Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Leane, County Kerry was built by the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór in the fifteenth century.
O’Donoghue still keeps watch over his fine castle from the bottom of the lake. Every seven years, on the first morning in May, he rises from the waters on his magnificent white horse. If you are lucky enough to catch sight of him, you are promised good fortune for the rest of your life!
This was one of the last Irish castles to hold out against Cromwell’s forces. According to legend, the castle could only be taken by ship so Lord Muskerry, its defender, believed it would never fall to a land-based attack. Aware of the prophesy, General Ludlow of the English forces decided, in 1652, to attack from the water. Upon seeing the approaching boats on the lake, the defenders quickly surrendered – thus fulfilling the prophesy! (In reality, Muskerry had already decided to capitulate, knowing they’d never defeat the Cromwellian army. The boats provided a timely excuse!!).
I like the clouds in the background of these lovely shots.
It was actually a reasonable morning after a few bad days as I recall so the bits of blue sky were very welcome indeed….
Lovely
Thank you Sheree. XXXMarie
Nice door added to a lovely Irish story,
I love the story. The place is usually overrun with visitors in August but we were there in August 2020 so we had the place almost to ourselves…
Beautiful photos, Marie xx
Thanks Aiva – glad you enjoyed. XXXMarie
Intersting post. Nice story of him. Thanks for it.
I guess a lot of people saw him riding out on his white horse in these seventh years… 🙂
Anyway I was surprised a bit at the beginning, when read the name ‘Mór’ with this accented spelling. In my langeague (Hungarian) ‘Mór’ is a male first name… as far as I know it comes from the ‘moor’
Mór means BIG here – but after a name it could denote a person of importance rather than stature. (Adjectives come after the noun in the Irish language – the opposite of English)
Beautiful photos, and I always appreciate the history! Thanks.
Thanks Dan….. XXXMarie
Such a grand building, and the sky framing it is stunning. Beautiful photos, and doors.
I caught it at its best that morning – the place is usually overrun with visitors and weather is totally unreliable!
A wonderful place Marie. Glad I tagged along 🙂
You’re always welcome, Brian!!!
A wonderful set of photos
Thank you Hannah🥰 😘