10/13/2026
THE CURIOUS LEGEND OF ROSS CASTLE!
Ross Castle sits in an idyllic spot on the banks of Lough Leane (Lake of Learning) in Killarney, looking out onto the lake and Inisfallen Island which is home to a 7th-century monastery .
It was built by O'Donoghue Mór in the late 1400s; at the time the O'Donoghues were the ruling clan in the area. As well as being rich and famous, O'Donoghue was also acknowledged as being one of the wisest men of his time. It's thought he was able to harness the power of the black arts.
His wealth, power and wisdom couldn't prevent him from growing old, however, something he was terrified of, so he shut himself away in the grand chamber at the top of the castle with his magic books and vowed to have no contact with anyone until he'd discovered how to make himself young again.
Hours turned into days and days into weeks, but O'Donoghue stayed locked away. His family became very worried about him until at last, after seven long weeks, he called his wife to his chamber and revealed to her how he planned to become young again.
'You must cut me up into little pieces,' he told her. 'You must put the pieces into a barrel in this chamber, then lock the door and stay away for seven weeks. When you come in after seven weeks, you will find me alive and well. By that time, I will be a three year old child. If you lose your nerve and try to come in during the seven weeks, it will mean the end for me. To test your nerve, I shall read to you from one of my books. You will see and hear strange things while I am reading but you must not cry out or I shall be taken from you for ever.'
O'Donoghue began reading and, as he read, his horrified wife saw the most terrible things and heard the most dreadful noises. She kept her nerve and not a sound escaped her lips ... until, that is, she saw her own child dead on the table before her. She cried out in anguish and with that, the castle shook and O'Donoghue was sucked out of the window. He disappeared down into the watery depths of Lough Leane along with his horse, his table and his library.
On the first morning of May, every seven years, he rises from the lake on a magnificent white horse and circles the lake. Anyone catching a glimpse of him is said to be assured of good fortune for the rest of their lives.
True story...
(M) ☘️
Pic. Denis Mangan
https://instagram.com/dmanganphoto
