This month we return to the village end of the parish to the townland mostly associated with the new cemetery (although technically in Ballykilty, it does look across to the site of an old burial ground in Kildrum, but more on that later). Kildrum is just one kilometre south east of the village, facing the new cemetery.
At 38 hectares or 0.17 square miles, it is one of our smaller townlands and competes well for the least populated. Kildrum in its original form was Coill Droma, meaning the wood on the ridge. It contains a hill that peaks at all of 34metres in Kildrum and Feaghquin. Beyond it is the remnants of old woodland in Ballymacloon North which likely stretched across this hill at one time.
It has never been called any other name and has been recorded as such since 1585 (or a variation on the Irish and English spelling).
Kildrum was originally owned by the McNamaras but was given to a Robert Dixon as part of the Cromwellian forfeitures. It was described in this hand-over as containing 54 acres. Many of the soldiers and adventurers given land in Ireland did not take up the option but instead sold it on. This may explain why Nicholas Arthur ended up owning this townland and much more around Quin. He appears to have ‘backed the wrong horse’ in the form of James II because the loyal (Sir) Donough O’Brien was able to purchase the then forfeited land of Mr Arthur.
Recorded residents
1855 Griffiths Valuation: Cornelius Clune, Patrick Corbett
1901 Census: James Conlon (94) & domestic servant, Patrick & Ann Clune plus 9 children
1911 Census: Thomas & Bridget O’Hanlon plus 4 children, Patrick & Ann Clune plus 4 children
Ringfort
The remnants of Kildrum ringfort can still be seen from aerial imagery, but unfortunately, not much remains of its physical structure. This fact was also noted by TJ Westropp following his visit to the site in 1902. Like similar forts in this area, this one has its share of local folk tales attached, all of which has helped to prevent its complete removal from the landscape. Within the bounds of the ringfort was a souterrain, the site of which can also be seen from aerial imagery. This was most likely used as a cold and safe underground storage space for food.
Aerial image of Kildrum ringfort and a drawing of how it might have looked
From Thomas J Westropp:
“The townlands to the east of Quin abound in forts; but, being populous and divided into numerous farms, the antiquities have suffered not a little, even since 1839 (when visited by OS surveyors-my insert). About half-way between Quin and Knappogue the large fort of Kildrum has been much levelled since that date. It has a souterrain in its garth, but it is now closed.”
Taken from Proceedings of RIA section C, no. Xvi, pp 371-391. Published 19 august 1909.
Burial ground
A burial ground or Cillín is shown on the first OS maps, to the north of the ringfort. It was not unusual to find such ‘un-blessed’ burial sites within close proximity of features considered to have special religious or folk attachment. Fairy forts were often used for this purpose.
Concluding comment
Kildrum today is the location of one of the country’s few free-range pig farms. This is a novel business being pursued by one of our locals. The address of this farm is Lios na Sí, Kildrum, presumably inspired by the above mentioned fairy or ringfort! its lovely to see new placenames taking inspiration from the heritage of the area.
There is not much else to cover within this townland as it has always been sparsely populated. The O’Halloran family name is still present and represents the sole residents of the townland today. Long may the remains of the ringfort and souterrain be in place for future generations to see, even if its only from the air!!
Historical references:
Mensal Tithes to be paid to the (CoI)Bishop of Killaloe by occupiers in Kildrum:
From the ‘Inchiquin Papers’:
1703 Sir Donough (O’Brien) purchased from the Commissioners for Sale of Forfeited Estates the lands of Daganbrack, Creevagh, Cahercalla, Maddara, Keevagh and Kildrum, totaling 440 acres, formerly held by Nicholas Arthur, who was attained for treason on account of his adherence to James II.
1768. Map of Killdrom [alias Kildrum], parish of Quin, barony of Bunratty, … containing 56 acres 1 rood. Scale: 40 perches to 1 inch. Surveyed by Henry Hewett. 21 F. 138 (8)
1848. Agreement for a lease by Sir Lucius O’Brien, 5th Bart., to Patrick Corbett for half of the lands of Kildrum, barony of Upper Bunratty, for 2 years at £20 yearly. 22 May 1848. 1 p. MS 45,089 /5
1883. Map of Kildrum, parish of Quin, barony of Bunratty Upper, containing 50 acres 29 perches, statute. Surveyed by Stephen Markham. 21 Feb. 1883. 21 F. 151 (63)
1884. Notice of intention by Thomas Corbett to sell his tenancy of Kildrum (£30). MS 45,255 /5
