Ross Castle Guided Tours, Killarney

What to Expect

Ross Castle is a 15th century tower house standing on the shore of Lough Leane, inside Killarney National Park, and one of the last strongholds in Munster to fall to Cromwellian forces in 1652. The Office of Public Works manages the site and runs it as a working heritage attraction rather than a static ruin, with the castle interior open to visitors only by guided tour. Tours are first-come, first-served and capped at 15 people per group, so waits are possible on busy summer days.

Good to Know

• Open daily 9:30am to 5:00pm, seasonally from 5 March to 3 November 2026
• First tour of the day departs 10:00am, last tour 4:55pm
• Admission: adults €5, groups and seniors €4, children and students €3, family ticket €13
• Access to the interior is guided-tour only, maximum 15 people per tour
• Facilities include toilets, with one accessible toilet, though the castle itself has a steep spiral stair and is not wheelchair accessible
• Contact the site directly on 064 663 5851 for group bookings or accessibility queries
• Boat trips to Innisfallen Island on Lough Leane also depart from the castle’s boat dock in season, a natural add-on to the tour

Getting There

Ross Castle is about 2km from Killarney town, signposted off the N71 Kenmare road inside Killarney National Park. It is a level walk or cycle from Killarney town centre, and jaunting cars and boat trips to Innisfallen Island also depart from the castle’s boat dock in season.

While you’re in Killarney

Ross Castle sits within easy reach of Muckross House and the wider lake shore trails of Killarney National Park. There is more to see in Killarney and across Co. Kerry.