Above Image: Church ruins
This little mixture of ruins stands on raised ground South East of the Kilkea Castle Hotel, a castle built by Hugh De Lacy in 1180AD. The castle, once a Fitzgerald stronghold, was refurbished and now serves as a luxury hotel and a fabulous place to stay.
The ruins of the former 13th century parish church and two 16th century chapels co-exist amongst a clutter of trees.
The remains of the once powerful Lords of Leinster are buried here in an area adjacent to the ruins surrounded by iron railings. One chapel shares a common border with the older church's chancel on it's Northern side. The later chapel was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Access to these ruins is very easy. Although we were guests at the hotel and could explore the grounds, there is public access by way of a road that runs from one side of the hotel estate to the other. People are seen frequently taking their daily constitutional through the winding paths of the castle
Once within the graveyard you are whisked away from the 21st century and the silence is only broken by the cawing of crows or the thwack of a golf ball being launched on the nearby course.
As well as the scattered ruins there are also couple of interesting artefacts to view here. Firstly are two medieval fonts, no doubt from the churches and several carved stones. To me the most interesting feature is what is called the "Monkey Stone". This plaque can be found placed in the West wall of the church. The monkey was part of the Fitzgerald coat of arms and in this carving it is depicted stretched out and wearing a collar and chain. It is holding what appears to be a helmet. A story goes that a pet monkey that belonged to the Fitzgerald's in the 13th century apparently saved a Fitzgerald baby from a castle fire in Woodstock castle which we visited previously (see link here) and so earned a place on their coat of arms. The plaque dates back to the 16th century chapel times.
This site is well worth a visit if in the area and has a distinct atmosphere about it that is at odds with the 21st century castle grounds that surround it.
To find the ruins take the junction 3 exit from the M9 and take the N78 exit heading West to Athy. Drive approx. 9KM until you reach a roundabout with the depiction of a canal lock gates in the centre. Take the first exit left and on the next roundabout approx. 299m later turn left again onto the R418 signposted for Kilkea. Drive approx. 8KM until you see an entrance to the castle on your left with a gatehouse. Turn in here and follow the drive until you cross a small stone bridge. A short distance later take the left hand fork of the road as it divides and follow the sign for the clubhouse. Follow the road past the castle buildings on your right until you reach a car park on the left at the clubhouse/restaurant. The ruins are among the trees opposite the car park.
GPS: 52.943101, -6.885679
