Ross Castle
Ross Castle
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:45 PM
About
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides to
Killarney National Park and Lakes
Ross Castle Muckross House Torc Waterfall’s
Duration: < 1 hour
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167 within 3 miles
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61 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Maria DDublin, Ireland90 contributionsRoss Castle KillarneyWe arrived at Ross Castle on a jaunting car tour, we had a lovely walk around and saw how the castle was and how the rooms were set out before. It was a really nice little tour. There was a little shop there also for refreshments.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- gary mHammondsport, New York31 contributionsRoss Castle KillarneyThey give a guided tour of the restored Castle which cost a lot of money. It was donated to the Irish Government. Very Interesting and knowledgeable guide even adds a touch of humor to what happened at Ross Castle over the year.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 23, 2023
- Carolyn GVirginia39 contributionsPicturesque SettingThis castle is in a very beautiful and picturesque setting. Well worth seeing. The tour guide was very knowledge and I learned a couple of new things. However, note that as in most tower houses, the additional levels are accessed by going up the tight round tower stairs, so the 45 minute tour might not be for everyone. Photos inside were not allowed, even without a flash. The staff there were very pleasant and happily called a cab for us as we had walked 30 minutes to the castle, and it had started raining. It is a must see castle, even if you do not take the required guided tour.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 1, 2023
- dadandcab28 contributionsinteresting historyWe arrived just in time for a guided tour which is the only way to see inside the castle, so the information boards in a room next to reception, which can be viewed free of charge, had to wait until after the tour. It’s a minimal cost for the guided tour and a smallish group due to the logistics of getting everyone up and down the single spiral staircase. The guide was very informative with a light and entertaining manner and I’m sure everyone left having learned not only about the castle and its history but also about the medieval period in which it was built and lived-in. Highly recommended.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 7, 2023
- Toria ⭐️San Francisco, California331 contributionsRoss Castle 🇮🇪Very photogenic castle in Killarney National Park. I highly recommend the boat tours that depart from the area! There are restrictions and a cute little cafe outside the castle. Great place to grab a coffee and take a little rest during your time in the park.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 9, 2023
- Stephen S4 contributionsBest medieval castle we visited in Ireland.Wonderful restored castle. Guided tour with great information and excellent views. This was the best medieval era castle we visited in Ireland. We went in early spring, but I understand in summer there are boat trips across the lake to other sites like Muckross House, Meeting of the Waters, etc. I would recommend this to anyone traveling to Killarney. Note: Only guided tours are available and there is a fee for that. I think it is well worth it, especially considering the restoration work that had been done.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 8, 2024
- coffeeandbooks178 contributionsMidweek break to KillarneyWhile I have been to the outside of Ross Castle many times.i had never been inside to do the tour . This is a great tour . The guide is very friendly and informative and really helps you to visualize what it would have been like to live in that castle . Beautiful location and beautiful scenery. The tour itself is short but worthwhile doing if you have 45/50 mins to spare. There are no photos allowed inside the castle and I think this is a good idea as it really is a pleasant surprise when you get to see inside of itVisited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 11, 2024
- iamfaceAberdeen, United Kingdom1,758 contributionsVery pretty when early time with sunny dayVery pretty when early time with sunny day that reflection so beautiful for photo taking. And then join the tour for castle visit that the guide so informative and castle itself also keeping in good condition. the view of top floor also impressive. worth to visitVisited September 2023Traveled soloWritten April 12, 2024
- Barry MMemphis, Tennessee407 contributionsA step back in time.The tour/tour guide was the crowning feature. Seldom do you get to actually enter the inner workings of a medieval castle. The guide explained the design, building, occupation, decay and renovation of Ross Castle, as well as thumbnail history of each owner/occupant. We had access to many aspects of the castle and grounds. The reception area had some great information about the castle and general history of the region. Located on a lake, Lough Leane, there were several different boating options for those who wanted to be on the water.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 12, 2024
- Cr1stina11Redwood City, California20 contributionsBeautiful restored castle!This was a fantastic glimpse into the castle life of yore. The site is a OPW site so your card works here. They have guided tours that do require ease of movement up a steep and very narrow staircase so do wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. There is a cafe outside with pastries and hot coffee and teas, but no food for celiacs. Restrooms were clean but sadly overtaken during my visit by some teenagers putting on makeup. Definitely worth a visit!Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,987 reviews
Excellent
1,573
Very good
1,052
Average
316
Poor
34
Terrible
12
Denis F
Montreal, Canada130 contributions
Aug 2022
Beautiful tower house next to the lake. It is fully restored with furniture. Guided tour is very interesting, book early, they are booked fast with a limited number of persons per tour. You cannot take pictures inside, I don’t know why, other places let you as long as you take them for personal use and don’t use the flash. It’s a nice stop before or after a ride in the Killarney national park.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Our visit slot at Ross Castle was the first appointment yesterday, Saturday morning (you must ring and prebook in advance) It was myself, my husband and our two young kids. There is a max of 6 persons per slot. We felt very exclusive! Claudia was a fantastic guide, she is very knowledgeable, gentle, interesting and told us fascinating insights to the Castle, it's people, it's history and the story of the Castle's epic restoration journey in a short space of time. The visit was shorter due to Covid restrictions but none less interesting and factual. Claudia was very engaging with our kids too, who really soaked up what she was saying. It was the best 35 minutes of our trip to Killarney!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I-am G
Phoenix, AZ116 contributions
May 2022
If you like history, this was a very neat experience. It's about $5 to enter the castle, on a guided tour only, you cannot tour the castle on your own.
The castle is mostly rebuilt on the inside, but they did a great job trying to keep as much of it as original as possible. The tour guide was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the castle and the history. The castle isn't very large, takes about 45 mins for the tour, but well worth it if you have time and it sits on the edge of a beautiful lake and scenery.
The castle is mostly rebuilt on the inside, but they did a great job trying to keep as much of it as original as possible. The tour guide was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the castle and the history. The castle isn't very large, takes about 45 mins for the tour, but well worth it if you have time and it sits on the edge of a beautiful lake and scenery.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra O
Fernandina Beach, FL87 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
I visited Ross Castle in early March. On the day of my visit the weather was rainy and windy, so there were no jaunting or boat rides operating in the area. I had not expected the castle to be offering tours, but they were. The tour had not been on my wish list but I am very glad I did it. It was a private tour because there was no one else there.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable. She made the castle come alive and explained the history and everyday life there. She explained the different rooms, walked upstairs to view each floor, explained how it was defended, the reconstruction process, and so many other interesting tidbits.
Great tour of a small castle.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable. She made the castle come alive and explained the history and everyday life there. She explained the different rooms, walked upstairs to view each floor, explained how it was defended, the reconstruction process, and so many other interesting tidbits.
Great tour of a small castle.
Written March 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RP-Netherlands
Leidschendam, The Netherlands1,101 contributions
Feb 2020
Ross castle is set on the shore of loch Leane, There is a plaque near the xastle explaining it's interesting history. The castle was not open to visitors wheren we were there in February, but it was still nice to visit. We walked there from Killarney town in about 20-25 mins. The setting is very pretty and we will be back to take the tour when it is open.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ARose
Charlotte, NC882 contributions
Sep 2019
Plan your visit ahead if you want to go inside - it will be on a timed tour. No leisure visits inside without a guide. You can walk around the grounds and the outside a your leisure, which is worth it if you dont feel like waiting for a tour. There are walking trails connecting to the city if its nice outside but it may be about a 20-30 min walk. Castle is set right along the lake so you can take a boat ride too.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lolly19692017
Millbury, MA244 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Pretty castle but you cannot take pictures inside. So sadly I cannot attest to what the inside looked like or if it was even worth going inside. We didn’t bother paying to see the inside because we were told that you can’t take pictures. We were very disappointed and a lot of other people were too. We walked around the castle and took pictures of the outside. The grounds were very pretty and there was a lot of deer on the property. If you walk here from the Park, keep in mind it’s not a short walk. Our hotel told us it was a 7 minute walk. We must have walked for a few hours. If you have time I suggest walking through the park because there is so much to see and it’s very picturesque. We took a horse and buggy ride back. There are plenty of horse and buggy drivers on the castle property.
Written June 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordan
Columbus, OH285 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Very cool spot literally right on the lake. The castle was in great shape. You can look at a short, free exhibit about its history or pay 5 euro for a guided tour. Cafe and (icky) bathrooms on-site. Tons of boats and jaunting cars for hire, I believe cash only. My husband and I explored a nearby hiking trail. It led to an old copper mine and a few scenic outlooks including one called Library Point. You can easily walk to Ross Castle from Killarney. Half hour or so on paved paths.
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D P
Wellington, New Zealand8,079 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a gorgeous place, you can see why they built a castle here.
Eight on the waters edge, very peaceful and a perfect place to stop for a walk or picnic.
The castle has been rebuilt and you can for a not too exorbitant fee do a guided tour inside.
Eight on the waters edge, very peaceful and a perfect place to stop for a walk or picnic.
The castle has been rebuilt and you can for a not too exorbitant fee do a guided tour inside.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sleepy155
Hollywood, FL234 contributions
Aug 2021
We were only able to view the castle from the outside. You must book in advance for a tour of the inside. Well worth the short visit. You can rent a horse and buggy for a lakeside trip or rent a kayak or paddleboard to go out on the water. Beautiful location to have a nice afternoon picnic.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are coming in September, 15 to 23, 2022. Is the castle open for tours at these times?
Written August 7, 2022
how did you get tickets to see the castle. everything seems to involve a tour of many things. I just awant to visit the castle. Thanks, Randi Moran,
Written February 8, 2022
When we visited we were only able to walk around the outside. If you want to tour the inside you have to make a reservation. I just googled ross castle and it says the site is closed. I don't know the correct answer for you at this time. Try to send an email and see what happens.
Written February 9, 2022
Is there a cafe at castle
Written September 12, 2018
They have an outdoor area with picnic benches and tables. You can get hot beverages and soft drinks and cakes, biscuits etc in a small shop on site.
Written November 11, 2018
Is it possible to purchase tickets for a Ross Castle tour only at the castle? Or, maybe at our hotel the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa? Thank you!
Written April 17, 2018
Tom P
Edmond, Oklahoma
We were looking into the B&B at the castle. I don't find information on it now. Was I misguided a year ago and there never was a B&B in this Ross Castle?
Written August 5, 2017
The Ross Castle B&B is in Oldcastle County Meath and not the one in Killarney. There is a disclaimer in their website.
Written August 7, 2017
We will be doing the Hop On/Hop Off Tour and would like to take a picnic lunch with us. We will begin our day at Ross Castle and so will not be eating until later at Muckross House. Wondering what the "bag policy" is at Ross Castle. Can we take a backpack (with lunch in it) into Ross Castle?
Written July 29, 2017
You cannot have any food or drink out during your tour however there are lovely areas outside to eat and enjoy the brilliant views.
Written September 14, 2017
Interesting... I would think so, but I didn't actually see any... and looking over my pictures I see "benches" but not any picnic tables; strange since it is in Killarney National Park -
Written July 18, 2017
Hi we will be visiting in September and will visit Ross Castle and would also like to take a boat trip from there. Wondering if parking is likely to be problem and can we leave the car in the Castle car park for a number of hours? Thanks
Written July 6, 2017
The car park was quite large and free so you shouldn't have any problems.
Written July 8, 2017
How do I buy a heritage pass and what entries are included?
Written January 21, 2017
you can look online at heritage pass. it is 40 euro and valid for a year. in killarney it does not cover mucross farm. it covers state owned properties
Written February 1, 2017
What was the cost and duration of the Ross Castle tour?
Written October 17, 2016
get a Heritage card it will get you into all the Heritage sites. it's €25
Written November 4, 2016
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