A WONDERFUL old Killarney landmark, out of bounds to the public for several years, was revisited by fascinated locals at the weekend as part of the inaugural Architecture Kerry Weekend.
Architect Karol O’Mahony, historian John Knightly and Kerry County Council conservation officer Victoria McCarthy welcomed the public on a visit to Coltsmann’s Castle – also known as Flesk Castle – which was built in 1820 and is a recorded monument and protected structure in ruins since it was abandoned in the mid 1940s.
Located at the upper end of Mill Road, close to the turn-off to Whitebridge, over the years it has slowly become a hidden landmark due, in part, to the growth of the surrounding woodland and many locals are now hugely surprised to learn that it still exists and even more surprised that there are plans to renovate it.
“We are privileged to be bringing Flesk Castle back to life as it re-emerges in the landscape and local consciousness,” said Killarney-based Karol O’Mahony Architects.
The O’Reilly family, with strong Killarney connections, bought Flesk Castle in 2005 and conducted an extensive clean-up to get beyond the layers of rubble and undergrowth. The involvement of the architects began in late 2013 and, to date, much of their work has consisted of a survey of the existing structure, recording evidence of difference construction phases, finishes and features to prepare a detailed set of existing drawings.
Historical research – to garner a detailed appreciation of the previous layers of both physical and social history of the castle and surrounding landscape – has also taken place and remedial works were carried out between 2014 and 2017 to remove rubble and vegetation, replace dozens of lintels, failed beams and rebuild many unsafe parapets.
Karol O’Mahony Architects have prepared outline design and feasibility studies for renovation of the building as a family home and are currently working towards the planning application stage.
“The aim is to keep certain characteristics of the ruin while balancing this with the comfort and warmth of modern homes. There will be very limited areas of new build, these will be treated as sympathetic interventions,” a spokesperson said.
“The fact that the ruin has no interior finishes provides an opportunity to install servicing and systems that will make Flesk an energy efficient, sustainable and smart castle”.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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