Castleisland 800 Trailer
Castleisland 800: Programme of events
This year we are honouring ‘Castleisland 800’, which is a celebration of the 800-year anniversary of the construction of Castleisland castle and the foundation of the town.
The event was held from the 30th April-4th May 2026. The Castle of the Island Society sponsored and hosted the events, alongside the support of Castleisland District Heritage, Castleisland Chamber Alliance and the Castleisland Community Museum, amongst other groups.
This milestone event included: (1) The unveiling of a sculpture of Gerald Fitzgerald (The last Earl of Desmond), screenings of ‘The Castle of the Island’ documentary, a history conference, as well as a parade and a book launch.
Our united goal is to preserve and promote our local history and heritage for current and future generations.
Welcome
“The Castle of the Island Society” was established in 2017 by Robert McGuire (BA, MA Archaeology UCC) with the goal to preserve and promote, the history and built heritage of Castleisland Castle in County Kerry. We are a voluntary, non-profit organisation and are determined to work in good faith, to preserve the castle and its legacy, for future generations.
–Update Spring 2026–
Key milestones
Since the establishment of ‘The Castle of the Island Society’, the follow goals have been achieved.
–January 2017– ‘The Castle of the Island Society’ is founded by Robert McGuire.
–Summer 2017– Filming of ‘The Castle of the Island’ documentary commences. Researched, written, and presented by Robert McGuire.
–February 2018 -In February of this year, Castleisland Castle features in an episode of Nationwide on RTE.
–April 2018– A public screening of the first draft of the documentary is held in the local River Island Hotel, as part of ‘The Castle of the Island Festival’.
–2019– Extensive research on the layout of the late-16th century castle continues. This includes the drawing of floor plans and elevations of the all the buildings, within the castle complex by Robert McGuire.
–2020– A digital reconstruction of the late-16th century castle is created, based on the floor plans and elevations composed by Robert McGuire.
–Summer 2021-Thanks to grant aid from the Community Monuments Fund, a comprehensive conservation management report is compiled on Castleisland Castle. This outstanding report was undertaken by Clarkebond, on behalf of ‘The Castle of the Island Society’.
–Summer 2021-A brochure entitled ‘Castleisland Castle-A Journey Through Time’ is published by ‘The Castle of the Island Society’, researched and written by Robert McGuire.
–Winter 2022-Thanks to another phase of funding from the Community Monuments Fund, the first phase of conservation works commence on the ‘Turret’ (the tallest surviving tower) at Castleisland.
–Winter 2023– Yet again, thanks to the Community Monuments Fund, a second phase of conservation works are undertaken, this time on the ruins of the ‘SW Flanking Tower’ (located alongside the Killarney Road) at Castleisland.
–2024 – A dramatic mural is composed by ADW Artists, based on the research, vision and concept of Robert McGuire.
–2025- Thanks to the Community Monuments Fund another phase of conservation works will be undertaken to consolidate the main turret.
–2026– ‘Castleisland 800’. Date (30th April to 4th May 2026). The Castle of the Island Society, alongside other local groups, celebrated the 800-year anniversary of the construction of the castle and the foundation of the town. The 5-day event included screenings of the documentary entitled The Castle of the Island. The event also included a conference, a parade and a ceremony, amongst other activities. We continue to aspire to cherish our history, heritage, music, culture and traditions, for future generation.
Note: In respect of the conservation works, I wish to express sincere thanks to the local landowners, the county archaeologist, Kerry County Council, as well as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who are responsible for the Community Monuments Fund.
Contact details
email: thecastleoftheisland@gmail.com