+353 (0)87 2617967

info@killarneyboattours.com

The no. 1 day tour in Killarney... for 250 years!

The no. 1 day tour in Killarney… for 250 years!

Discover the Magic of Killarney: Lakes, Mountains & Hidden Gems

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe with our expertly guided half and full-day tours. Enjoy a unique blend of bus, boat, walking, and (optional) jaunting car adventures!

Welcome to Killarney Day Tours, your local family-run gateway to the stunning landscapes of Killarney. Let us take you on an unforgettable journey through the iconic lakes and the dramatic Gap of Dunloe.

Explore Our Tours & Book Your Adventure Today!

Why Choose Killarney Day Tours?

Your Unique Killarney Adventure Awaits

Experience it All! Why choose just one way to explore? Our unique combination tours let you seamlessly transition between scenic bus rides, tranquil boat trips on the famous lakes, invigorating walks through nature’s wonders, and the traditional charm of a jaunting car ride (optional).
Local Experts, Insider Knowledge: Our friendly, knowledgeable local guides are passionate about sharing the history, folklore, and natural beauty of Killarney, offering insights you won’t find in guidebooks.
Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, our tours are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for all ages and levels of fitness. Choose from half-day or full-day options to suit your schedule.
Relax and Discover: Leave the driving and planning to us! Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery without the stress of navigating or missing out on hidden gems.
A Family Tradition of Hospitality: As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on providing a warm, welcoming, and personal experience for every guest.

What people have to say…

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 59 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Gavin O'Neill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing boat trip from Ross Castle to Lard Brandon's Cottage on Sunday 6th October. Our guide/boat man was very informative, friendly and skilled at handling the boat. The scenery was stunning and we were lucky with the weather after all the rain the previous day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gerald O'Donoghue 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A must-do day trip for anyone visiting Killarney!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ollie Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic 2 hr boat ride, with our bikes on board. Pick up at Ross castle, drop off at lord b’s quick drink then cycled back anticlockwise.
Guide was Cahill (?) laid back welcoming and informative
Boated through 3 lakes with stunning scenery
A must do!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Herman Tkach 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic tour! The 7 mile home was picturesque and beautiful! Rory was great on the boat ride.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   E “Perigrinator” B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gap of Dunloe was oneof the best day tours I experienced in Ireland. The bus picks you up from accessible hotels, and you can walk over the Gap of Dunloe or ride in a horse and carriage which is quite a treat. Then it is onto the boats through the Killarney Lakes, a view of Ross Castle before getting back on a bus to tour end. Romantic and varied scenery. Knowledgeable, local guides.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cathal o connor Roam Killarney walking tours 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day out! Cathal was very funny and new so much about the local area and wildlife,he even spotted  two eagles and a chic for us ! 10/10 recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nitro Nitroniuim 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Me and my girlfriend went for the boat trip from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon's cottage with our bikes so we could cycle through the gap of dunloe afterwards. We never imagined such beautiful scenery on our boat tour and our guide was a top notch lad who made our trip better, clearly a local who is passionate about Killarney's unique nature and very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor.
Definitely our best part of this trip.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Robyn S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The scenery is stunning and well worth the hike and boat trip. The actual tour organisation was very shoddy, having to first meet at a hotel just out of town and then change buses back in town anyway!
Would have liked more time to undertake the hike so as to savour the beautiful views rather than feeling rushed to get to the boats on time - maybe we could have started an hour earlier ?
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrei 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They allowed us to cancel mere hours before the tour was supposed to start, because of a medical emergency on our side. The man on the phone was kind and understanding, and just for that, they deserve five stars. Thank you again.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Our Fantastic Tours

Discover Our Range of Killarney Adventures

Killarney Day Tour (Full tour)

Experience the iconic Gap of Dunloe by bus to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, then journey through the stunning valley by traditional pony and trap or on foot to meet your boat for a breathtaking cruise across Killarney’s three lakes and two rivers, concluding with a bus return to Old Weir Lodge. This unique tour offers a blend of scenic transport and local storytelling through landscapes unchanged for millennia.

Book the Killarney Day Tour

Park Explorer (Half Day Tour) New for 2025!

Embark on our new Park Explorer half-day tour, starting with Killarney’s Hop On Hop Off Big Red Bus, journey from Mission Road to Ross Castle for a boat trip to Innisfallen Island’s monastic ruins and eagle watching – followed by a picturesque walk from Dinis Cottage to Muckross House for your return bus. This tour offers a unique blend of guided experiences and independent exploration within Killarney National Park.

Book the Park Explorer Half Day Tour

Cyclist and bike transport to Lord Brandon’s Cottage

Cycle the scenic route from the Gap of Dunloe back to Killarney with our unique transport service, starting with a 10:30 am boat journey from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, including stops at Innisfallen Island with a chance of sighting Killarney’s White Tailed Sea Eagles! Then enjoy a self-guided 25km cycle through the Gap at your own pace, with opportunities to stop at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, after we transport you and your bike across Killarney’s stunning lakes.

Book Cyclist & Bike Transport

Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage boat tour

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-2 hour boat journey from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, navigating Killarney’s three lakes with a stop at Innisfallen Island and potential eagle sightings – perfect for independent travelers with their own transport. This option provides a picturesque water route into the Gap of Dunloe, allowing you to explore the valley and return to Killarney at your leisure.

Book Ross Castle to Lord Brandon's

Ross Castle return boat trip

Enjoy a relaxing return boat trip from Ross Castle to the scenic Lord Brandon’s Cottage, offering a delightful cruise on Killarney’s lakes without the need for cycling or extensive walking. Departing at 10:30 am and returning around 3:30 pm, this tour provides a comfortable way to experience the beauty of the lakes and the Black Valley area with ample time for lunch.

Book Ross Castle return boat trip

Boat transport from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle

For those exploring the Gap of Dunloe independently, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour boat journey from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle, departing at 2:15 pm. This option provides a relaxing water route back to Killarney after your exploration, traversing the beautiful lakes of the National Park.

Book Lord Brandon's to Ross Castle

What Our Guests Say

What a beautiful day! Rory and Noel picked us up with our bikes at the pier in front of Ross Castle. Throughout the boat ride they were friendly, funny and knowledgeable about the history and the landscape. Rory’s family has been doing this tour for generations and the pride is evident. We rode our rental bikes through the Gap of Dunloe and stopped for a pint at Kate Kearney’s before riding back to town. Highly recommend this activity!!

Alyssa K – TripAdvisor

This was the highlight of our trip!! The team took amazing care of us. Rory, our boat guide, was so kind and informative. We loved every minute of our tour and learned so much about the terrain and history of the area. We had hot chocolate and snacks at Lord Brandon’s Cottage and then embarked on the 11km hike. We have 3 boys, ages 11, 8 and 6 and they ALL enjoyed the hike! The views were so stunning that they didn’t ever complain about being tired. We would do this tour again in a heartbeat!

Jenny and Evan, USA – TripAdvisor

This was an amazing tour! We took the boat with Rory (and his dog Ted) from Ross castle to Lord Brandon’s cottage with some rental bikes. Rory was so knowledgeable about everything in the park and really made the experience that much better. Wishing we could have spent more time in Killarney, but we will definitely be back!

Maddie M, USA – Tripadvisor

An amazing trip. Has to be top of the bucket list for anyone visiting Killarney. Rory and all the boatmen have such a deep knowledge of the history and geography of the lakes and surrounding areas which makes for a fascinating and memorable tour. We were treated to views that you just will not see from anywhere else in the park with interesting and entertaining anecdotes and information to go with it. You really get a sense of pride from the boatmen who clearly love what they do. Míle buíchos lads, beidh mé ar ais arís!!

David Kenny, Ireland – Google

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RSDL O’Donoghue Limited t/a Killarney Boat Tours,
Lahard, Beaufort, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland • Tel: +353 87 261 7967
Email: info@killarneyboattours.com