Which castle is in Killarney National Park?
Ross Castle is situated in Killarney National Park on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake and was built by Irish Chieftain O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century.
Legend has it that O’Donoghue’s spirit still slumbers under the waters of the lake. According to the legend, every seven years, on the first morning of May, O’Donoghue appears rising from the water on a magnificent white horse. The legend goes further, if you manage to catch a glimpse of O’Donoghue then good fortune will follow you for the rest of your life. A large rock at the entrance to the bay guards what is known as O’Donoghue’s prison.
During the invasion by the forces of Oliver Cromwell, Ross Castle was the last place in Munster to hold out against the invaders.
Cromwell’s forces were led by General Edmund Ludlow who marched to Ross with 4,000 foot soldiers and 200 cavalry soldiers on horseback. Lord Muskerry (MacCarthy) held the castle against the attackers believing in a prophecy that the castle could only be taken by water with a ship. Unfortunately for the defenders, General Ludlow knew of the prophecy and fulfilled it by launching an attack with a large boat on the lake. The defenders believing in the prophecy were quick to surrender.
Location
Ross Castle is situated within Killarney National Park Killarney National Park is near the town of Killarney, County Kerry and was the first national park created in Ireland, when the Muckross Estate was kindly donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. Since inception that park has been substantially expanded and encompasses over 102.89 km2 (25,425 acres). Killarney National Park has diverse ecology, including the natural wonders of the beautiful Lakes of Killarney, oak and yew woodlands of international importance, and mountain peaks.
The park is also home to the only herd of red deer herd on mainland Ireland as well as the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland.
Killarney National Park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981 and is managed and administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Ross Castle and the wider Killarney National Park should definitely be part of your plans when visiting Ireland.
There are more than 30,000 Castles in Ireland, so where do you start as a visitor? Fortunately, here at Love Ireland, we have you covered. Follow the 2 steps below and it will help you on the right path.
Ready for your trip to Ireland? Start here.
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