Owners of a renowned Co Kildare castle are appealing for locals to stay away from ongoing building works following allegations that several people were found on top of scaffolding.
Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort in Castledermot is currently undergoing reconstruction.
Today a social media warning said: "The owner and management of the Castle understand that everybody is excited as it is really starting to take shape but several people have been found on top of the scaffolding and walking around the construction areas. They understand everybody has an attachment to the property but for the next 12 months, if people and their children could just understand it a building site, and building sites are dangerous. They are looking forward to opening it back up to the public but just don't want to see anybody hurt in the interim."
The castle is particularly, associated with Gerald, the 11th earl of Kildare known as the "Wizard Earl", who became the male representative of the Geraldines when only twelve years of age after his half brother "Silken Thomas" the 10th earl, was executed at Tyburn in 1537. The "Wizard Earl" was sent to the continent to be educated, and following his return to Kildare his interest in alchemy caused much interest among his neighbours around Kilkea Castle and he was said to possess magic powers.
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