Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a late medieval tower house and bawn on the edge of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park, County Kerry. It dates to the late 15th century and is one of the best-preserved Irish tower houses open to the public.

The structure showcases a multi-storey tower house with defensive features such as corner turrets and a surrounding bawn wall; visitors tour restored interior rooms and battlements to see period architecture and defensive arrangements. The lakeside setting provides photographic views of the castle reflected on Lough Leane and short boat trips from the shore are a common way to approach the site.

Built by the O’Donoghue clan in the late 15th century, Ross Castle served as a Gaelic stronghold and later changed hands during the 17th century; it is noted for surrendering to English Parliamentary forces in the mid-1600s. Over subsequent centuries it has been conserved and managed as a historic monument within Killarney National Park.

Situated on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane within Killarney National Park, the castle lies immediately beside Killarney town and its lakeside amenities, making it a short walk or boat ride from the town centre.

• Access and tours: Guided tours of the interior are run seasonally by the national parks/heritage service, and the castle sits on the shoreline making it accessible by boat from points on Lough Leane in summer.