Gallarus Castle and Oratory
Contact Details
Address: Gallarus, Baille na nGall, Co. Kerry
Telephone No: +353 66 915 6444/915 6371 (The Blascaod Centre)
Fax No: +353 66 915 6446 (The Blascaod Centre)
Email: micheal.demordha@opw.ie
Opening Hours
Guide Service 3rd June - 1st September.
Last tour one hour prior to closing.
Admission Fees
Free
Facilities
Very limited parking. A privately owned car park is available close to the Oratory and other facilities are provided here. There is a charge for using these facilities.
Gallarus Castle was built by the FitzGeralds and is probably 15th century in date. It is one of the few surviving castles on the Dingle peninsula. It is a four-storey tower with a vaulted ceiling on the fourth floor; none of its battlements remain.
Conservation works have been undertaken at the castle in recent years and the interior is fully accessible. The tower was accessed originally on the 1st floor and there was a two storey defensive structure to the front, now gone but evidence of it can be seen on the external wall.
Restricted access for visitors with disabiltiies. No car parking at site.
Location: 10km from Dingle (R559).
Guided Tours: Access by guided tour only
OPW guides on site during season
Gallarus Oratory:
One of the most famous landmarks on the Dingle Peninsula and situated close to Gallarus Castle. The Oratory is completely made of stone and some way it resembles an upturned boat. Various dates have been suggested for its construction but an exact archeological artifacts are to be found on the grounds of the Oratory. The Oratory and grounds are carefully maintained by the OPW.
