How to Visit Ross Castle
Read our travel guide on Ross Castle in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get there, or when to go.
Built in the 15th century on the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle offers an exhilarating taste of Killarney National Park.
For us, visiting Ross Castle was one of the highlights of our journey around the famous Ring of Kerry.
This castle and the surrounding area are one of those places that are such a joy to visit for numerous reasons.
It's easily accessible from Killarney, the admission is low (and you can even explore the exteriors for free), and the well-preserved castle's medieval architecture with the lake and the mountains in the backdrop is magical.
Simply put, Ross Castle is one of the best things to do in Killarney.
And if you happen to include County Kerry in your Ireland road trip itinerary, Ross Castle should be high on the list of must-visit places in this area as well.
History
Ross Castle was built in the 15th century as a tower house and a keep by the local ruling clan, the O'Donoghues Mor.
Several interesting events happened here, but we won't bore you with a history lesson in this post, so make sure to join a guided tour to learn more about this topic from knowledgeable local guides.
Today, together with other popular places such as the Rock of Cashel or Donegal Castle, it's one of Ireland's heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works.
Visiting Ross Castle
A trip to Ross Castle is very straightforward, but there are a few things you should know before you go.
For starters, even though the castle is situated in Killarney National Park, it's easy to get there.
Secondly, regardless of whether you start in Killarney or any other destination, Ross Castle is well accessible, especially from the Ring of Kerry.
Lastly, you don't even need to step inside the castle to step back in time and soak in the medieval atmosphere.
While the castle interiors are well restored, and the guided tour is packed with information, the main reason we enjoyed our trip to Ross Castle was the beautiful setting in Killarney National Park.
While the location was not as dramatic as, for example, Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland, there was something very soothing about this place.
We arrived early and were able to see the castle without the crowds.
The morning walk around the lake was a great way to start the day, and we especially enjoyed the walk on the adjacent Ross Island.
This is technically just a peninsula, so there is no need to take a boat trip, as you can easily get there on foot.
However, there are a few interesting points you should not miss, such as copper mines, and Governor's Rock and Library Point lookouts.
Even though you can't take photos inside the castle, the guided tour is well worth the money.
The interiors are nicely restored, and even though they are not as flashy as in Kilkenny Castle, they make for a better medieval atmosphere.
All things considered, Ross Castle was a beautiful place to visit.
If you're planning an Ireland road trip, this is a great place to include in your itinerary.
How Much Time Do I Need
The guided tour takes about 45 minutes, so you will need about an hour to explore Ross Castle.
Mind you; if you plan to explore the nearby Ross Island, you will need to add an extra hour or two to your trip.
Opening Hours
Ross Castle is open from March to October or November, from 9:30 AM to 5:45 PM.
The last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
Keep in mind that the castle is closed in winter, but you can still explore the exteriors.
When to Go
As mentioned above, you can visit Ross Castle any time of the year.
Obviously, the best time to visit Ross Castle is during the summer, as the weather in Ireland is at its best.
However, we believe spring and autumn are even better periods when to visit Ireland, as you will avoid the summer crowds.
The castle interiors are closed during the winter, but the scenery remains impressive.
We visited the castle on a quiet spring morning, and it was a fantastic experience as there were only a few people around.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Entrance Fee
Admission to Ross Castle is €5 per adult.
Compared to places such as Blarney Castle or Powerscourt, the fee is low, making visiting the site affordable for travelers exploring Ireland on a budget.
You might argue that there are no landscaped gardens adjacent to the castle, so the comparison is not exactly fair.
While this is correct, the castle is situated in Killarney National Park, and the surroundings are not short of charming trails and views.
And if you want to enjoy some well-kept gardens, head out to nearby Muckross House and Gardens.
By the way, there is no entry fee to these gardens as well.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Ross Castle is by car, regardless of your starting point.
Luckily, renting a car in Ireland is easy.
The main advantage of this option is that you will be able to explore Emerald Isle at your own pace and make spontaneous decisions along the way.
Car
Cork is only 90 kilometers east of Ross Castle, and it takes about an hour and a half to get there. Limerick is about 115 kilometers northeast of Ross Castle (N21).
Galway is a three-hour drive from here. The journey from Dublin takes about four hours.
The castle is easily accessible even if you are not the most confident driver in the world, unlike some other attractions along the Ring of Kerry, such as Kerry Cliffs or Cahergall Stone Fort.
Still, you should read our guide, which features some helpful tips for driving in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There are two parking areas about 100 meters from Ross Castle on Ross Road. Parking at Ross Castle is free, and there are plenty of spaces.
Still, keep in mind that this is one of the most popular places in the national park and parking spaces fill up quickly in the peak season and on the weekends.
Walk
However, if you're staying in Killarney, you can easily walk there as the castle is only 2.5 kilometers from the town center.
It's not the most exciting walk in the area, though.
Bike
Another option is to rent a bike in the town. This option gives you enough flexibility to see the entire area around Killarney from a different perspective.
If you're a keen cyclist or prefer to stay active on your holidays, consider biking the 55-kilometer entire loop via the Gap of Dunloe.
This route features some of the best stops in the area, such as Ross Castle, Ladie's View, and Torc Waterfall.
Tours
Lastly, you can consider taking a Killarney National Park Tour, which also includes Ross Castle, among other attractions on the itinerary.
This is a great option for those using public transport to get around the country.
Here you can reserve a Killarney National Park Tour from Killarney.
Where to Stay
When visiting Ross Castle, many travelers decided to stay in Killarney overnight.
Killarney offers a great choice of accommodation for all budgets, ranging from basic hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels.
Keep in mind that this is a top travel destination in Ireland, so book your accommodation well in advance.
Here are our tips on the best hotels in Killarney.
Budget | Murphys of Killarney - With its superb central location and great hospitality, this hotel is always a safe option when in Killarney. Murphys is a traditional hotel with stylish rooms, an even more traditional Irish pub (with live music during the summer season), and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mid-range | The Lake Hotel - Sitting on the shores of the Loch Lein, the family-friendly Lake Hotel features en suite rooms with mountain views, free private parking, an on-site restaurant serving Irish cuisine, an outdoor hot tub, and free parking.
Luxury | Muckross Park Hotel and Spa - Situated in Killarney National Park, this luxurious 5-star hotel is a perfect place for travelers who want to relax and unwind. Muckross Park Hotel and Spa features individually designed and spacious rooms, a quiet location, free private parking, an on-site restaurant and bar, and an award-winning spa.
Is Ross Castle Worth Visiting?
Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Ross Castle is one of the top attractions in Killarney you should not miss.
In our opinion, Ross Castle is worth seeing even if you don't want to go inside. It's one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland.
Of course, taking the guided tour will only elevate the overall experience.
There are tons of amazing places you can see along the Ring of Kerry. And we believe that Ross Castle is one of the best of them.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
