In 2017 The Castle of the Island Society was established. We are a voluntary and non profitable society and are registered with Kerry PPN. The members include: Robert McGuire (Founder and Chairperson), Tom McCarthy, Maggie Keane, Denis Divane, Rita McCarthy, Charlie Daly, Eamon Breen and Eamon Fleming.
The society aims to preserve and promote the history and heritage of Castleisland Castle. We collectively aspire to improve and enhance the sense of place within our local community by undertaking a series of tasks which ensure the preservation of our local castle and its story for future generations.
Our primary goal in 2017, was to make an engaging documentary about the history of Castleisland Castle. This goal was completed through attaining charitable donations from individuals, local groups and regional bodies. Many thanks to everyone who supported us. The documentary will be released in 2023.
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About the Documentary:
The upcoming documentary entitled “The Castle of the Island” will reveal the captivating story of Castleisland Castle for the first time. It was researched and produced by Robert McGuire and it was filmed by Tralee native Paul Pearson of “Red Viper Films”.
Image: Camera man Paul Person of Red Viper Films in action.
The spectacular drone footage was recorded by “Octofly”, while the living history group “Claíomh” were hired to re-enact some key flashback scenes, in order to humanize the story. Furthermore, a range of specialists were interviewed.
Image: some of the Claíomh team, with Paul and Rob.
Castleisland Castle is associated with the Fitzgerald family. Consequently, the documentary primarily focuses on the rise and fall of the Fitzgerald’s, the earls of Desmond, also known as the Geraldines. The latter half of the film focuses on the turbulent life of the 14th earl of Desmond, Gerald Fitzgerald, it also examines the infamous Desmond Rebellion, which raged across Munster from 1579-1583.
The film also dwells into the plantation era, and the arrival of Sir William Herbert in Castleisland. Finally, the demise and abandonment of the castle during the 17th century is explored. Ultimately, the physical castle is examined and through animation a dramatic new digital reconstruction of the Desmond Castle will be presented for the first time. We aim to release the documentary in 2023.