Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a fifteenth-century tower house on the shore of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. Built by the O'Donoghue Mór chieftains, it was one of the last Munster strongholds to fall to Cromwellian forces in 1652. The castle now serves as a heritage attraction.

The O'Donoghue legend holds that the chieftain sleeps beneath the lake and rises on a white horse each May Day morning, riding across the water before vanishing. Boatmen on Lough Leane describe mist formations near the castle at dawn and a feeling of watchfulness around the tower at dusk. Interior reports include cold spots on the spiral stair.

Ross Castle opens seasonally with guided tours. Boat trips depart from the adjacent pier. The castle is a short walk or cycle from Killarney town through the national park. The spiral staircase is narrow and steep.

Heritage Ireland site open seasonally with guided tours and standard admission. Boat trips on Lough Leane depart from the adjacent pier. Accessible via a short walk or cycle from Killarney town through the national park. The interior spiral staircase is narrow and steep. Parking available nearby.