Ross Castle
A lakeside citadel steeped in legend
29 February - 03 November 2024
Admission
Adult: €5.00.
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
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Ross Castle
Ross Castle perches in an inlet of Lough Leane. It is likely that the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór built it in the fifteenth century.
Legend has it that O’Donoghue still slumbers under the waters of the lake. Every seven years, on the first morning of May, he rises on his magnificent white horse. If you manage to catch a glimpse of him you will enjoy good fortune for the rest of your life.
Ross Castle was the last place in Munster to hold out against Cromwell. Its defenders, then led by Lord Muskerry, took confidence from a prophecy holding that the castle could only be taken by a ship. Knowing of the prophecy, the Cromwellian commander, General Ludlow, launched a large boat on the lake. When the defenders saw it, this hastened the surrender – and the prophecy was fulfilled.
Gallery
Opening Times
29 February – 3 November 2024
Open Daily: 09:30- 17:45
Last admission 17:00.
Notice
Challenging access for visitors with mobility issues — very steep incline.
Please note that this site is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.
All groups of 10 people or more must be pre-booked.
Access to the interior of castle is by guided tour only and is on a first come first served basis.
Maximum tour capacity 15 people.
Last guided tour 16:55.
*There are no public toilets at Ross Castle*
Getting Here
2km from Killarney, off N71 (Kenmare Road)
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Brochure
- Car park
- Card Accepted
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Museum
- Walking trails
- Wheelchair Accessible
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
- Hold hand rail
- No toilet facilities
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Ross Castle
Ilnacullin – Garinish Island
An island garden of rare beauty
Approx. 33.9 km from Ross Castle
Ardfert Cathedral
A trio of medieval churches devoted to St Brendan
Approx. 36.2 km from Ross Castle
Staigue Stone Fort
An ancient stone fort nestled within a peaceful valley
Approx. 42.3 km from Ross Castle
Resources
Social Guide
Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Ross Castle. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Ross Castle.
Download the Social Guide