Kilcolman is private property, and the laws respecting private
property in Ireland are different to those in England. At the
Millenium conference I spoke to the very friendly and helpful chap who
owns the place, whose name and address I do not have, but if necessary
could try to find it (someone else may well remember it of hand).
One may not simply stroll over the fields and keep the country code
and visit the ruin as one could in England. The owner is responsible
for injuries incurred at the site. One needs to get his permission
before visiting the place. He will certainly give it, but he needs
assurance from the visitor before hand that injury will not be his
responsibility.
The locals are also very helpful. Go to the pub in the main street of
Buttervant (Sorry, if this is not exact, I don't have my stuff to
hand) and ask about the castle, the owner etc. They will direct you
to, among other places and people to one Roche, the local history
expert, who is apparently very knowledgeable. I have been unable to
find him on my visits. It is a lovely old-fashioned pub and the
publican will cut snadwihes for you if need be. The castle is a two
or three mile walk from the village, where the ruins of the old
monastery are still to be seen. It is marked on the relevant Irish
Ordinance Survey maps, available as they say from most good bookshops.
If you allow a little time and sit in peace and quiet somewhere on
that hillock, the beauty and charm of the place begin to emerge, rain
or shine. Otherwise, it is,like much of Ireland, a little shy.
Julian Lethbridge
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