Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Ireland  /  Province of Munster  /  County Kerry  /  Killarney  /  Ross Castle

Ross Castle, Killarney

4.4

#2 of 100 in Historic Sites in County Kerry

Castle Tourist Spot

• ©
• ©
• ©
• © +6
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©

Allegedly haunted by medieval ghosts, Ross Castle sits on the edge of Lough Leane, one of three interlinked lakes within the country's most popular national park. Built in the 15th century by the region's ruling O'Donoghue clan, the castle was among the last places in Ireland to succumb to the forces of Oliver Cromwell, who occupied the country in 1650. The castle's cunning defensive features include a spiral staircase designed with each step a different height, which helped trip up would-be attackers for over a century. You can see the unusual staircase and rooms filled with 17th century oak furniture by guided tour only, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance. A visit to Ross Castle represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Killarney trip builder to plot your vacation.

more less

Create an itinerary including Ross Castle

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Ross Castle Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,851 reviews

Google

4.5

facebook

4.5

1 likes

• By lynn h

  Excellent guided tour. Very informative and worth the nominal fee. Interesting to hear how the castle was restored. The tour is not that long and worthy of your time. Beautiful views across the...  more »

• By jdefrance7

  Ross Castle provides a free museum with paid tours of the recently renovated castle. The tours are highly recommended and relatively cheap for the experience a person receives. The tours are not for.....  more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Jim Prendergast

  Magic place, well worth a visit. Several informative plaques re local history. Free car park.Take a boat ride from the pier and look out for a white tailed eagle on one of the islands. You will feel better when you dock again, guaranteed!

  more less
• By Patricia Rojo

  The castle and the landscape around it were very good. Its important to know that you can only visit the castle with an English Guided Tour, not by your own. Our guide Claudia was more than excellent. The tour is 5€ for adults, 4€ for seniors and 3€ for children and students.

  more less

See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Killarney

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.