Sir Edward Denny, Governor of Kerry and Desmond
was granted Tralee in 1586.
But
Tralee Castle
was in ruins.
Sir Edward Denny
probably lived at Carrignafeela Castle when in Ireland
after 1586.
Tralee was
burnt in 1598.
Sir Edward Denny
returned to England before his death in 1600.
His son
Sir Arthur Denny
lived at Carrignafeela Castle some time after 1605.
He died here in 1619.
It is referred to as "Carrignafeely House" at his death.
See extract of 1619 document in
[Hickson, 14 Apr 1897].
His son
Sir Edward Denny restored
Tralee Castle
and moved there
in 1627.
Col. James Ryeves
acquired Carrignafeela Castle
from Sir Edward Denny by
Deed of 1627.
Ryeves
lived at
Carrignafeela Castle.
It was later sold by Ryeves to Crosbie.
It was occupied by Verdon in 1756.
It later became a ruin.
From entry of 25 Aug 1788 in [Rev. Daniel A. Beaufort's Tour of Kerry, 1788]: "I consented, mounted my horse & rode with them to see several dippings of the River Leigh, and farther on a great Cavern under a ledge of huge rocks, with an open, or window as they call it, upon a perilous abyss. This is called McElligott's prison."
There is another "McElligott's Castle" in Arabela townland, Ballymacelligott par.
Carrignafeela Castle
is mentioned as still occupied in 1756.
From p.164
of
[Smith, 1756].
Left:
Carrignafeela townland,
Ballymacelligott par.
Right:
Carrignafeela townland,
O'Brennan par.
Carrignafeela Castle ("McElligott's Castle")
is in the latter.
From
1829 to 1842 map.
Close-up of above.
Carrignafeela Castle on
1887 to 1913 map.
The location on modern
satellite view.
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