This cannon at Ross Castle is a silent reminder of when more than 4,000 of Oliver Cromwell’s troops led by General Ludlow stormed the stronghold in 1652 towards the end of the Eleven Year’s War (1641 – 1653). Lord Muskerry’s men successful repelled the foot soldiers but succumbed when English vessels arrived on Lough Leane laden with artillery. Folklore had suggested the castle was invincible until a warship arrived on the shallow lake. The prophecy came true.