Ross Castle sits on a small promontory on the shore of Lough Leane, the biggest of the Lakes of Killarney, about two kilometres from the town centre. Built in the late fifteenth century by the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains, it is a classic Irish tower house, a defensive keep with a surrounding bawn wall and corner towers. It is said to have been among the last strongholds in Munster to fall to Cromwellian forces, in the 1650s, and the Lough Leane setting is the real prize: the castle looks out across the water to Innisfallen Island and the mountains. Inside, the interior has been restored with period furniture and is visited only on a guided tour, with the small groups taking you up the narrow spiral stairs to the top floors. Status for now: the season for those tours ran until early November 2026, and the castle is closed to interior visits until the next season opens in spring 2027, so do not plan on going inside. You can still walk around the exterior, enjoy the lakeshore and use the pier, where boat trips run, weather permitting.
The castle has a long association with the Lakes of Killarney. Legend says the chieftain O'Donoghue sleeps beneath the lake and rises every seven years on a white horse, a story that locals still tell. The surrounding Ross Island, a peninsula that was mined for copper in the Bronze Age, has paths and a waymarked trail which are free to walk, and the copper mine remains are among the oldest known in northwestern Europe.
The self-guided audio walk linked here covers the castle and the copper mines, which makes it a good choice in the off season when you cannot go inside.
How to visit now
Walk or cycle from the town through Knockreer, a pleasant forty minute route, or take a jaunting car along the same road. At the castle you can walk around the bawn walls, look at the tower from every side and follow the lake shore path.
Lake boat trips leave from the pier by the castle, and operators run covered, heated boats for year-round sailings, so a cruise is a good way to see Innisfallen Island and the castle from the water even when the interior is shut. Check sailings by phone because bad weather cancels trips.
Come back in the season if you want to climb the tower: tours are guided, first come first served, with small groups, and fill quickly in summer, so arrive early in the day. The entry price is low and family tickets are available. The castle is also a key point on the Gap of Dunloe boat route, since the boat crossing to Lord Brandon's Cottage starts from the Ross Castle pier in the warmer months.
What to expect
The experience
Outside the season, a self-guided walk around the castle grounds, the lakeshore and Ross Island; in season, a guided interior tour of about forty minutes.
Best time
Late afternoon in calm weather, when the light on the lake and the castle walls is at its best.
How long
One to two hours for the walk and the audio tour.
Tips
Interior tours are closed until spring 2027, so treat this as an exterior and lakeshore visit now, and check boat sailings with the operator before you set out.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History fans and photographers who are happy with the exterior and the lake.
- Families
- Children enjoy the shore and the boat pier, but the interior is not open and the paths can be wet.
- Couples
- Walk out through Knockreer at sunset, then warm up with a hot drink in town.
- Pair with
- The Lakes of Killarney boat trip and Killarney National Park.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is Ross Castle open now?+
No, the interior tours ended for the 2026 season in early November and resume in spring 2027. You can still walk the grounds and the shore.
How far is it from Killarney town?+
About two kilometres, which is a short walk or cycle through Knockreer, or a quick jaunting car or taxi ride.
Can I take a boat from here in winter?+
Some operators run covered, heated boats for year-round trips, but sailings depend on weather and demand. Phone ahead to confirm.
What is on Ross Island?+
A peninsula of woodland paths and the remains of ancient copper mines. It is free to walk and is a good winter alternative to the tour.
When do castle tours run?+
Tours run in the main season, from March to early November, daily during the daytime, in small groups on a first come basis.
