In 1634 the Countess gave Kilkea to the Jesuits, who retained possession of the castle until 1646, in which year the Superior of the Order entertained the Pope’s Nuncio sumptuously at the castle.
During the civil war, which began in 1641, Kilkea was taken and re-taken several times; but on the restoration of peace, both the 16th and 17th Earls seem chiefly to have resided there.
In 1668 it was leased to Lord Brabazon, and afterwards, for nearly two centuries, the castle was inhabited by strangers, to whom it was let at different times.
In 1797 it passed into the hands of Thomas Reynolds, the ’98 informer through the influence of Lord Edward FitzGerald. He somewhat repaired and furnished the castle. His son gives a graphic description of the wanton destruction of property by the soldiers sent from Dublin to arrest his father. It appears they tore up floors and down wainscotting, in a search for Lord Edward, who it was thought was hidden in the castle.
Shortly after this it became a regular garrison and a refuge for the Loyalists. It was attacked by the insurgents without success.
The castle was leased once more, in 1799, before the family again took possession of their ancient home.
Lord Walter FitzGerald, “Kilkea Castle” (_Kildare Archæological Society’s Journal_). Marquis of Kildare, “The Earls of Kildare.” State Papers.
There seems to be a difference of opinion regarding the derivation of this name. The most popular belief is that it signifies the Church of St. Canice or Kenny. Again it is put forward that a settlement of the Gaels having been along the banks of the Nore, the high ground towards the present castle was wooded, and so called Coil or Kyleken-uï, “the wooded head” or “hill near the river,” and so it became Cillcannegh or Kilkenny.
The city is situated seventy-two miles south-west of Dublin, in the county of the same designation.
The fortress is said to occupy the site of the ancient Irish castellum of the kings of Ossory. It is built on high ground above the town, and the present entrance is through a handsome gate-house of Caen stone which was brought up the River Nore in boats. The 2nd Duke of Ormond, who succeeded in 1688, spent £1,500 on its erection, but the carving has only been completed in later years. A massive wooden door gives admittance from the Parade.