Ross Castle Carriages

The traditionally great ride

Explore Killarney Town Park in a romantic way, whatever the weather. Our horses are the best in town and our Irish humour even better.

Book your ride

Ross Castle Carriages is a group of individual horse and carriage operators working together to offer a beautiful scenic horse-drawn carriage experience through the breathtaking Killarney National Park.
Killarney National Park tours start at Ross Castle take a horse-drawn carriage through Killarney National Park, along the front of Killarney House following the beautiful river Denagh to the lakeshore meeting back to finish at Ross Castle.
Duration: approx. 45 Minutes

Book Your Ride

For special group rates and discounts contact us Directly.

PHONE NUMBERS
Jason – 00353(0)89 226 5418

Donal – 00353(0)87 666 2841

Fares

Killarney National Park Fare

up to 4 people – €60
Return to Killarney after the tour is an additional €25.

Ross Castle to Killarney town:

1-4 passengers – €50
each passenger extra – €10 each.

Return to Killarney trough National park – finish at St. Mary’s Cathedral:

1-4 passangers €50
each passenger extra – €10 each.

Ross Castle

Ross Castle was built in the late 15th century by the local ruling clan the O’Donoghues Mór (Ross), though ownership changed hands during the Second Desmond Rebellion of the 1580s to the MacCarthy Mór. He then leased the castle and the lands to Sir Valentine Browne, ancestor of the Earls of Kenmare. The castle was amongst the last to surrender to Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads during the Irish Confederate Wars, and was only taken when artillery was brought by boat via the River Laune. Lord Muskerry (MacCarthy) held the castle against Edmund Ludlow who marched to Ross with 4,000 foot-soldiers and 200 horses; however, it was by water that he attacked the stronghold. The Irish had a prophecy that Ross could never be taken until a warship could swim on the lake, an unbelievable prospect.

Ross may all assault disdain
Till on Lough Lein strange ship shall sail.

At the end of the wars, the Brownes were able to show that their heir was too young to have taken part in the rebellion and they retained the lands. By about 1688, they had erected a mansion house near the castle, but their adherence to King James II of England after the Glorious Revolution caused them to be exiled. The castle became a military barracks, which remained so until early in the 19th century. The Brownes did not return to live at Ross but built Kenmare House near Killarney.

There is a legend that O’Donoghue leapt or was sucked out of the window of the grand chamber at the top of the castle and disappeared into the waters of the lake along with his horse, his table and his library. It is said that O’Donoghue now lives in a great palace at the bottom of the lake where he keeps a close eye on everything that he sees.

Our Horses

Our horses are the true breed of Ireland, our noble workmates that we love and trust, the Irish cobs are noted for their excellent temperament and flowing hair. Add their active knee action and stout powerful body, and you’ll see how imposing they are, but also docile and kind. They form close bonds with humans and other horses alike and have a positive attitude in a happy-go-lucky way.

The Irish Cob is an ideal mount for leisure riders, and they are very comfortable under saddle because of their wide short backs. Their wide backs also make them good weight-bearers. They have the typical build of a large draught horse but in a much smaller and more economical package! They are suited for adults and children alike, for both riding and driving.

We can’t wait to introduce you to our most important team members our beloved Irish Cobs

Ross Castle Carriages Killarney Irish Cob

Contact Us

If you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us either through the Contact Form below or Facebook Messenger. we are looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Form

Phone Number

Jason – 00353(0)89 226 5418