+353 (0)64 663 1068
+353 (0)64 663 1068
info@killarneydaytour.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 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 +3538 87 23907 23 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.
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 87 239 0723.
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.
Lynes Rent-a-Bike; www.killarneycyclingtours.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…
“This was our favourite day in Ireland. The Gap of Dunloe scenery is simply stunning! Booking a tour is the easiest way to do the whole route without worrying about getting back to your car. The walk was so so beautiful! It was a little longer then we thought, we figured around 11 to 11.5km. but you can soak it all in instead of driving through quickly. Our 11 yr old son did it no problem though and we had lots of time to sit at Brandon’s cottage after the walk and have lunch there before the boat left (they have soups and sandwiches, drinks and some goodies). Only one of the groups on our bus did the jaunting car, the majority of people walked. The boat ride after the walk was an hour, and again incredible scenery. It ends at Ross Castle and the bus takes you back to your car at the Old Wier Lodge. It’s a fabulous day out, with loads of photo opportunities.”
Liz, Waterloo, Canada
Liz, Waterloo, Canada
“My wife and truly enjoyed every part of this tour. After booking online, we met at the Old Weir Lodge where we were transferred to Kate Kearney’s Cottage were we hired a horse-drawn Jaunting Car tour though the Gap of Dunloe. You could drive this narrow road, but it would be too fast and you would be unable to experience the open-air sights, sounds and feeling of this remarkable place. After the Jaunting Car tour, we lunched at Lord Brandon’s Cottage before boarding a small motor driven boat to tour the lakes and rivers of Killarney National Park ending at Ross Castle. Once we arrived at the castle we were transferred back to the Old Weir Lodge. This tour is the stuff of great memories.”
Rehclass, Westminster, California
Rehclass, Westminster, California
O'Donoghue Bros Boating Ltd t/a Killarney Day Tour,
Muckross Road, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland • Tel: +353 (0)64 663 1068 or +353 (0)64 663 3483 • Fax: +353 (0)64 663 5583
Email: info@killarneydaytour.com