Ross Castle is a 15th century castle build by O’Donoghue Mór on the shores of Lough Leane (Lower Lake). The castle is the centre piece of Ross Island with many trails branching off from it deep into the island, ducks to be fed by the lakeshore and boat trips around the lake available from just outside the castle.
There is a poem about the castle that stated the only way the castle could be taken was when a warship could sail over the lake which is exactly how the castle was taken. The poem went:
“Ross may all assault disdain
Till on Lough Lein strange ship shall sail.”
This proved to be true as Ross castle was one of the very last to be taken by Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads during the Confederate Wars. A ship sailed up the River Laune and into Lough Leane to bring artillery which eventually led to the surrender of the castle.
A tour of the castle interior is essential on any trip to Killarney. With it’s steep winding staircases and well preserved rooms it is like stepping back in time.
How to Book
Tickets can be purchased from the castle directly.
Prices are as follows:
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00
You Should Also Check Out
While the castle may be the main attraction, DO NOT overlook the great walking trails around Ross Island. The three main trails are the Copper Mine Trail, Governors Rock Trail and Library Point Trail all of which range between 2km – 3km and bring you out to some magnificent sights.
Located only 5 minutes from the centre of Killarney Town, the Demesne is one of the most accessible parts of Killarney National Park and it is littered with great walking trails that take you down alongside the river Deenagh, up to Knockreer house and through plenty of nature. Best of all you can walk directly to the Demesne from Ross Castle.
Accessible via a short boat trip from Ross Castle, Innisfallen Island is one of the most historically significant locations in Killarney. Found on Lough Leane the island is home to the ruins of a ruins of a church along with other buildings that date back almost a thousand years along with a colony of Sika Deer and other wildlife.
