The Rise and Fall of Orpen’s Fort, Killowen, Kenmare
Less than a mile outside the town of Kenmare, on the road that leads to Kilgarvan, the passer-by might glimpse the ruin of a building set low in a field close to the river. It was built by Sir William Petty as a residence for his agent, and was known as The White House. […]
The Siege of Castleisland
In Castleisland today, there is little to remind of the magnificent thirteenth century Castle of the Island. A siege of this castle during the times of Maurice, First Earl of Desmond, took place in the 16th year of his earldom. Maurice Fitzthomas Fitzgerald, son of Thomas – ‘The Ape’ – Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald, was created […]
The Battle of Lixnaw
In the ‘Castle of the Island’ in the year 1422, an indenture was drawn up between James, Earl of Desmond, and Fitzmaurice, Lord of Kerry and Lixnaw. The document, witnessed and sealed by the Bishop of Ardfert, reveals how two powerful families engaged in a treaty for peace. Indenture of Agreement between the Earl […]
