This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O'Donoghue Ross chieftains. It is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. As this site is managed by the OPW, school tour visits are permitted free of charge provided certain conditions are met. Ross Castle is very restricted due to the cap we have on numbers for Health & Safety. We can only take 15 students per tour and there can be 30 to 45 minutes between tours – depending on number of staff. The maximum we will accommodate for a school group bookings is 30 students split between two tours.