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Heritage Ireland

Ross Castle

A lakeside citadel steeped in legend

Closed

See all opening times

Ross Castle

A lakeside citadel steeped in legend

Closed

See all opening times

Site Closed

Admission

Adult: €5.00.
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00

Getting here

Ross Castle,
Ross Road,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry
V93 V304

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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.

Opening Times

29 February – 5 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.

Contact

Ross Castle,
Ross Road,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry
V93 V304

064 663 5851

Getting Here

2km from Killarney, off N71 (Kenmare Road)

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Facilities

  • Brochure
  • Car park
  • Card Accepted
  • Exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • Interpretive exhibit
  • Museum
  • Toilets
  • Walking trails
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Restrictions

  • Dogs on lead
  • Hold hand rail
  • No toilet facilities
  • Uneven walkways

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

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