ROSS CASTLE
Caisleán an Rois
Killarney, County Kerry

Ross Castle was built in the late 15th century by the O'Donoghue's, the ruling clan of the region. It's situated on the edge of Lough Leane (also Lein), which is part of the Killarney National Park. This is a fine example of a 16th century fortified tower which is surrounded by bawn walls and round turrets, some of which are still somewhat intact.

Ross Castle is a traditional type of Irish stronghold built by Irish chieftains during the late middle ages. Architecturally, the tower house has square bartizans on diagonally opposite corners and thick walls. The keep was surrounded by high square bawn walls and defended by round corner towers at prominent points.

By 1583, the end of the second Desmond Rebellion, the castle changed

ownership, falling into the hands of MacCarthy Mór who had owned lands in the national park region since the 12th century. MacCarthy, also McCarthy, leased the castle and surrounding lands to Sir Valentine Browne, ancestor to the Earls of Kenmare. The Browne's owned one of the two estates when the original lands were divided with the Herbert's. (see the notes for the Killarney National Park).

Ross Castle was one of the last castles in the region to surrender to Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads during the Irish Confederate War, also known as the Eleven Years War, which was fought between 1641 and 1653.

Legend foretold that the castle would never be taken, except by an attack from the water by a Man of War. It was a man called Ludlow, a commander in Cromwell's army, who had a large boat transported overland and launched in the lake. Artillery and soldiers were then sailed across the lake to Ross Castle. Defenders saw this and they knew the prophesy had been fulfilled and ultimately abandoned the castle.

By the end of the war, the Browne's were able to prove that their heir was too young to have participated in the rebellion so they were allowed to retain the castle and lands. But with their support of James II of England, the Browne's found themselves exiled. They never returned to Ross Castle, but in 1688, they build Kenmare House across the lake near Killarney.

There is another legend that surrounds Ross Castle. It's said that the O'Donoghue chieftain either leapt or was sucked out the window from the great hall at the top of the castle. He disappeared into the lake along with his horse, a table and his library and now lives at the bottom of the lake in a great palace where he keeps a guarded eye on everything around the keep.

Visitors to the Killarney area can get boat trips from the jetty in front of the castle in the summer months. Boats travel around the lake with stops on Innisfallen Island to see the monastery there, and sightsee all areas around the lake.

A short walk from the castle on Rien Pier is the boat house for the Workmen's Rowing Club, which was established in 1920 for the enjoyment of members 11 years of age and up. All aspects of rowing are taught here, including the traditional Killarney 6's, sculling, coastal sailing and gig sailing. Members often participate in national regattas. Members support a year round training regimen, regardless of weather.

~ Pay attraction
~ Strictly by guided tour
~ Free car parking available
~ Easy access around grounds, access in castle limited to ground floor