The name Ross Castle comes from the Irish phrase Caisleán an Rois, which translates literally to "the Castle of the peninsula". Centuries later, Rois became Ross.
Built in the 15th century by the O'Donoghue clan, it later became the ancestral home of the Brownes of Killarney.
Situated directly on the shores of Lough Leane (the Lower Lake), it offers scenic views of the surrounding water and mountains.
The castle features a robust rectangular tower house enclosed by a defensive bawn wall with circular corner bartizans.
During the Irish Confederate Wars (1641–1653), Ross Castle achieved great military significance as one of the final Irish Catholic stronghold defenses to capitulate to Oliver Cromwell’s forces.
During the siege of 1652, Lord Muskerry surrendered the castle, rendering it the last major fortress in Munster to fall.
After over a century in a ruined state, the Irish State took over the site in 1970 and undertook a massive restoration project.
Today, Ross Castle is one of Ireland's tourist attractions.