The History of Kilronan Castle

The Rich Castle History of Kilronan Castle

The name Kilronan comes from the Gaelic Cill Ronain, which means “Ronan’s Abbey.” According to tradition, Saint Ronan and his daughter, Saint Lasair, built a church beside Lough Meelagh in the 6th century. However, it was the arrival of the Tenison family that truly put this area on the map.

The Tenison Family’s Arrival

In the late 13th century, the Tenison family came from Oxfordshire to Ireland. They settled in the north of Ireland in the mid-1600s. Over time, the Tenisons became soldiers in the Irish Brigade, fighting in France, Spain, and Portugal. Later, many served in the Irish Guards during the Boer Wars. Despite their military service, they often found themselves in need of money. As a result, they frequently married wealthy heiresses to restore their fortunes.

Building the Castle

In 1803, Thomas Tenison, then an MP for Boyle, married Lady Frances Anne King, the daughter of the 1st Earl of Kingston. Following their marriage, the Tenison family name changed to King-Tenison. Soon after, they decided to build a grand home. They demolished their old house and constructed a new residence fit for their elevated status. This new castle was called Castle Tenison. Located at the end of a tree-lined avenue, the castle was built next to the picturesque Lough Meelagh. It was a stunning three-storey building with symmetrical blocks, slender turrets, and intricate fan-vaulted plasterwork.

Expansion and Glory

Then, in 1876, Lieutenant-Colonel Edward King-Tenison, the 12th Earl of Kingston, and his wife, Lady Louisa, expanded the castle. They added two more storeys and built a magnificent baronial tower. At this point, the estate became well-known throughout Ireland. The quality of shooting on the grounds attracted people from all over to visit and enjoy the beauty of the estate.

Decline and Abandonment

However, as political changes took place in Ireland, the family’s visits to the castle grew less frequent. Eventually, in the 1930s, the castle was sold. In 1939, the contents of the castle were auctioned off. Then, in the 1950s, the roof was removed in an attempt to reduce high taxes. By this time, only the walls of the castle remained.

Restoration and Renewal

In 2006, the Hanly family, led by Albert and Alan Hanly, began restoring Kilronan Castle. They worked hard to bring back the original features of the castle, blending its rich history with modern luxury. Today, Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa offers a unique combination of old-world charm and new-world elegance, making it a must-visit destination for all.