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To get to the
lake itself, take the Muckross Road towards Kenmare and turn right into
Ross Road, down past the Killarney Racecourse and on to Ross Castle.
Dúchas, the Irish heritage department, did a lot of restoration work to
the castle during the late 1990s, and now offers guided tours through
the main apartments.
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Ross Castle
Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Leane,
was built in the15th century by the O'Donoghues. One of the most
photographed of all Irish castles, this picture was taken from the
boat at the start of the lake tour. |
Ross Castle
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Ross Castle was the last stronghold in
Ireland to be taken by Cromwell's army, finally falling in the
17th century. On hearing the legend that the castle could
never be taken by land, the army approached the castle by boat
across the lake and the castle guards surrendered without a battle. |
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After visiting the castle, take a tour of the Lower Lake on one of
the water buses, which do not have to be booked in advance for the
casual visitor. A recorded commentary is available in several
languages, or listen to the captain's own version - much more
interesting! |
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The Lake Tour
Various agencies in Killarney can arrange a full tour of
the Lakes and the Gap of Dunloe. This is a full-day
trip, leaving Ross Castle in the morning and travelling by open
boat for 14 miles through all three lakes, stopping for lunch at Lord
Brandon's cottage at the top of the Upper Lake and then taking a pony
and trap for another 7 miles over the mountains and through the Gap.
Alternatively, most of the lake shore is accessible on foot to those who
enjoy exploring for themselves. |
Boats near Ross Castle
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Boat park
Boats tied up near Ross Castle, waiting to
take passengers on a fishing trip or a tour of the lakes.
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Innisfallen Abbey
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Inisfallen Abbey
The original abbey on Inisfallen Island
was built in the 7th century and for 1,000 years was a reknowned
seat of knowledge, giving its name to Lough Leane (the lake of
learning). Brian Boru is said to have been one of those educated
here. The present ruined church dates from the 11th-12th century.
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Bricín Bridge
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Bricín Bridge
"The bridge of the little trout", through
which boats pass between Lough Leane and Muckross Lake.
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Old Weir Bridge
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The Old Weir
Bridge
When the water level in the lakes is low,
passengers have to disembark and walk a short distance through the
woods, meeting the boat on the other side of the bridge. |
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Dinis Cottage
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Dinis Cottage
Originally a hunting lodge on the lake
shore near the Old Weir Bridge, Dinis Cottage was, for a time, a small
restaurant.
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River below the Old Weir Bridge
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Safe Passage
After negotiating the narrows under the
bridge, one of the tour boats heads for the jetty to pick up its
passengers again. |
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Meeting of the Waters
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The Meeting
of the Waters
This photograph was taken from the boat,
after re-embarking. |
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Rainbow on Torc Mountain
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Torc
Mountain
This lucky photograph was taken one
morning, as a rainbow appeared over Castlelough Bay, Lough Leane.
Torc Mountain can be seen in the background. |
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Shamrocks
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Shamrocks
Shamrocks really do grow in Ireland! These
were seen in the woods at the foot of Torc Mountain. |
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Torc Waterfall
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Torc
Waterfall
One of the most popular tourist
attractions, Torc waterfall can be seen after a short walk through
the woods from the main Killarney to Kenmare road. |
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Oak Woods beside Lough Leane
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Woodland
Scene
This shady pool can be seen in the woods
along the shore of Lough Leane. Deer coming for an evening drink had
left tracks around the edges of the pool. |
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Deer beside Lough Leane
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Deer
The Killarney National Park covers the
whole of the lakeland area and up into the mountains. Wild red deer
roam through the park, together with the smaller Sika deer, a 19th
century introduction. This little deer was was captured on camera
while taking a morning stroll beside the lough. |
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