+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!

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the tour operate?

March to October generally but we can accommodate large groups out of season. The tour is weather dependant at all times of the year however.

Can you walk through the Gap of Dunloe?

Yes, the walk takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage (7 miles; 11 km).

Can we be collected by bus?

For online bookings, please assemble at Old Weir Lodge Guesthouse on Muckross Road, Killarney at 10am. You can leave your car there for the duration of the tour, and go into the reception where you will get your tickets.

The Sat Nav coordinates for Old Weir Lodge are 52.051537, -9.506784

Is the tour weather permitting?

Yes but please phone us on +353872617967 if unsure on the day.

Is a tour of Ross Castle included?

No, as when you arrive into Ross Castle by boat in the afternoon, the bus is waiting for you.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is available at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, but is not included in the price of the tour Lord Brandon’s Cottage does not have a card facility so it’s cash only.

Is the pony/trap included in the price?

No, the pony and carriage ride is paid for upon arrival at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and is not included in the online booking price. Please note: Due to the remote location, please be prepared to pay cash rather than using credit cards.

What is a Pony/Trap?

It is a pony-drawn carriage which carries up to four passengers.

How far in advance do we need to book?

24 hours. For reservations within 24 hours please call +353 87 2617967.

What type of clothing should we wear?

Comfortable walking shoes if you intend to walk through the pass, also some rain wear, in case of a shower. Sometimes it can be quite cool on the Lower Lake in the afternoon.

Is there a Student/Family rate?

There are no family or student concessions as there are limited seats available in each boat.

Is there an alternative to walking up through the Gap of Dunloe?

Yes, there are two alternatives:

By bicycle, which can be brought from Ross Castle (only) in the boat.
By Pony/Trap which are available to rent at the beginning of the tour at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Pony & traps are also available at Lord Brandon’s Cottage should you decide to start the trip at Ross Castle in the morning.

What is it like to cycle through the Gap of Dunloe?

The cycle section through the Gap of Dunloe is a sealed road but does include some steep uphill sections as well as steep downhill sections. Care should be taken at all times as the road is open to local car traffic. The cycle from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Killarney is 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) and does include sections which are on public roads also. Restrooms along the route are located at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, this is a bar and restaurant and is 14 kilometres (8.5 miles) from Killarney.

What time does the boat leave Ross Castle for Walkers/Cyclists?

10.30am. We ask our guests to be there at 10.15am.

Can we rent bicycles from you?

No, but there are bicycle rentals nearby:

O’Sullivan’s Bike Rental; www.killarneyrentabike.com.

Killarney Bike Rental; www.killarneybikerental.com

How long does the boat trip take?

Approximately one and a half hours depending on water levels and weather conditions.

Can we leave our car where we meet the bus?

Yes, we have free car parking facilities here at Old Weir Lodge. The bus will return you back again to Old Weir Lodge after the tour.

What major sights of the Killarney area can we see?

The sights included are:

Kate Kearney’s Cottage
The Gap of Dunloe
The McGillycuddy’s Reeks (The highest mountain range in Ireland)
Lord Brandon’s Cottage
The Three Lakes of Killarney
The Meeting of the Waters and Dinis Cottage
Bricin Bridge
Inisfallen Island
Ross Castle

There are also plenty of opportunities to see some of the local wildlife including; The largest herd of Red Deer in Ireland and the White-tailed Sea Eagles which have been recently re-introduced to the area.

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

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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