Ross Castle, Killarney County Kerry is one of the finest examples of a native Irish castle in the country. Its mystical presence, enchanting location and history, make Ross Castle an essential visit on a trip to County Kerry.
Address of Ross Castle
Ross Castle.
Caisleán an Rois
Killarney Co. Kerry
Opening Hours
Open from the Beginning of March to the end of October.
9:30 – 1745 Daily
Last tour is 45 minutes before closing.
Pricing
Adult: €4
Senior: €3
Child: €3
Student: €3
Family: €13
Tours of Ross Castle
Access to Ross Castle is by Guided Tour only.
Videos and camera are prohibited on tours.
The maximum number per tour is 15 so for large groups precooking is required
Tour duration is approximately 1 hour
Contact Information
Address: Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
Telephone: +353 64 6635851
Email: rosscastle@opw.ie
Facilities at Ross Castle
Castle exhibition
Toilets
Car and Coach parking facilities
Where is Ross Castle?
No trip to the Killarney would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Ross Castle, situated 1.5km outside Killarney town.
One of the finest native Castles to survive in Ireland, Ross Caste, is an enchanting and majestic sight to behold.
Perfectly located comfortably nestled in front of the rolling lush green countryside, rising from its striking position on the edge of Lough Leane.
Ross Castle blends into its landscape as a protecting force dominating, protective and its harsh lines somehow softly blending with the lush landscape of the Killarney National Park. Rising in perfect contrast to its soft landscape home, reminding us of our historic past.
This magnificent building sometimes engulfed in fog and rain is like something from a fairytale. Your imagination will run wild with the ancient stories of Native Irish Kings and Clans foremost in you mind.
This landscape with its rolling hills and still waters inspire us to learn more about the ancient characters that would have occupied this wondrous area of Ireland.
Ross Castle is a 15th century Medieval Irish Keep and Tower House situated within the protective natural landscape of the Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry.
This is one of the finest examples of Native Irish defensive Medieval Architecture in Ireland. This magnificent structure was not only a defensive fortress, but it was also a home and a refuge for the local peoples who resided in the area.
Ross Castle was the creation and home of Ancient Irish Chieftains and was constructed to be the home of the famous and powerful Irish Clan the O’Donoghues.
The O’Donoghues who were the local ruling clan in that area of Ireland in the 1500’s and they were one of the most powerful families in Ireland.
The O’Donoghues lost control of Ross Castle to the MacCarthy clan during the 2nd Desmond rebellion.
As you are guided around this amazing structure by your guide, you will be transported back in time and learn in detail about this living breathing monuments history and legends.
Ross Castle is built using techniques and defensive features that were popular among the native Irish Chieftains. Using thick walls held strong by large reinforced and heavy foundations.
Typically this consisted of a tower house surrounded by a bawn, with thick and dominating curtain walls that were protected with defensive flanking towers.
Windows were small slits or arrow slits that allowed those on the inside to have an excellent view of their attackers.
Attackers would not have been able to see into of gain access through these windows which were on lower levels, but larger windows were used on upper levels Staircases were spiral and are in a clockwise direction this gave defenders the advantage of being able to swing a sword while the attackers would have difficultly manoeuvring a weapon.
In conjunction with a narrowing of the stairs and uneven steps, attackers would be forced to climb in a single file making its easily defendable with a smaller garrison.
Ross Castle has 2 excellent examples of Machicolation; these features allowed defenders to pour boiling oil or other hot liquids on attackers, another favorite was boiling sand as it penetrated chain or plate armor.
One of the most impressive aspects of this Castle is the partial reconstruction that has been carried out here.
The Medieval techniques that were used to build this stunning piece of history were used to carry out the reconstruction.
The main area of reconstruction is the main bedchamber, which has been perfectly and loving restored with the striking medieval vaulted ceiling now restored to its former glory.
The most important room in the Castle was the Great Hall and this is like stepping back to a romantic and violent forgotten time.
With its large fireplace, windows, a kitchen and minstrels gallery that would have been used for entertainment during its age of glory.
The stone staircases leading you back to the wondrous historic medieval romance. You can imagine the great parties, intrigues, and battle plans that must have been created in this historic space.
Ross Castle is shrouded in Myth and Legend as well as the lake and mystical lands that surround it.
It was said that Ross Castle would never fall by land. During the Confederate Wars, Ross held out as one of Ireland’s last strongholds against Cromwell’s forces.
Lord Muskerry bravely held the Castle against Cromwellian forces led by General Ludlow, cementing its legend, Ross did not fall by land, and instead Ludlow launched his attack on Ross using ships over the lake, whereupon Lord MusKerry surrendered.
At the close of the Confederate War the Browne family retained possession of Ross Castle but lost it due to their allegiance to King James II of England.
The Castle was used as a barracks for many years and was restored to what you see today. Ross Castle is still shrouded in legend, it is said that O’Donoghue never left Ross Castle but instead lives at the bottom of the lake.
Legend says that he was sucked out of the window of the Great Chamber along with his horse, library and desk. Some say he keeps a watchful eye on what was his home.
This legend adds to the drama and epic history of this magical place.
The lake and Hills are protecting one of our most valuable treasures.