The current Kildangan House, built between 1882 and 1886 in the Victorian-Jacobean style, replaced a far older structure; a castle with distinctive square corner towers that had witnessed centuries of Irish history. The original fortress belonged to a branch of the Fitzgerald family, one of Ireland’s most influential Norman dynasties who arrived in the 12th century and became thoroughly integrated into Gaelic society.

The transition from castle to country house wasn’t a gentle one. In 1882, the old castle met its end through dynamite, making way for the grand Victorian residence that stands today. This dramatic demolition marked the end of an era, replacing medieval defensive architecture with the comfort and style favoured by late 19th-century landed gentry. The decision to destroy rather than renovate speaks to the changing times in Ireland, when ancient fortifications were seen as outdated relics rather than heritage worth preserving.

Today’s Kildangan House serves as a reminder of how Ireland’s architectural landscape evolved during the Victorian period, when many old castles and tower houses were either abandoned, renovated beyond recognition, or completely replaced. While the original castle’s square towers and defensive walls are lost to history, the site continues its centuries-old role as a significant residence in the Kildare countryside, albeit in a very different architectural form.