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Aghadoe, the local town land which
overlooks present day Killarney, may have began as a pagan religious site. The site has also been associated with
the fifth century missionary St.
Abban, but seventh century ogham stones mark the first clear evidence
of Aghadoe being used as a important site. According
to legend, St. Finian founded a monastery at Aghadoe in the sixth or seventh
century. The first written record of a monastery dates from 939 AD in the Annals of Innisfallen where the Aghadoe monastery is
referred to as the "Old Abbey."
Following the Anglo-Norman invasion of
Ireland in 1169, the Normans built Parkavonear
Castle, also at Aghadoe. The castle was perhaps intended as an early warning
outpost due to its views of the entire Killarney valley and lakes region.
Ross Castle
