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.
Create an itinerary including Ross Castle
Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to Ross Castle
Ross Castle reviews
-
It is a wonderful place. Really peaceful with an astounding scenery. We managed to get a great tour guide in the castle, Claudia who gave us a really warm and friendly experience which came along... more »
-
Not great. Better sites in the park. Can’t get into it unless booked on a tour which we found hilarious because it is so small. Tour must last around 5 minutes. We walked arounf it in 2. more »
-
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!
-
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.
Plan your trip to Killarney
Get a personalized plan
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Side trips from Killarney
Hidden gems in Killarney
Nearby attractions in Killarney
Featured attractions
Plans to Ross Castle by other users
60 days in United Kingdom & Ireland
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, hidden gems
Preferences: November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife
Attraction style: Hidden gems
Pace: Medium
28 days in Ireland's West Coast
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
August, popular sights
Preferences: August
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
43 days in Ireland
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
March, popular sights
Preferences: March
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
4 days in County Kerry
BY A USER FROM IRELAND
October, popular & hidden gems
Preferences: October
Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems
Pace: Medium
48 days in Ireland, Bushmills & Carrickfergus
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
April, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, popular & hidden gems
Preferences: April, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites
Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems
Pace: Medium
60 days in County Kerry
BY A USER FROM IRELAND
September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems
Preferences: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife
Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems
Pace: Medium
See more plans
