Hidden amongst the slopes of Kilmashogue Mountain lie the intriguing ruins of Calbeck’s Castle. Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t the grand fortress its title might suggest. Calbeck’s Castle was in fact a small dwelling house. It was built around 1800 to cater to visitors of a nearby spa in Kelly’s Glen. The spa itself, discovered around 1748, sadly never gained much popularity. Its remote location and difficult access kept the crowds away. Calbeck’s Castle was built in this quiet area. It stands as a testament to the optimistic, if ultimately unsuccessful, venture. By 1821, just two decades after its construction, Calbeck’s Castle was already falling into ruin. The surrounding lands belonged to Councillor Charles Calbeck. He invested heavily in the area. He planted trees, built roads and bridges, and improved drainage. Two of the bridges Calbeck constructed even bear inscriptions dedicated to his sister Sophannie. So, while Calbeck’s Castle itself didn’t stand the test of time, the name Calbeck echoes still in the landscape, a reminder of a bygone era’s ambitions. Today, nestled between Kilmashogue and Tibradden Mountains, the ruins of Calbeck’s Castle remain. They offer a glimpse into a fascinating story of a spa, a hopeful councillor, and a mountain retreat that never quite found its footing.
Saint John the Evangelist
Whispers of history echo from these stones. This is the site of Saint John the Evangelist. Once a vibrant church