Ross Castle will host a series of free guided events for Heritage Week this year. The events will explore the history and natural environment of Ross Island.

On Saturday, August 16, entry to all Heritage sites, including Ross Castle, will be free on a first-come, first-served basis. No pre-booking is available for this particular day.
On Saturday, August 23, OPW Guide and Biodiversity Officer Conal Guilfoyle will lead two guided walks on Ross Island at 10:30am and 2:30pm.
The walks will connect the area's natural and social history, starting at Ross Castle and ending at the Bronze Age copper mines.
These mines are believed to be some of the oldest in north-western Europe, dating back to 2300 B.C.
On Sunday, August 24, guide, Noreen Brosnan, will host "Ross Castle Through The Ages."
There will be two walks at 11:00am and 1:00pm.
These tours will detail the castle’s history, from its origins as the home of the O’Donoghue clan to its use as a military barracks by the English.
The walks will also touch on the 1652 Cromwellian attack and the castle's later transition into a visitor attraction. The tour will include a visit to the ruins of Ross cottage.
All walks are free and will last approximately one hour. Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is recommended by emailing rosscastle@opw.ie.
Participants are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing as the walks are outdoors on uneven ground.