light on the history of this house. Darby Kenny died in 1843 possessed of considerable property in land and stock to the value of about £2,000. He was survived by a widow and eight children but had made no will. His widow subsequently took out administration and possessed herself of all his property. She later married a labourer named Patrick Houran, son of Charles, defendant, in 1848. At the time of the marriage the property was conveyed to Rev O’Leary and Rev Dr McEnnery, trustees, one third of the property for her use, and two thirds for her children. The widow, however, perceived the marriage a mistake as discreditable attempts were made to take away her property. Her husband and the other defendants, his brothers, made ‘most improper and disgraceful attempts to juggle her children out of their property’. Dr McEnnery renounced the execution of the deed and Rev O’Leary took all the trusts on himself. He got possession of the stock and took the precaution of branding them with his own initials with a view to protect the property and caused a cautionary notice to be served on Patrick Houran who left the country. It was subsequently rumoured Patrick Houran had been murdered by his wife who was arrested and sent to jail. During her incarceration, the defendants contrived to take all they could of her property. The court found in favour of the defendants. The court report included a note that the land was managed by Kean Mahony, agent to Mrs Lee of London, to whom the lands of Knockaunbaun belonged.
Knocknagur (Knockannagore) House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Pierce, Herbert
Condition: Old house demolished
Notes: John Pierce freeholder during 1700s. In 1814, Mrs Herbert in residence. By 1840s, land occupied by a farmer. A new house is now on the site.
Maglass House, Ballymacelligott
Associated Names: Babington, Ledmond, Sealy, Hilliard, Roche, Reidy
Condition: Restored
Notes: William Babington (Cromwellian) freeholder 1736. Ledmonds as tenants improved building. In residence in 1837. Daniel Hilliard 1840. John Sealy, Ballymalis inherited Maglass (great grandmother Alice Babington). Sold. Roches sold to Reidys.
Additional Notes: ‘Gentlemen who supported the Hunt …Redmond Roche bred and trained at Maglass some of the best hunters ever produced in the Kingdom’ (The Liberator, 20 February 1934). Maglass House was rebuilt in its original design on the same site about ten years ago by the Reidy family. A painting of the old house by ‘Toni’ hangs on the wall of O’Riada’s Bar, Maglass.4
Meanus House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Drew, Hussey, Neligan
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: House probably 17th century. Captain Francis Drew, Elizabethan soldier, came to Ireland 1583. Several Drews mentioned. One married daughter of Colonel Godfrey, Bushfield, Kilcolman. 1814 Patrick Hussey. 1846 deed from Hussey, Meanus passed to William Neligan. Freehold seems to have passed from Husseys to Neligans in 1904.
Additional Notes: Neligan family remain in residence.
Millbrook, Knockrower East, Scart, Ballincuslane
Associated Names: Fitzgerald
Condition: Original avenue, no knowledge, levelled
Notes: Said to have been built by Counsellor William Fitzgerald in 1830 but would seem to have been earlier.
Additional Notes: See notes regarding Millbrook on pp670-671 of the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/).
Mount Eagle Lodge, Ballincuslane
Associated Names: Fairfield, Drummond (Black)
Condition: Demolished
Notes: Captain C G Fairfield built in 1830. Still there 1837. Hunting lodge for fishing, shooting, fox hunting. Bought by Colonel Drummond. Agent Black lived there. 1879 raided by Moonlighters. Forestry. About 1960 house demolished.
Additional Notes: An illustration of Mount Eagle Lodge by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (1998) with descriptive sketch. The last resident was Jimmy Teer who died in 1976.
Mullaghmarkey House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Sealy, Hurley, O’Connor
Condition: Dilapidated
Notes: Eusebius Sealy here in 1812 and still here 1840. Seat of Thomas Hurley in 1880. Property then passed to farming families. Bought by O’Connors about World War II. Another family of O’Connors there now.
Additional Notes: In 2007, Diane Barnet of Austin, Texas, sought information about her great grandmother, Eliza Jones, born in the 1840s. Eliza married Thomas Hurly of Glenduff in 1861 and had 11 children including Samuel Hurly, her maternal grandfather. Eliza Jones Hurly died in 1908. Over the years Eliza’s residences included Sandville House and Mullaghmarkey House (see Kerryman, 27 June 2007).
Parkmore House, Dysert, Currans
Associated Names: Minnahan, Meredith, Fleming
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Said built by Rev Con Minnahan PP late 18th century. Rebuilt 1838. By 1840, Richard Meredith in residence (all appear to have been High Sheriffs). In 1973 Paddy Fleming bought from his aunt Margaret – Dixie.
Additional Notes: Paddy Fleming remains in residence. Genealogy of the Meredith family in the O’Donohoe Collection Catalogue (http://www.odonohoearchive.com/catalogues/) p115, note IE MOD/15/15.3/15.3.9. See also Flesk Cottage, Killeentierna.
Parknafehy (Parknafeaha/Parknafaha) House, Caheragh, Castleisland
Associated Names: Roche, Duggan, Boyle
Condition: Appears to have been demolished
Additional Notes: David and William Connor are named in the Tithe Applotment records at Parknafaha, townland of Caheragh. The property is illustrated but not named on the early 19th century OS map; it is however named on the later one.
Parknageragh (Parknagerah) House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Thompson, Milward, Prendiville
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Built by William Thompson about 1840. Inherited by granddaughter Miss Milward. She and her husband Mr Prendiville have farmed since the 1950s.
Additional Notes: The McAuliffe family are now in residence (2019). The house is illustrated but not named on the 19th century OS maps. An illustration of Parknageragh House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2000).
Riverstown House / Ballynahown House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Oliver, Power, Divane
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Said built 1810 by Capt Henry Oliver. In 1840, Donovan says large house occupied by a farmer. Divanes there for many generations.
Additional Notes: An illustration of Riverstown House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2006).
Riverville, Currans
Associated Names: Marshall, Spring, Cronin
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Built by Marshalls probably 18th century. Richard Marshall there 1813 and 37 and 46. 1871 Capt Thos Spring. Later Major Spring, Militia, and coroner for Kerry. Cronin family farming here for over 100 years.
Additional Notes: Cronin family remain in residence.
Rockbrook House, Ballahantouragh
Associated Names: Twiss, Culloty
Condition: Built 1837 by Francis Twiss. Last of family John Richard Twiss unmarried. Mother charitable lady who dispensed herbal remedies to the poor. Now farmed by Cullotys.
Additional Notes: See also Haremount. A note on this family of Twiss in Philip of the Hundred Cows A Folk Tale from Cordal (2015).
Additional Notes: Culloty family remain in residence.
Rockville House, Crag, Castleisland:
Notes: See Crag House
Sandville Cottage, Clashganniv, Castleisland
Associated Names: King, Long, Wren
Condition: Only a few walls of the old cottage remain
Notes: Donovan says that a farmer Mr King built the cottage in 1834. For some time before 1850 Mrs Ellen Long in residence. May be daughter of Mr King? Farmers continue today.
Additional Notes: From the late nineteenth century, the Wren family appear at Sandville. Mary (Minnie) Prendiville married Matthew Wren, farmer and deputy county surveyor, at which time her father, Edmund Prendiville of Castleisland, purchased Sandville Cottage for her (this would appear to be a later property erected near the cottage, which was destroyed by fire in 2003). A newer property has since been erected near the site. Further reference, ‘Wrens – an intriguing family history’ (Kerryman, 6 April 2006).
Sandville House, Clashganniv, Castleisland
Associated Names: Herbert, Hurley, Harnett, Thompson, Roche, Savage, Power, Kelliher
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: In 1687 mentioned that Herberts moved to here. Later home of agents. In c1740 a Mr Hurley. Later Wm and Ed Hartnett. Lands let to Nolans and Caseys and in 1830 Mr Roche (coroner East Kerry) followed by Robert Acheson Thompson. Dead by 1874. Savage and Power (middleman) followed Thompson. 1925 John Kelliher – in 1935 bought freehold. Additional Notes: The Kelliher family remain in residence. An illustration of Sandville House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (1997). In an accompanying sketch, the name of Pilman appears after Herbert.
Summerhill House, Ballahantouragh
Associated Names: Twiss, O’Connor
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Believed built by one of the Twiss family. House early 18th century. Bought by the O’Connors in 1919.
Additional Notes: The O’Connor family remains in residence.
Tobermaing House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Bailey, Roche, Prendiville, restaurant
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: William Bailey resided here in 1840. Also worked mill. In 1886 Jeremiah Roche solicitor owner. Early in 20th century, Redmond Roche the owner. Later Prendivilles (Maurice and Ollie). Property sold as restaurant and bar in 1990s.
Additional Notes: In the 1970s and 80s, Tobermaing House was known as Woodlands Hotel or ‘Woodies’ and the ‘High Chaparral’, later the Castlecourt Hotel incorporating the Old Mill Bar and Restaurant and Whispers Night Club (see webpage ‘Hotels in and about Castleisland’). The contents of the Castlecourt Hotel were sold by auction in 1993. The property is now the private residence of the O’Sullivan family. An illustration of Tobermaing House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2007).
Tullig House, Castleisland
Associated Names: Saunders, Chute, Brosnan
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: Said built by Saunders in 1750. Thomas Saunders in residence in 1814. By 1840, was home of the widow Chute. Before the 1880s, Denis Brosnan was farming the land.
Additional Notes: Brosnan family still in residence. Further reference, ‘Brosnan Family, Tullig, Castleisland’, A Brosnan Gathering (2013), p20 (a copy of this book is held in O’Donohoe Collection IE MOD/C17). An illustration of Tullig House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (2002).
Woodview House, Ahaneboy, Castleisland
Associated Names: Pembroke, Stack
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: In 1840, O’Donovan says this was residence of David Pembroke Esq. Continued until the early 1950s. Farmed since then by the Stacks.
Additional Notes: The Stacks family continue at Woodview House.
Woodville House, Ballyegan, Castleisland
Associated Names: Norris, Fitzgerald-Day, Fitzgerald-Lombard, Hickson, Lenihan
Condition: Inhabited
Notes: T M Donovan says built in 1838 by Sir Richard Norris for £500. Must have meant enlarged. In about 1800 Norris married Lombard. Rev John Fitzgerald Day, rector of Ballymacelligott wrote from here to O’Connell re oats crisis. Afterwards Fitzgerald Lombards. By the 1870s, a near relative, Mr Hickson. Bought by the Lenihans early 20th century.
Additional Notes: Castleisland historian, T M Donovan, in his book, A Popular History of East Kerry, stated that his great grandfather was Thade Lenihan of tClucan who with his three sons, Denis, Michael and Teig, and their sons, ‘made green fields out of the heathery and boggy moor and when this waste land was, by herculean labour, turned into profitable, cultivated land, the landlord stepped in and claimed it as his own’ (p84). Donovan also stated, ‘The present owner is Mr Arthur Lenihan, whose father was a tenant of the tClucan (Tullighan our Anglicised tongues used to call it) Hickson Estate’ (p56). A note on the Hickson Estate in IE MOD/C45. An illustration of Woodville House by artist Peter Robin Hill appeared in Divane’s Calendar (1999).
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1 Transcribed from IE MOD/38/38.1/38.1.2, IE MOD/38/38.1/38.1.3, IE MOD/38/38.1/38.1.4 and with reference to IE MOD/55/55.1/55.1.148. Some editing has been carried out. Michael O’Donohoe used as reference Valerie Bary’s Houses of Kerry in a good proportion of his notes. Additional notes have been added by the O’Donohoe Project archivist in 2019. 2 Obituary in The Obituary Book (2013), pp159-160. 3 Further reference, The Church of Ireland in Co Kerry a record of church and clergy in the nineteenth century (2011), p33. 4 An image of this artwork taken by Mrs Sheila Roche in July 2019 is held in IE MOD/C43.
