09/02/2026
This Irish castle was built to survive a war. It didn’t expect to give birth to a legend.
Perched on the edge of Lough Leane in Killarney, Ross Castle dates to the 15th century and was once the stronghold of the O’Donoghue clan.
But the legend about the castle, lake and chieftain O’Donoghue Mor is more interesting.
Legend says chieftain O’Donoghue Mor still lives beneath the lake in a magnificent underwater palace, and emerges every May Day morning to ride across the water on a white horse.
History gives us the castle. Ireland gives us the legend.
Are you drawn to historic sites with fascinating legends? Let us know in the comments!
Photo Copyright: Joshua Hannah for Tourism Ireland