Ross Castle – One Of Killarney’ Best Visitor Attractions
Ross Castle is built on the shores of the Lakes of Killarney. Just beside the castle visitors can get on one of the many pleasure boats nearby and take a guided trip around the lakes The visitor can take one of the many walks, some through woodland and Killarney National Park around Ross Castle and the lakes
Ross Castle was first built in the late 1400s by the local rulers the O’Donoghues. During the Desmond Rebellion of the 1580s the castle fell in to the possession of the McCarthy Clan. They leased Ross Castle and estate to the ancestors of the Earls of Kenmare.
The castle was amongst the last to surrender to Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads and was finally overcome when artillery was brought by boat up the River Laune into the lakes.
At the conclusion of the war, the Brownes held on to their estate because the young Browne was too young to have been involved in the revolt. By the end of the seventeenth century, they were sent into exile because the sided with James II of England. The castle was made into a barracks, and it remained so until the early 1800s.
The castle is typical of Irish castles built in the Middle Ages. The tower was originally enclosed in a fortified bawn defended by round towers at each corner.
There are bartizans on three corners of the castle – bartizans are overhanging turrets which could be used for dropping stones, oil and other missiles on attackers below.
There is a legend that O’Donoghue jumped or was pulled out of the window of a room at the top of the castle and plunged into the lake along with his horse, his table and his library. It is said that he now lives in a palace at the bottom of the lake from where he oversees everything that happens locally. Locals say that from time to time he is seen at dawn or dusk with his horse in the mists of the lake.
On the main floor of the castle there is a display showing the history of the castle using models and charts.
You must take a scheduled tour to see the castle itself. This castle is a very popular site with tourists, so you may have to queue for entry during the summer.
Take a trip on a boat from Ross castle around the lakes for a wonderful experience. On some of these trips you can stop off at Innisfallen Island for quiet rest and relaxation.
There is no shortage of good places to stay in near Ross castle. If you want to stay in one of the hotels in Killarney or if you prefer one of the numerous Killarney bed and breakfast accommodations there is a wide range available.
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