Gap of Dunloe Tour by Bus, Horse and Carriage, and Boat in Killarney
by Killarney Day Tour
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Overview
Killarney National Park features rugged landscapes including the Gap of Dunloe, a glacial valley with scenic lakes and rivers. This 5-6 hour tour combines bus, horse and carriage, and boat travel to explore the park's notable sites. The tour begins with a bus ride from the Old Weir Lodge on Muckross Road to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, where passengers can choose to rent a horse and carriage or walk through the Gap of Dunloe. The horse and carriage ride covers about 11 kilometers through the valley to Lord Brandon's Cottage, an old hunting lodge now serving as a cafe where guests have up to an hour to rest or eat (lunch not included). At 2 pm, the tour continues by boat from Lord Brandon's Cottage. The boat journey lasts about 1.5 hours, traveling through three lakes and two rivers within the National Park. Passengers see landmarks such as The Meeting of the Waters, Dinis Cottage, the Old Weir Bridge, Brickeen Bridge, and Innisfallen Island while the guide provides commentary and answers questions. The tour ends at Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress once home to the O'Donoghue chieftain. While the castle itself is not part of the guided tour, the bus meets guests there for return transport. Some guests choose to walk from Ross Castle back to Killarney town through the park, about 2 kilometers away. Note that horse and carriage transport requires cash payment on the day, and a moderate walk over uneven terrain may be necessary depending on water levels.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Kate Kearney’s Cottage
The bus departs from the Old Weir Lodge and arrives at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, the starting point for the Gap of Dunloe section. Here, guests meet the horse and carriage drivers who charge cash payments directly. Due to limited seating, carriage drivers do not offer reduced fares for children.
15 min
Horse and Carriage Ride through Gap of Dunloe
The horse and carriage ride lasts about 1.5 hours, covering 11 kilometers through the glacial valley of the Gap of Dunloe. The route ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage.
60 min
Lord Brandon’s Cottage
Lord Brandon's Cottage is a former hunting lodge converted into a cafe for visitors hiking or cycling in the area. Guests have up to one hour here for lunch or rest. The boat departs from this location daily at 2 pm.
60 min
Boat Tour through Lakes and Rivers
The boat tour lasts around 1.5 hours, depending on water levels and weather. It passes through three lakes and two rivers in the national park. Passengers see sites including The Meeting of the Waters, Dinis Cottage, the Old Weir Bridge, Brickeen Bridge, and Innisfallen Island. Guides provide commentary and answer questions throughout.
90 min
Ross Castle
The tour finishes at Ross Castle, built in the 15th century as the home of the O'Donoghue chieftain. The bus collects guests here for the return trip. Ross Castle is less than 2 kilometers from Killarney town, and some guests choose to walk back through the park after the tour.
Meeting point
The Old Weir Lodge is 1 Kilometer from the centre of Killarney town. We offer free parking, Tea/Coffee is also available for purchase here prior to departure.
End point
The Old Weir Lodge is 1 Kilometer from the centre of Killarney town. We offer free parking, Tea/Coffee is also available for purchase here prior to departure.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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