Ross Castle
- Not step-free
Adult EUR 5
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Why go
- Boat trips from the castle's lakeshore to Innisfallen island and the ruins of its medieval abbey.
- The 16th- and 17th-century furniture and fittings in the rooms of the castle.
Plan your visit
Prices
From the venue's website · checked 20 Oct 2026
Opening hours
Today09:30 – 17:45Show all
Know before you go
- Open every day, from 09:30 to 17:45.
- The interior can be seen only on a guided tour, first come, first served.
- Each guided tour holds at most 15 people.
- Tickets can be booked online through the castle's booking page.
- It is a very busy site, so delays are possible in summer.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead.
- Bad weather can close it: it was closed on Saturday 24 October because of Storm Boelo.
Legends and hidden details
- Legend says O'Donoghue still lives in a great palace at the bottom of the lake.
- Legend says he sleeps under the lake and rises on his white horse every seven years.
- Legend says he vanished into the lake with his horse, table and library.
- Legend says he fell or was pulled from a window into the lake, horse and all.
- Legend says that seeing O'Donoghue on his horse brings good fortune for life.
- A prophecy said the castle would never fall unless it was attacked from the lake.
- When a boat was launched on the lake, the garrison surrendered without fighting, believing the prophecy was coming true.
What's inside
- An interpretive exhibit is on site.
- The main castle stands in a fortified inner courtyard, with inner walls and towers around it.
Tips for your visit
- Tours of the interior run first come, first served, so expect to queue.
- Access is hard for visitors with mobility problems because of a very steep incline.
- Toilets are run by the National Park, and one is disabled-accessible.
- The castle can be reached by phone on +353 64 663 5851.
Best time to visit
- The castle opens seasonally, so check the opening months before you travel.
Interesting facts2
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The castle sits on Ross Island, which is now connected to the land.
Ross Castle - Wikipedia -
Lough Leane, beside the castle, is the largest of three lakes in Killarney National Park.
Ross Castle - Wikipedia
Shorts
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Call To Prayer know happening in Ross Castle KillarneyMichelle Keane
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TeamLeip Ross Castle from Lake LeaneFritz Leip
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Welcome to Ross Castle!The MeowMeow Show
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#Ross Castle #Dr Imran Vlogs
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History of Ross Castle, Killarney National Park | IrelandPlanet Ponder
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Ross Castle - County Kerry IrelandCastles of Ireland
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Ancient Irish Castle! RossThe Road Less Traveled
History
Lord Muskerry held the castle against Edmund Ludlow's 4,000 foot-soldiers before it surrendered during the Cromwellian wars. The Brownes later kept their lands, but they were exiled after the Glorious Revolution. The castle then served as a barracks until the early 19th century, and it fell into decline after the troops left.
- Late 15th centuryBuilt by the local ruling O'Donoghue clan, whose ancestral home it was.
- 1580sAfter the Second Desmond Rebellion, ownership passed to MacCarthy Mór, and the castle was then leased to Sir Valentine Browne.
- Cromwellian warsOne of the last places to surrender to Oliver Cromwell's forces, after an attack from the water.
- 1688The Brownes, who had backed King James II, were exiled after the Glorious Revolution.
- Early 19th centuryThe castle was used as a barracks until then, and it was kept in good repair because of that use.
Show all
- 1825After the troops left, the castle decayed. Lord Kenmare had its roof removed to save tax.
- 1979The state took it over, and it has been restored since, with care taken to keep it authentic.
Tours and audio guides
- Boat trips from the lakeshore
- To two small islands in Lough Leane The islands hold ruins of medieval monasteries, including Innisfallen Abbey.
Sources: Ross Castle - Wikipedia · Killarney - Wikivoyage (see) · Ross Castle | Heritage Ireland · Ross Castle - Wikipedia · Château de Ross - Wikipedia · Ross Castle: booking (its own site) · checked 25 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +353 64 663 5851
Questions and answers
What are the opening hours of Ross Castle?
Ross Castle is open every day from 09:30 to 17:45. The interior can be seen only on a guided tour, first come, first served.
How do I get to Ross Castle from Killarney?
Ross Castle lies 2 km from Killarney, off the N71 road. It stands on Ross Island, on the east shore of Lough Leane.
Can I book tickets for Ross Castle online?
Yes, tickets can be booked online through the castle's booking page. Each guided tour of the interior holds at most 15 people.
What can children do at Ross Castle?
Children can join the guided tour of the interior and see the interpretive exhibit on site. Boat trips leave from the lakeshore to Innisfallen island, which has the ruins of a medieval abbey.
Is Ross Castle accessible for wheelchair users?
Access is hard for visitors with mobility problems because of a very steep incline. One of the toilets run by the National Park is disabled-accessible.
Is Ross Castle busy in summer?
Yes, it is a very busy site in summer, and delays are possible. Tours of the interior run first come, first served, so expect to queue.
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