Ballinskelligs Castle is more commonly known as McCarthy Mór Castle. It is in fact a Tower House and was built in the 16th century by McCarthy Mór. It is thought that it's purpose was twofold. Firstly to protect the bay from pirates and also from which to charge a tariff on incoming trade ships.
These Tower houses were built all around the Cork and Kerry coasts by the McCarthy Mór family. Another larger example is Ballycarbery Castle in Cahirsiveen.
Ireland is as famous for its castles as for its Guinness, and here in Kerry, you will find both in abundance, though the locals prefer the Guinness to the castles.
Most Irish castles date from the 11th to 15th centuries. The Irish began to build fortifications in the form of castles soon after the Norman Invasion (1169 I think). Most of these medieval strongholds were subsequently occupied by invading lords who used them as defensive administrative headquarters. They are distinctly different from some of the royal castles or palaces found in Britain or continental Europe, in that Ireland has had no royalty for over a thousand years, and so the castles served a more practical than symbolic role. The castles built in Ireland and Kerry were fortified homes for chieftains, or Anglo-Norman settlers, and were designed primarily for defensive purposes.
Ross Castle is located just outside the town of Killarney on the Ross Road. It is very well-signposted and easy to find. Originally the home of an Irish Chieftain (O’ Donoghue Ross) Ross Castle Killarney was probably built in the late 15th century. The castle is a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. It sits on the banks of Lough Leane on a majestic site looking out onto the lake and Inisfallen Island (home to a 7th-century monastery). It is reputed to be one of the last strongholds of significance to fall to Cromwell’s forces in the 1650s.
The Castle has recently been restored and is open to visitors from April to October (there is a fee which includes a guided tour) but you can stroll around the grounds throughout the year. As the castle is one of Killarney’s main tourist attractions it can get quite busy during the peak summer months. Boat trips are also available from here to Inisfallen Island and around The Lakes of Killarney.
Located just outside the village of Glenbeigh, not much remain of Wynn's castle. The walls of Wynn’s Castle dating back to 1797 are still standing, beyond that it's up to your imagination and the pictures below. The view of Glenbeigh and its environs can be seen from this old ruin and memories of days gone by can be visualised. It is worth a quick look but don’t expect too much.
Ballycarberry Castle is located in an area known as "over the water" by the locals in Cahirciveen. Please see our interactive map for specific locations and directions. If you prefer the more traditional approach, find the old barracks in Cahirciveen, located down by the water's edge, with the barracks on your right-hand side continue over the bridge immediately ahead, at the next crossroads take a left and follow the signposts for the castle, it is approximately two miles on the left. Also well worth visiting in this area are the stone forts of Leacanabualie & Cahegral.
Situated near the water's edge you will see the remains of Ballycarbery Castle. This impressive-looking castle with its ivy-covered tower house was once home to the McCarthy Clan and was built sometime in the 15th century. It is probably the largest and most impressive castle built on the peninsula of Iveragh and is still very impressive from a distance.
Though listed on the County’s historical buildings list this is as far as the powers that be have gone to preserve this fine building. You will not find any gates or signs or paths into the castle and as the state has forgotten about it, entrance is free. You may, however, be a little disappointed when you see the poor state of repair the castle is in when you stroll around the ruins, care and attention are advised. An alternative to walking around the castle is to take your photos from the roadside and maintain your romantic impressions of this castle, you will however miss out on some of the best views of Cahersiveen if you do this.
