The Ross Castle - Irish Castle • Go-to-Ireland.com

Table of contents

History of Ross Castle
- An Irish fort built on the shores of Lake Lough Leane in Killarney
Visit Ross Castle
- Visit the different rooms of the castle!

If you love Irish castles and their rugged charm, lost in the middle of the wilderness, then we recommend a visit to Ross Castle. This 15th-century castle is one of the treasures of Killarney National Park! Built on the shores of Lough Leane, the building will take you back in time to Ireland’s lords and land wars! A pure marvel!

History of Ross Castle

An Irish fort built on the shores of Lake Lough Leane in Killarney

Ross Castle – © gabriel12

Ross Castle is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most beautiful castles.

It’s a perfect example of the medieval architecture of the time, with its main tower and impenetrable fortified wall!

For the record, the fortress was built by Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Ross, an influential and powerful man who ruled the Killarney territory at the time. Forged by years of military strategy, he then chose to build the castle on the shores of Lough Leane, a perfect strategic point, to ensure the castle’s security and keep an eye on any approaching enemies.

The castle plans are in the vein of the period: a 5-storey tower dominating the Kerry countryside, and a crenellated fortified enclosure with turrets at the corners.

At the end of its construction, Ross Castle was a symbol of the O’Donoghue Ross family’s political influence on the surrounding area. It asserts its power and signifies its might.

Unfortunately, the Ross clan lost the castle in the wake of the Desmond Geraldine Rebellion.

During the battle, O’Donoghue Ross is said to have fallen from his horse, from one of the castle’s windows, only to sink into the dark waters of Lough Leane. Enough to fuel many a story! Since then, legend has it that O’Donoghue Ross still lives in the waters of the lake, watching over his lost castle!

The castle changed hands and was the subject of another battle many years later.

The terrible Oliver Cromwell decided to lay siege to Ross Castle with his army. But the castle’s occupants are determined to fight back. They fought back as best they could, but finally capitulated after a few days.

The castle is now in flames.

Over time, the fortress was gradually abandoned in its current state. Profoundly damaged by past wars, it was taken over much later by the Irish state, which decided to restore it, in full respect of its original history and architecture.

Since then, Ross Castle has become a must-see tourist attraction in Killarney National Park. Open to the public, the castle is a vibrant testimony to Ireland’s medieval history, and its legendary charm is a dream come true for young and old alike!

Visit Ross Castle

Visit the different rooms of the castle!

Ross castle – © robnaw

If you too would like to discover this piece of history, you’ll need to enter Killarney National Park to visit it.

Ross Castle can be visited for the modest sum of €6 per person. You’ll have every opportunity to admire :

the castle’s fortified enclosure,
its round guard towers, where lookouts once stood,
its dungeon, where traitors and beggars were once imprisoned,
the barracks, added in the 18th century as an adjoining room to the fortress,
not forgetting the living areas, including the wonderful reception room, and the few bedrooms upstairs.

The château’s furnishings include some truly unique pieces, including numerous oak sideboards and tables dating back to the 16th century. Don’t miss these marvels of woodwork!

Finally, after your visit, don’t hesitate to take a walk in Killarney National Park, one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks. A perfect place for a hike or just a stroll. The views are breathtaking, and will plunge you into the magic of the great Irish wilderness!