Kiltegan is notable in history for the surrender of Michael Dwyer, a supporter of the United Irishmen in the rebellion of 1798. He had continued to evade capture for some time after the rebellion had come to an end, and had made a daring escape from a cottage not many miles from Kiltegan, thanks to the self-sacrifice of a friend. Finally he submitted to the commander of the government forces on the Hume estate.
A memorial stone on the village green commemorates the surrender, and also the fact that the terms offered by Hume were not ratified by the Dublin authorities. Instead of being allowed to emigrate to America, he was sent (as a free man, though the memorial suggests otherwise) to Australia, where he became Chief of Police in Liverpool, New South Wales.
One of the Hume family was not so fortunate. He was killed in the same rebellion, and is commemorated by a
stained glass east window in the Parish Church.
The Hume estate still dominates the village.
Humewood Castle, a gothic extravaganza, was built in the late 19th century, and most recently was used as a luxury hotel, patronised by the rich and celebrated.
bravenet.com
