Ross Castle - Killarney National Park - Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 52° 02.492 W 009° 31.894
29U E 463541 N 5765790
Castle locate in Killarney National Park near Killarnery, County Kerry, Ireland.
Waymark Code: WMAFYZ
Location: Munster, Ireland
Date Posted: 01/10/2011
Views: 19
"Ross Castle (Irish:
Caisleán an Rois) is the
ancestral home of the O'Donoghue clan though it is better known for its
association with the Brownes of Killarney who owned it until recently.
It is located on the edge of Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park,
County Kerry, Ireland.
Ross Castle was built in the late 15th century by local ruling clan the
O'Donoghues Mor (Ross), though ownership changed hands during the
Desmond Rebellion of the 1580s to the Mac Carty Mor. He then leased the
castle and the lands to Sir Valentine Browne ancestor of the Earls of
Kenmare. The castle was amongst the last to surrender to Oliver
Cromwell's Roundheads during the Irish Confederate Wars, and was only
taken when artillery was brought by boat via the River Laune. Lord
Muskerry (MacCarty) held the castle against General Ludlow who marched
to Ross with 4000 foot soldiers and 200 horse; however, it was by water
that he attacked the stronghold. The Irish had a prophecy that Ross
could never be taken until a warship could swim on the lake, an
unbelievable prospect. The sight of the 'ships' unnerved the onlookers
and the castle soon submitted.
At the end of the wars, the Brownes were able to show that their heir
was too young to have taken part in the rebellion and they retained the
lands. By about 1688, they had erected a mansion house near the castle,
but their adherence to James II of England caused them to be exiled.
The castle became a military barracks, which remained so until early in
the 19th century. The Brownes did not return to live at Ross but built
Kenmare House near Killarney.
The castle is typical of strongholds of Irish chieftains built during
the Middle Ages. The tower house had square bartizans on diagonally
opposite corners and a thick end wall. The tower was originally
surrounded by a square bawn defended by round corner towers on each end.
There is a legend that O’Donoghue leaped or was sucked out of the
window of the grand chamber at the top of the castle and disappeared
into the waters of the lake along with his horse, his table and his
library. It is said that O’Donoghue now lives in a great palace at the
bottom of
the lake where he keeps a close eye on everything that he sees.
It is possible to go on boat trips on the lake leaving from Ross Castle
during the summer. Some of the smaller boats will allow you to visit
Innisfallen Island on the lake during the summer. Ross Castle is
located along the Ring of Kerry, a scenic driving route, and the Kerry
Way, a similar hiking path." -
Wikipedia
The castle is to guide tours only. It is open March - October
9:30 am - 5:00 pm daily. Admission is €6.00 adult, €4.00 group/senior,
€2.00 child/student, €14.00 family.