The History of Kilronan Castle Hotel In Ireland
You can sense the history here: Kilronan comes from the Gaelic ‘Cill Ronain’, which means Ronan’s Abbey, the ruins of which are close by, as well as St. Ronan’s Holy Well and the hallow stone he used for the baptism of his followers. The original Castle was built in the early 1800’s and belonged to Colonel King Tenison.
It was extended by the 12th Earl of Kingston in 1876 with a five storey over basement baronial tower and battlements. During the Edwardian period, the Earl and Countess of Kingston enjoyed the estate until political and social change saw the closure and sale of Kilronan and other country estates both in Ireland and abroad.
The Tenison family originated in Oxfordshire in the Era of Edward 1st but fought with the Irish Brigade in France and on behalf of The Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie. Their colourful history continued through involvement in the Peninsula Wars in Spain and Portugal. They were represented at The Battle of Waterloo where Napoleon was finally defeated and served as members of The Irish Guards in the Boer War. One of a close friend of the poet John Milton.
Most generations tended to squander their inheritances but then they or their sons would marry an heiress and their fortunes would bloom again. When Lord Brookborough was Governor General of Ireland it was reckoned that Kilronan Demense was the best shoot in Ireland. In one four day shoot it is said that they shot almost three thousand pheasants. Nearby Lough Allen is the first lake on the Shannon system and one which the Morsemen used to access the rich heritage of Ireland.
Roscommon was famous for music in ancient times and Ireland’s greatest harpist, Turlough O’Carolan, is buried nearby. He was welcomed into the castles of Irish Cheiftains like the O’Rourkes of Breifne and his music will live on in special events planned for Kilronan. Soon, Kilronan Castle will be offering the hospitality and traditional welcome that has made its sister estate, Lough |Rynn so popular.
Lough Meelagh
This scenic lake has three ancient "crannogs" or lake dwellings. An information board displays the wealth of wildlife around the lake. There is a good picnic facility at the first amenity area and a children's sport facility at the outer amenity area.
Archaeological excavations of crannogs have shown that dwelling houses occurred on them during the period of usage. Wooden palisades around the edge of crannogs provide additional defence for the people living on them.
True crannogs really began to be built in Ireland at the Early Christian Period around the 5th or 6th centuries a.d. Some crannogs appear to have been occupied until as late as the 17th century.
