Ross Castle
Family practicalities
- Pram-friendly (likely)
- Step-free access
- Toilets
Families can explore Ross Castle, learn about its history and legends, and enjoy the surrounding walking and bike trails by Lough Leane. There is an exhibition and museum.
Ross Castle perches in an inlet of Lough Leane. It is likely that the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór built it in the fifteenth century. Legend has it that O’Donoghue still slumbers under the waters of the lake. Every seven years, on the first morning of May, he rises on his magnificent white horse. If you manage to catch a glimpse of him you will enjoy good fortune for the rest of your life. Ross Castle was the last place in Munster to hold out against Cromwell. Its defenders, then led by Lord Muskerry, took confidence from a prophecy holding that the castle could only be taken by a ship. Knowing of the prophecy, the Cromwellian commander, General Ludlow, launched a large boat on the lake. When the defenders saw it, this hastened the surrender – and the prophecy was fulfilled.
The details
- Address
- Ross Castle, Ross Road, Ross Island, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, Kerry
- Cost
- Check the official website
- Indoors or out
- Both indoors and out
- Booking
- Check the official website
- Listed by
- Heritage Ireland (OPW)