Overview
The copper mines on Ross Island are among the oldest in northwest Europe. Copper was worked here in prehistoric times, and that is the real reason to walk this peninsula on Lough Leane, though most people come for Ross Castle and never notice that the ground under the oak woods is an early industrial site.
Despite the name, Ross Island is not one: a thin neck of land joins it to the mainland. It sits within Killarney National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with paths through the oaks and along the shore, and views south to Mangerton and Torc and west to the Purple and Tomies ranges.
The mines and the castle
Lough Leane’s mineral wealth was noted early: the ninth-century Welsh monk Nennius wrote of the lake ringed with tin, lead, iron and copper. The old workings along the walking routes are the physical remains of that mining. Follow the waymarks and stay out of the old mine workings.
At the peninsula’s southern tip, the O’Donoghue Mór clan built Ross Castle in the 15th century to control traffic on the lake. Local prophecy held that it could not fall ‘till on Lough Lein strange ship shall sail’, which is more or less what happened in the Confederate Wars, when Cromwell’s forces floated an artillery vessel up the River Laune and the garrison gave in.
Ross Castle stands by the public approach to the peninsula. The OPW’s 2026 tour season ended on 3 November, so check its site for the next tour dates. The island walks have separate access arrangements, so follow any notices at the trailhead. The castle interior is steep and awkward for anyone with mobility issues.
The walks
The national park trail guide describes the walks through woodland and around the shore. Three trails are usually described on the peninsula, and you can walk them singly or string them together.
Mining Trail – the main loop, starting at Ross Castle and following the shore before circling back through the grounds, with interpretive panels on early mining. Stay out of the old workings.
Governors Rock – out to a limestone cliff above the water, with an open view across Lough Leane to the mountains.
Library Point – the path to the northern tip of the peninsula, narrowing along the water’s edge to a quiet spot to stop.
The Knockreer Circular Walk starts from the Knockreer estate nearby and takes in the Lower Lake shoreline and parkland. It is a separate walk rather than part of Ross Island.
Wildlife
Red deer graze the surrounding woods, the lakeshore draws mute swans and kingfishers, and the reintroduced white-tailed eagles sometimes pass through. Brown trout are fished from the shore near the castle, so check what licence or permit you need before casting.
Practical information
- Castle season: Ross Castle’s tours have a separate visitor season. Check the Heritage Ireland page for the next dates.
- Footwear: paths can turn muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes help.
- Dogs: keep dogs under control and on a lead, and follow notices at the trailhead.
- Access: check notices at the trailhead before you set out, as arrangements for the island walks are separate from the castle.