Ross Castle
Ross Castle is located in Killarney National Park on the edge of Lough Leane in County Kerry. It was built in the early 15th Century by the Clan O’Donoghues Mor (Ross) and is a fine example of an Irish Chieftain stronghold. It is surrounded by a defensive wall with flanking towers, two of which still remain intact today.
It is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century.
There is a myth that O’Donoghue jumped from the window of the great hall at the top of the castle and vanished into the waters never to be seen again. It is said that O’Donoghue lives by the great Castle in the lake, from where he keeps a close eye. Today the castle is furnished with 16th & 17th century furniture. There is a large rock at the entrance to the bay and this is known as O’Donoghues Prison. The castle is open to the public by guided tour only and is an experience not to be missed.
