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

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

Embark on a Gap of Dunloe Adventure: Boat & Hike Tour

An Unforgettable Day on the Water and the Trails: Cruise across Killarney’s iconic three lakes from historic Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, then enjoy either a self-paced walk or a traditional horse and carriage ride through the world-famous Gap of Dunloe!

Tour Feature	What to Expect
Starting Point	Ross Castle, Killarney
Boat Check-in	10:15 AM Meet our green open boats at the stone pier on the lake side of Ross Castle. Make sure to ask for Rory.
Boat Departure	10:30 AM SHARP (Enjoy a relaxing morning cruise)
Water Voyage	A scenic 90-minute cruise across the lakes to Lord Brandon's Cottage
The Walk Distance/ Jaunting Car Journey	11 km (approx. 7 miles) from Lord Brandon's to Kate Kearney's
Time Needed	2.5 to 3.5 hours for a comfortable, casual walking pace. 1.5 to 2 hours for a Jaunting Car - depending on stops. (not included in your tour booking and must be booked separately - if booking on the day take cash).
Trail Difficulty	Moderate: Entirely on a paved path, with a steady but gradual incline up to the head of the Gap, followed by a gentle downhill stroll.
Finish Point	Kate Kearney’s Cottage - the perfect spot for a well earned coffee and cake or nice cold beer - you decide!
Return Transport	Custom arranged on request or organized separately

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Killarney Day Tour - Jaunting Cars through the Gap of Dunloe

Killarney Day Tour through the Gap of Dunloe and the Long Range

Something Special for Every Style of Explorer

Whether you are looking for peaceful mountain views, a fun day out with the family, or beautiful backdrops to photograph, this route is a classic for a reason.

Family Groups: A wonderful outdoor day out that keeps everyone moving. Kids love the morning boat ride across the lakes, and because the walk is entirely on a smooth, paved path, it is straightforward to navigate. Along the way, you’ll spot plenty of local sheep, old stone bridges, and pristine streams. And if you choose to hire a Jaunting Car the local carriage drivers have plenty of tales to share about the area!
The Content Creators: Capture Ireland exactly as you’ve imagined it. The 10:30 AM departure provides beautiful mid-morning light across the lakes, perfect for capturing the reflections of Ross Castle. On foot, you’ll have all the time you need to stop and take photos of the rugged peaks and the famous Wishing Bridge.
The Explorers: Escape the bustle of the town. This self-paced itinerary lets you wander at your own leisure, giving you plenty of quiet moments to talk, explore the lakeside near Lord Brandon’s Cottage, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Black Valley.
Hikers & Active Walkers: A great way to get your steps in. If you prefer stretching your legs over taking a carriage, this 11 km stretch gives you a rewarding, steady climb up to an elevation of about 840 feet. It’s an incredibly satisfying, classic Irish walk that finishes right outside the historic pub or Kate Kearney’s!

Killarney Day Tour - Boating on Lough Leane

Essential Tour Logistics & FAQ

How does the self-guided boat and walk tour work?

Your day begins at 10:30 AM at Ross Castle, where you will board a Killarney Day Tour boat. You will enjoy a scenic cruise through Killarney’s lakes, arriving at the historic Lord Brandon’s Cottage. From there, you begin your self-paced walk through the spectacular Gap of Dunloe, concluding at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. The path is a straightforward mountain road, meaning you can’t get lost! If you wish, there is also the option to hire a Jaunting Car to take you through the Gap of Dunloe (this is charged separately – if booking on the day take cash).

How do I get back to Killarney from Kate Kearney’s Cottage?

Because this specific itinerary is not designed as a continuous loop, transport from Kate Kearney’s Cottage back to Killarney is not automatically included. You can easily organize a taxi or private transfer separately, or we can arrange return transport for you upon request when you make your booking.

Are there places to stop for food or a break?

Absolutely. You can grab light snacks, coffee, or a light lunch at Lord Brandon’s Cottage before you set out on your walk. Once you finish your stroll at the other side of the valley, Kate Kearney’s Cottage is the perfect spot for a traditional meal, a hot drink, or a well-deserved pint.

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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.
  
 
  
  
 
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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