Standing amongst some of the most awesome scenery in the world, Ross Castle has a lot to live up to in order to compete with natural beauty all around it.
It measures up very well to the task.
The castle is within walking distance of the Killarney town centre perched on a tiny island on the edge of Lough Leane, the largest of the three lakes that make up the Lakes of Killarney.
This was the original home of the O'Donoghue Ross Chieftains in the 15th century and, believed to be the last significant fortress to fall to Cromwell's armies in Ireland.
Ross Castle has been magnificently restored to its former glory.
Standing on the shore of Lough Leane, this castle is open to visitors by guided tours from April to October inclusive.
Ross Castle is located on Ross Island.
Its human habitation history goes back some 9,000 years with one of Europe's earliest Bronze Age Copper Mines dating back some 4,500 years.
A most informative and pleasant mining and nature walking trail takes you through the Island as part of the guided tour.
Before the construction of Ross Castle, Ireland witnessed a revival of the old feudal ways together with Gaelic literature and learning.
During this period the local clans consolidated their power in Kerry.
It was however a period of economic depression with several outbreaks of famine and the Black Death, consequently it was not a great period of building.
However, renewed prosperity in the 15th century saw the construction of both Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle in the Killarney area.
There is a huge amount of history associated with Ross Castle.
The visitor centre, together with the well-informed guides will illustrate in great detail the glory, stories and tragedies of Ross Castle.
