Ross Castle was built in the 15th century and was originally owned by the O'Donoghue's. During the 16th century, Lord Muskerry aquired the ownership during the Second Desmond Rebellion. Muskerry rented out the castle and lands to Valentine Browne where, during the Irish Confederate Wars, the castle was one of the last castles to surrender to Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads. The only reason they surrendered was because of the prophecy that said the castle could not be taken until ships on water appeared around the castle. Once they saw ships around the castle, they grew nervous and surrendered. After the wars, though, the Brownes were able to take back the property and lands once they proved that their heir was not old enough to partake in the rebellion. The castle itself had five stories inside plus a roof. The castle was made out of stacked and mortored stone with very thick walls. A parapet was found on the roof to protect the soldiers when shooting their arrows or guns. I actually thought there would be more to the castle that would be visible to us in this day. However, it was still beautiful grounds and the cute little tiny doors were adorable.
Muckross House
Muckross House was designed by a Scottish architect who was hired by Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife. It was built in 1843 in the design of a Tudor style. In the 1850s, some enhancements were made to the mansion in planning for Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. Because of these improvements, some financial struggles came upon Herbert and he was forced to sell the estate. Eventually, it was bought by William Bowers Bourn, who was a wealthy Californian, to give to his daughter as her wedding present to celebrate her marriage to Arthur Rose Vincent. In 1932, it was given to the State by The Bourn's and Arthur Vincent in memory of their late daughter and wife. The house was under construction the day we went to see it so it wasn't as glorious as I'm sure it usually was and as I said before, it was built in the style of the Tudor mansion. The grounds were what really caught my eye, though. There was so much open space and it was absolutely beautiful scenery with the water in the distance and the huge field of grass.
Blarney Castle
Around 1210, Blarney Castle was built in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. However, it was destroyed in 1446 but rebuilt by McCarthy, Lord of Muskerry. The castle was attacked during the Irish Confederate Wars and was taken by Parliament but was once again given to a McCarthy after The Restoration. During the Williamite War in the 1690s, McCarthy was seized and his property and Blarney Castle were taken by the Williamites. The ownership changed multiple times until the 1700s when it was bought by the Govenor of Cork, Sir James St. John Jefferyes. During the 19th century the Jefferyes and the Colthurst descendants married and the property is still owned today by the Colthursts. What makes the Blarney Castle so popular today is the fact that it is home to the Blarney Stone, which some say once kissed, will give you the gift of eloquence. I enjoyed experiencing the Blarney castle and stone. It was a little nervewracking walking up those tiny stairs to get to the stone but once I was up top, I was thrilled to be there. The castle had a parapet just like Ross Castle and a turret.
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