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

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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.

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Ross Castle Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,839 reviews

Google

4.5

facebook

4.5

1 likes

• By ged1

  The castle was closed when we visited in early February. You can still walk in and around the castle with views over the lake but little else to view.  more »

• By TheTrvlGuy

  I asked the concierge, about doing something on the water, that didn't include a large tour boat, lots of tourists and only couple of hours long... of course he nailed it. I had just come back from.....  more »

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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!

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• 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.

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