South-east and to the rear of Kilkea Castle, County Kildare are the remains of a 13th century church, once associated – as was the main building – with the FitzGeralds, Earls of Kildare (and later Dukes of Leinster). Only the east gable and the remains of a chapel to the north survive, along with fragments of monuments to this once-mighty family. Inserted into a wall, for example, is a carving of a chained and collared animal, which might be a dog or perhaps a monkey which featured on the FitzGerald arms. Aforementioned arms can also be found on another stone. Kilkea Castle is today an hotel.
The story of the collapse of the Fitzgeralds is beautifully described in Terry Dooley’s book ‘The decline and fall of the Dukes of Leinster 1872-1948’
Looks like a dog with a human head.
As always, very evocative pictures. Love that picture of the window- simplicity and purity of design. As I keep saying, although your point is somewhat the opposite, a real ‘folly’ is still the best.
“An hotel.” Superb.