Ross Castle Tours and Activities
23 Reviews

A vision on the shores of Lough Leane, the 15th-century Ross Castle was built as a medieval fortress for an Irish chieftain named O’Donoghue, and was said to be one of the last strongholds to fall to the brutal English Cromwellian forces in the mid-16th century. The ruin has been restored, and features lovely 16th- and 17th-century furniture.
The Basics
Ross Castle is commonly included on organized jaunting car (pony and trap), hiking, and sightseeing tours around Killarney National Park. Kayak and boat tours, which meander through the Lakes of Killarney—often traveling between Ross Castle and the Gearhameen River near the Gap of Dunloe—regularly stop here too.
You can also tailor private Ring of Kerry day tours, departing from destinations all around the Iveragh Peninsula, to include a photo stop at Ross Castle. While you can view Ross Castle from the outside at any time and explore the surrounding grounds at will, access to the property is by guided tour only. Tours last 40 minutes; purchase tickets at the castle site.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With lakes, greenery, and mountain peaks surrounding it in all directions, Ross Castle is one of Killarney National Park’s finest photo opportunities.
- Ross Castle is not well-suited to visitors with mobility impairments. Many parts are difficult if not impossible to access because of steep inclines.
- Tours are limited to a maximum of 15 people; arrive early to ensure a spot.
How to Get There
Ross Castle is just a 6-minute drive from Killarney town. From the N71, take the Ross Road turnoff and follow the road down to the Ross Castle parking lot. From April through October, shuttle buses depart from the Killarney Discover Ireland Centre on Beech Road and stop at Ross Castle.
When to Get There
Ross Castle is open from March through November, with several guided tours taking place daily during this time. The castle is a very popular site within the park, and it can become crowded, especially during July and August. Arrive early in the day if you plan on doing a tour.
What Else to See in Killarney National Park
Ross Castle is just one of Killarney National Park’s many offerings. The park also encompasses the Victorian-era Muckross House and Gardens; Muckross Abbey, a ruined Franciscan friary; and the Gap of Dunloe, a scenic mountain pass bordered by lakes and peaks. In Lough Leane, right next to Ross Castle, is Innisfallen Island, where you can check out the ruins of an abbey and a free-roaming herd of deer.
Address: Ross Castle, Killarney, Western Ireland, Ireland
Hours: Daily early March to early November: 9:30am - 5:45pm
Admission: Adult: €5
15 Tours and Activities to Experience Ross Castle
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Jaunting Car Tour to Ross Castle from Killarney
171
Do as the tourists of bygone years did, and explore Killarney by horse and carriage. The equivalent to a modern taxi, the jaunting car was popular in Ireland through the 19th and early 20th centuries. On this tour, you’ll learn about the area’s history, hearing tales of the Gaelic chieftains as you ride around Killarney National Park. Ross Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Killarney House Gadens are a few of the landmarks on the route.
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From
$37.23
Price varies by group size
From
$37.23
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Killarney National Park Tour
21
This is a private tour of Killarney National Park which brings you along park routes via Irish Gypsy Vanner Horse&Carriage, the routes we take which are inside the park are not accessible by car, these routes are some of the most breathtaking and picturesque in the region with mountain views across the famous lakes of Killarney.
We have blankets onboard to keep you warm on those colder days as you tour the park and view the beautiful landscapes.
We are the only jaunting car tour operator who focuses on small private tours and rest assure you will not be disappointed!
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From
$39.33
Price varies by group size
From
$39.33
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney
42
Spend the day exploring Ireland’s most stunning natural landscapes on this full-day tour of the Gap of Dunloe from Killarney. Follow your guide on a seven-mile (11 kilometer) adventure that covers some of the nation’s vast emerald scenery. Enjoy ample time for hiking, take an optional Jaunting Cart ride, and kick back and relax during a boat ride on the Gearhameen River. This tour also includes a stop at the Ross Castle.
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From
$78.65
From
$78.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

The Gap of Dunloe Adventure Day Tour from Killarney
54
Embark on an incredible Irish adventure on a unique tour through County Kerry. Set out by open boat from Killarney National Park's 15th-century Ross Castle, passing islands and beneath old stone bridges along the Lakes of Killarney. Then continue via pony-drawn carriage through the remote Black Valley and the narrow and winding Gap of Dunloe. Meander through this stunning mountain pass, marveling at a handful of scenic lakes and crossing the Old Weird Bridge before catching a bus back to Killarney.
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From
$111.70
Price varies by group size
From
$111.70
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Lakes of Killarney Cruise
30
The Killarney National Park is one of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, but you don’t have to put on your hiking boots to enjoy its stunning scenery. This Lakes of Killarney cruise is the perfect introduction, offering spectacular views of Ross Castle, Innisfallen Island, Tomies Wood, and the wildlife of the Killarney Valley.
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From
$14.90
From
$14.90
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Combination Killarney Jaunting Car Tour and Lakes of Killarney Cruise
24
Get a fuller experience of Killarney than would be possible with a single form of transportation on this combination tour by boat and jaunting car. Sail across Lough Lein in a glass-covered boat then hop aboard a jaunting car to travel through Killarney National Park, to places inaccessible by motor vehicle.
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From
$49.65
Price varies by group size
From
$49.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Hop On/Off Shuttle Visit National Park,Torc Waterfall,Muckross House,Ladies View
15
The countryside outside Killarney boasts come of Ireland’s most captivating landmarks and beautiful scenery, but reaching the far-flung destinations independently can be challenging. With this hop-on hop-off ticket, reach diverse sites of interest such as Muckross Abbey, Ross Castle, and Torc Waterfall with ease by air-conditioned coach. Along the way, admire uninterrupted views over the famous lakes of Killarney and enjoy the freedom to explore at your leisure.
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From
$12.42
From
$12.42

Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour
9
Explore Killarney at your own pace and avoid the stress of planning when you book a hop-on, hop-off bus pass. In addition to navigating for you, your bus driver provides useful background information about each stop on the bus route, including Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Aghadoe Viewing Point, and the city center.
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From
$15.53
From
$15.53

Killarney Valley & National Park Tour
3
Explore Killarney National Park (the oldest national park in Ireland) and the scenery of the surrounding valley on this seamless, private tour. After pickup in the morning from your Killarney accommodation, board your vehicle and head into nature. You’ll visit the 15th-century Ross Castle, can dine in an opulent stately home, will discover Ladies’ View (a panoramic scenic overlook named for Queen Victoria), encounter Torc Waterfall, and much more.
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From
$274.68
per group
From
$274.68
per group

Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza
3
Experience Killarney’s old-time charms the old-fashioned way in a horse carriage, or jaunting car, with your own personal “jarvey” driver/guide. Trot through the grounds of 15th-century Ross Castle, get a taste of Killarney National Park, and see sights including the cathedral and Lough Leane lake. Wrap up with a quintessentially modern experience: pizza and craft beer at the Killarney Brewing Company.
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From
$58.95
Price varies by group size
From
$58.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

8 days touring in Ireland
We offer a private tour around Ireland. We provide top class vehicle and knowledged drivers/guides. All drivers and vehicles are fully certified. As it is a private tour, our aim is to offer you, your family and friends tailor made tours of Ireland whereby you and your party can enjoy and savour the delights of this island’s most exciting destinations. We offer you the chance to escape to some of the most fantastic locations in Ireland.
No tour size is too big or too small as we cater from 1 person upwards. No excursion length is too short or too long, our tours start from day trip onwards. As our trips are tailor made for you, we can extend them upon your request. Together with you, we will plan an itinerary that suits you and your group/party. If some part of the itinerary we offer needs to be changed or you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together we will create your best itinerary.
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From
$7,508.57
per group
From
$7,508.57
per group

Killarney Jaunting Car & Lily of Killarney Watercoach Tour
3
Cruise in the comfort of a modern heated glass covered boat
Listen to your captain inform you on the flora & fauna of the area
Drift by the 6th century Innisfallen monastery founded by Augustinian monks
Sail along the shore of the encircling mountain slopes and islands
Learn about the ancient Copper Mines dating back 4000 years on Ross Island
Guided tour with a traditional Jarvey full of Irish whit
Visit areas where no motor traffic is permitted
View the magnificent St. Mary’s Cathedral on route
Observe Ireland’s last herd of native red deer
Awe Inspiring views of Ireland’s highest Mountain Range
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From
$49.65
Price varies by group size
From
$49.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Highlights of Killarney Private Tour
1
I was born and reared in Kerry and enjoy sharing this beautiful area with my guests. I will collect you at your accommodation and we will visit the highlights of Killarney commencing with a visit to Ladies View, then Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Gardens, Ross Castle and Lough Leane returning by Aghadoe. I can customise this tour if you have specific places you would like to visit in the locality. I will share the history, the culture and scenery of our beautiful town. My vehicle is a Mercedes V Class which can accommodate up to six guests comfortably.
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From
$310.28
per group
From
$310.28
per group

Ring of Kerry Private Tour from Killorglin
3
Marvel at some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes on this private Ring of Kerry tour from Killorglin. Head deep into the Iveragh Peninsula with your private guide and discover famous landmarks including Cahergall Fort, Leacanabuiaile Fort and Ballycarbery Castle. Pass through quaint villages such as Kenmare, Sneem and Waterville, and enjoy an altogether more relaxed pace of life in the Irish countryside. Admire top attractions like the Torc Waterfalls and Cromwell's Bridge, and enjoy the freedom to plan your own route with your private guide.
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From
$89.22
From
$89.22

Private Killarney National Park Tour with an accredited chauffeur/guide
What better way to visit Killarney National Park than with a local native experienced accredited guide!
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From
$508.22
per group
From
$508.22
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More
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