Ross Castle, Killarney

4 more images

We took a boat ride around the lakes surrounding the castle in order to give us a break from the drinking. A splendid place to take in the Irish air.

We were told by our taxi driver that in 1652 it was one of the last strongholds in this region to surrender to Cromwell's forces. We were about thirty to forty bearded Englishmen back for a re-enactment.

1 more image

We decided to visit a couple of the local sights before jumping into the Ring of Kerry traffic, I figured if we left early or we left late that at least we wouldn't be stuck behind a caravan of giant tour buses all day. We got to Ross Castle before it opened for the day, I never did see an admission booth, and just as we left we saw the first herd of tourists. The website says that visits are by guided tour only and it takes 40 minutes. Admission is included on the Heritage Card which we had so it's too bad that we didn't wait. But it was one of the prettier castles that we saw and the surrounding view was gorgeous so it was worth the trip to see it even if we didn't go inside.

Ross Castle is thought to have been built in the late 15th century by one of the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains and is built to resist invaders, it has murder holes from which the occupants would pour boiling liquids, arrows, rocks or anything else that could harm intruders from holes cut in passageway and entrances and also stumble steps which are uneven stairs that would cause anyone running up the stairs to stumble, slowing their attack.

2 more images

This square medieval tower which was built by the O' Donoghues in the 15th century is beautifully situated on the shores of Lough Lein. Now restored, the castle houses a fine collection of 16th and 17th century oak furniture. Killarney to the rose castle, take about 30min by walk. There are beautiful walking course.

2 more images

Ross Castle
Located about 10mins walk from the town centre, Ross castle is a magical place, and the magic is not just the castle its self, It is a fairytale backdrop set on the side of the lakes, where there's is a lovely little beach, It is not advisable to swim here,but Itake your shoes off and get your feet wet, the water is cold but very soothing, the views will take your breath away, . There are tours of the restored building every hour (but check before you go as, it is seasonal) if you decide to take the tour, check in well in advance, there are only so many places per tour and they fill up quickly, especially in the summer. In my opinion the best time to go is in the early evening, you will find very few people there at this time (after 6;00pm) the sun is starting it's decent and the light is perfect for photographs. There is a little coffee shop with a picnic area, but it closes around 5;00pm,
so bring your own and share a sandwich with the ducks, watch the boats sail slowly by as the local boatmen make their way home. Failing that go early in the morning before 9.00am. This place is amazing, so enjoy.

Ross Castle sits on the shore of the lower lake in Killarney. It's a great place to get a boat trip or rent a fishing boat and row away at your ease. There are some islands which can be visited, such as Inisfalen

This photo of Ross Castle is a visual representation of Irish spring weather - bright sunshine on one side of the castle, raining on the other side!
Ross Castle is the 15th century domain of the O'Donoghues - the last place in Munster to fall to Cromwell. According the legend the castle could fall only by water, so Ludlow led the Cromwellian forces via floating batteries launched from the lake. The O'Donoghues saw the prophecy's fulfilling, and surrendered.