Flesk Castle, Killarney dates to circa 1809.[1] Its origins are associated with the Coltsmann family, butter merchants of Northumberland stock, who established themselves in Kerry as landlords.[2] Its construction is attributed to John Coltsmann junior Esq, the only son of John Coltsmann Esq of London and Killarney. His achievement was described in an obituary composed…… Continue Reading
Daniel O’Connell on the Protestant Church in Kerry
Past West Cove, the road carries one down to the village of Cahirdaniel. Nestling in its woods under the towering hills, and beside a stretch of golden strand where the Atlantic flings its wrecks unchecked, lies the home of O’Connell. Derrynane! Truly a home for a chief[1] ‘There is an old proverb,’ wrote O’Connell in…… Continue Reading
War and Words: The Unfinished Castles of Kilcrohane
In the disturbed days of the reign of Elizabeth I, the sept of O’Sullivan of Caherdaniel decided to construct a castle at Ballycarnahan, their chief residence in the district.[1] O’Sullivan’s Tanist lived nearby at Liss. The two men were compelled to go away and fight in the Elizabethan wars. The Tanist’s wife considered herself…… Continue Reading
‘Words will not Come’: A Tribute to Jeremiah Joseph O’Connor (1877-1957)
I am an old man, sitting under my apple tree. Friends come to see me and get me to talk. They wheedle tales of the past out of me and press me to write them down … I capitulate and desert the apple tree for the desk to write the autobiography which will put an…… Continue Reading
Floorboard Find a Treasure for Padraig O’Keeffe Scholars
A letter discovered under a floorboard adds substance to the family history of Sliabh Luachra fiddle master Padraig (Patrick) O’Keeffe. The correspondence was uncovered thirty years ago by keen-eyed Knocknagoshel native John Cotter, author of King William Brown (2014). John, who now resides at Knockdown, Cordal and will shortly be launching the second and…… Continue Reading
Tribute to the late Timothy Murphy, Castleisland
The committee of Castleisland District Heritage has been greatly saddened to learn of the death, on 7 March 2023, of Timothy Murphy, Limerick Road, Castleisland. Timothy had a passionate interest in the local history of Castleisland, and his photographic record of the town is extensive. Timothy was a friend of Castleisland District Heritage, and…… Continue Reading
Portrait of James Edward John Julian, JP, QC, a Model Kerry Landlord
‘It is quite plain that if the other landlords were like Mr Julian the country would be better off’ A man by the name of McAuliffe made the above remark during a meeting of the Lixnaw United Irish League. The meeting was about compulsory purchase and landlordism, and it throws light on the life…… Continue Reading
St Brigid, ‘The Prophesied Woman of Christ’
She was a consecrated vessel for keeping Christ’s Body … She it is that helpeth every one who is in straits and in danger Monday 6 February 2023 marks the first public holiday in Ireland in celebration of St Brigid, patron saint of poets and midwives. In 1877, Whitley Stokes, scholar and descendant of…… Continue Reading
A Camera for a Brush: Portrait of Adolf Morath, 20th Century Celebrity Photographer
‘A death-blow to the stage-Irish Tradition’ Adolf Morath, whose publications include Portrait of Ireland (1951) dedicated ‘to Irish Men and Women all over the world,’ was an acclaimed international photographer.[1] He visited Ireland in 1946 and 1947, and was in Killarney in 1948 professionally to photograph Kerry life, ‘leaving out the usual pig and…… Continue Reading
The Murder of Arthur Edward Herbert
Arthur Edward Herbert (1830-1882), magistrate and land agent, was shot dead in broad daylight at Lisheenbawn Cross as he walked from Castleisland to his home at Killeentierna House near Currow on 30 March 1882. Nobody was brought to justice for the killing. A murder enquiry was set up and two rewards offered, one of…… Continue Reading