Dunlough Castle dates to the early thirteenth century when it was constructed by Donagh O’Mahony. The name “Three Castle Head” derives from the three ruined towers that form part of the remaining structure.

According to legend, when the O’Donoghue family resided here, two sons went rogue and terrorised the area, robbing and pillaging, until a group of vigilantes apprehended and killed them. Their grieving father soon found the treasures that they had amassed, and disposed of their stash in the lake before taking his own life. Ever since that day, a drop of blood is said to fall each day from the lowest tower into the lake beneath.

This dramatic spot is also reputedly haunted by a mysterious lady in white – but you should not go looking for her. According to legend, she is a harbinger of misfortune or even imminent death to those who see her. One high profile story which refers to this particular legend is the case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Sophie was a French television producer who had a holiday home nearby. She visited Three Castle Head on the 22nd of December 1996. It is said that Sophie may have seen the lady in white as she was walking near the ruins that day – her aunt later recalled that Sophie had indeed seen “something terrible” during her visit and that it really had scared her. Tragically, Sophie was found dead the next morning. She had been murdered.