Ross Castle

Ross Castle perches in an inlet of Lough Leane. It is likely that the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór built it in the fifteenth century.

Legend has it that O’Donoghue still slumbers under the waters of the lake. Every seven years, on the first morning of May, he rises on his magnificent white horse. If you manage to catch a glimpse of him you will enjoy good fortune for the rest of your life.

Ross Castle was the last place in Munster to hold out against Cromwell. Its defenders, then led by Lord Muskerry, took confidence from a prophecy holding that the castle could only be taken by a ship. Knowing of the prophecy, the Cromwellian commander, General Ludlow, launched a large boat on the lake. When the defenders saw it, this hastened the surrender – and the prophecy was fulfilled.

Opening hours:

• Open 9:30am to 5pm daily.
• The first tour of the day is at 10am and the last tour is at 4:55pm.

Admission:

• Adult: €5.00.
• Group/Senior: €4.00
• Child/Student: €3.00
• Family: €13.00

Notice:

• Challenging access for visitors with mobility issues – very steep incline.
• Please note that this site is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.
• All groups of 10 people or more must be pre-booked.
• Access to the interior of castle is by guided tour only and is on a first come first served basis.
• Maximum tour capacity 15 people.
• Last guided tour 16:55.