Killarney’s main points of interest are located just outside the town center, on the shores of the lake. You can reach them easily by car, but a good alternative is the bicycle (or for those less trained, the e-bike). There are several bike rentals in town. We suggest you use this one: excellent, well-maintained bikes and friendly service. However, it must be said that much of the bike route is on busy, vehicular roads, so although there are no particular risks, it is a good practice to pay the necessary attention to road traffic, especially at crossroads.
That said, here is some information on the main city sights not to be missed!

Ross Castle – Ross Castle is a distinctive 15th-century building located on the shores of Killarney’s Lower Lake and close to the city center. The name “Castle” may actually be misleading: in fact, Ross Castle is not exactly a “castle” but rather a tower house, an ancient fortified mansion built for everyday life and for the needs of protection and control of the territory. Built in the late 15th century by the local ruling clan – the O’Donoghues Mór – over the years it passed through the ownership of various families until it was abandoned and fell into ruin. Fortunately, a massive recovery project has enabled its restoration and made the building available for visitors once again. Ross Castle is normally open to visitors from March to October, from 09:30 to 17:45 (last admission 17:00) through guided tours of approximately one hour and leaving every 30 minutes. You will find the information at the entrance or at the ticket office. The entrance fee is € 5.00 per adult. More information can be found at this link.

Muckross House – Muckross House is a mansion house built in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, Mary Balfour Herbert. However, the building visible today is the result of extensive refurbishments over the years, the most impressive of which were undertaken only a few years after construction in preparation for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1861. Moreover, it is said that these improvements were the cause of the Herbert family’s financial crisis, which shortly afterwards led to the sale of the estate. But the real turning point for this elegant residence came in 1911, when Muckross House and its lands were sold to William Bowers Bourn, a wealthy mining tycoon from California, who in 1932 decided to donate the building and its gardens to the Irish nation, thus enabling the establishment of the Republic of Ireland’s first National Park: Killarney National Park.
Muckross House is easily accessible by car or bicycle from downtown of Killarney. On site, you will find a large free parking. Just pay attention to the closing time of the gate to the park, normally reported along the entrance driveway. The mansion can be visited during the summer months between 09:15 and 19:00 (last entry 17:40), but in the winter months access hours are significantly reduced and end around 16:00. The entrance fee is € 7.00 per adult. More information can be found at this link.

Muckross Abbey – Muckross Abbey is certainly one of the most fascinating ecclesiastical sites in the region. Founded in 1448, this monastic site has had a troubled history and has been damaged and rebuilt several times. Today, although the building is roofless, it is generally well preserved and can easily explored. The most interesting part of the building the central courtyard, a magnificent cloister in the center of which stands a huge yew tree: truly scenic and impressive! Muckross Abbey is within walking distance of Muckross House. Therefore, our advice is to plan to visit both monuments on the same day. To get there, you can park your car at the large parking lot at Muckross House and continue on foot.
There are no opening hours for visiting the Abbey, as it is a monastic area with a cemetery attached and therefore always accessible to the public. However, if you have left your car at the Muckross House parking lot, don’t forget to pay attention to the closing time of the large entrance gate to the park, normally posted along the driveway!