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Ross Castle

Ross Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Killarney on Horse & Carriage: 1-Hour Jaunting Car Tour

1. Killarney on Horse & Carriage: 1-Hour Jaunting Car Tour

Be transported back to 15th-century Ireland with stories of the legendary stronghold of the O’Donoghue Chieftains and the ancient Castle’s tragic fall to the Cromwellian Army on their conquest of Ireland, the legend of the Lake, and much more. Learn more about the nature of the Park as well as its famous wildlife inhabitants including the Irish Red Deer. Take this unique opportunity to capture those special holiday moments as your guide pauses at some of Killarney’s most dramatic scenic locations before reaching the shores of Ross Castle, where you will be invited to explore the grounds of the 15th-century stronghold with breathtaking views across Lough Léin. And because your tour takes you through areas where no motor traffic is permitted, you can enjoy your jaunting ride in absolute paradise. As the tour comes to its end, you will be returned to the town center or your hotel with memories to last a lifetime.

Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour

2. Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour

Enjoy a trip across the beautiful Lakes of Killarney and enjoy a walk through the Gap of Dunloe. Join us at O'Connor's Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26 for the departure (10:00 am check in), or we can also collect you from your accommodation in the Killarney area. Please Note - The tour can go in two directions. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle* From Kate Kearney's there is a self guided walk (you can’t get lost) that is 7 miles (12km) in length and takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to walk The terrain is hilly and picturesque, the highest elevation is 840ft. The Gap walk ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshment (please note Lord Brandon's Only accepts cash). At 2pm our traditional boat takes you through the Lakes of Killarney and to Ross Castle (1 hour 30 mins). While on the journey across the Lakes of Killarney you will take in amazing scenery, such as: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Bricin Bridge Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Your boat journey finishes at Ross Castle, from their we will transport you back to O'Connor's Traditional Pub or your accommodation. If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch. *For those guests leaving from Ross Castle, you will start your journey on the boat across the lakes and finish at Kate Kearney's and then a bus journey back to O'Connors Pub For those who may chose not to walk, Jaunting cars are available at Kate Kearney's Cottage They charge €140 per jaunting cart, (€35pp) and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen The Jaunting cars take approximately 1.5 hours to travel the 7 mile journey through the Gap. Please note, as you may know the Jaunting cart's are operated independently of ourselves by the Ponymen's Association. Weather conditions: Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky. What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

Killarney: Killarney National Park Private Tour

3. Killarney: Killarney National Park Private Tour

Discover the most scenic views of Killarney National Park on a private horse carriage tour. Enjoy a short jaunt around the beautiful lakes, taking in the sights of Ross Castle and Carrantouhill, Ireland's tallest mountain. Meet your guide just outside of Killarney's town center and board your private horse carriage for your relaxed journey around the lakes. Enjoy the views of the area on some of the most scenic routes in the region, only accessible by horse carriage. Admire the views of the stately Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. See a 6th-century monastery, and take in the sight of Ireland's tallest mountain, Carrantouhill. Keep an eye out for wildlife and the native deer population of the parklands. Learn about the rich history of the area from your guide as the horse trots gently along the lakeshore. After your relaxing jaunt through the countryside, return to Killarney town.

Killarney: Guided Boat Tour to Innisfallen Island

4. Killarney: Guided Boat Tour to Innisfallen Island

Boats depart from Reen Pier (near Ross Castle) in our red and black traditional boats. Enjoy a 10 minute boat ride out to Innisfallen island, you will then explore the island for 30-45 mins. Your guide will educate you about the history of the Island and the wildlife that inhabit the island. The boat will then travel back to Reen Pier. Innisfallen is home to the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, one of the most impressive archaeological remains dating from the early Christian period found in the Killarney National Park. The monastery was founded in 640 by Saint Finan the Leper and was occupied for approximately 950 years. Over a period of about 300 of these, the monks wrote the Annals of Innisfallen, which chronicle the early history of Ireland as it was known to the monks. The island is also home to a heard of Sika Deer, explore the 21 acre island and if your lucky you might spot these beautiful animals.

Killarney: Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit

5. Killarney: Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit

Start your experience at the historic Great Southern Hotel, where you will board your comfortable and cosy Jaunting Car and meet your friendly and knowledgeable Guide. Get ready to leave the hustle and bustle of Killarney Town behind and look above to a sky of green as you enter the quiet woodland surroundings of the National Park. Catch inspiring views of St. Mary’s iconic Cathedral and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. Sit back and relax as you travel down the peaceful Deenagh Riverbank and take in the beauty of its flora and fauna. Learn more about the nature of the Park as well as its famous wildlife inhabitants including the Irish Red Deer, who you are sure to spy on your travels. Journey back in time as your Guide shares tales of times gone by. Be transported back to 15th century Ireland with stories of the legendary Ross Castle, the last stronghold of the O’Donoghue Chieftains, and its tragic fall to the Cromwellian Army on their conquest of Ireland. Take the opportunity to capture those special holiday moments as your Guide pauses at some of Killarney’s most dramatic scenic locations before reaching the shores of Ross Castle where you can avail of a stroll around the grounds and enjoy breath-taking views across Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s three Lakes. Hop back on board for the short ride though the tree-lined avenue of Ross Road to the Killarney Brewery on the outskirts of the town. Once there, sample the finest of Killarney Craft Beers inspired by local myths and legends, complimented by a selection of hand-crafted Pizzas, the perfect end to a memorable trip.

Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

6. Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

Enjoy a trip across the beautiful Lakes of Killarney and enjoy a walk through the Gap of Dunloe. Join us at O'Connor's Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26 for the departure (10:00 am check in), or we can also collect you from your accommodation in the Killarney area. Please Note - The tour can go in two directions. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle* From Kate Kearney's you will enjoy a 1.5-2 hour Jaunting Cart ride through the 12km (7 mile) Gap of Dunloe. Please Note - The Jaunting Carts are a separate business to Gap of Dunloe Tours and are an additional cost to the tour price. Jaunting cars are available to hire at Kate Kearney's Cottage or Lord Brandon's Cottage. You may then pay the Ponymen direct for the Jaunting Car journey. They charge €140 per jaunting cart, (€35pp) and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen. Your Jaunting Cart trip ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (please note Lord Brandon's Only accepts cash). At 2pm our traditional boat takes you through the Lakes of Killarney and to Ross Castle (1 hour 30 mins). While on the journey across the Lakes of Killarney you will take in amazing scenery, such as: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Bricin Bridge Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Your boat journey finishes at Ross Castle, from their we will transport you back to O'Connor's Traditional Pub or your accommodation. If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch. *For those guests leaving from Ross Castle, you will start your journey on the boat across the lakes and finish at Kate Kearney's and then a bus journey back to O'Connors Pub Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky. What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

Gap of Dunloe: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour and Scenic Walk

7. Gap of Dunloe: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour and Scenic Walk

Your journey begins at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy a 12km (7 mile) walk through the scenic Gap of Dunloe which is a glacial valley. The walk takes between 2.5-3 hours and has hilly terrain, the highest elevation is 840m. Your walk finishes at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (cash only) before boarding one of our traditional boats for a journey across the Lakes of Killarney. During your boat trip your guide will give you the history of the area and you will see beautiful scenery including: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Dinish Cottage Bricin Bridge Ross Castle Weather conditions: Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky and may not be suitable for passengers with mobility issues or walking difficulties What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

Top sights near Ross Castle

Other Sightseeing Options in Ross Castle

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What people are saying about Ross Castle

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 4 reviews

The tour was an hour long and a great mix of city and park tour. Paul, our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Blankets were provided to keep warm. Geppetto the horse was a great tour guide as well! Killarney is a great town and this experience made our day!

Amazing tour. BOB was awesome. He gave a great tour to the island by boat and maneuvered well. Was very accommodating when the dock was fully immersed in the water. Even though it was not a guided tour Bob gave us a few insights and was informative. Highly recommend.

Incredible guide, funny knowledgeable, just a pleasure full experience. Can’t wait to come back next year.

A fabulous way to see Killarney park, all six of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves

Johnny was a great tour guide. Very enjoyable tour