Gap of Dunloe Cycle (Boat transport)
Full description
Included / Excluded
- English Guide
- Boat tour
- Bike rental
- Meals and snacks
Itinerary
Our tour starts at Ross Castle, 2km from Killarney. The Castle was the stronghold of the O'Donoghue family in the 14th century and sits on the shore of Lough Léin. While there is no fee to walk around the Castle, the guided tour is an additional fee, payable at the reception. Unfortunately Guests will not have time on this occasion to do the full guided tour before the boats depart. The boat tour departs at 10.30am from the main stone pier on the lake side of the Castle, keep an eye out for the green boats and ask for Rory. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to load up bikes. Please note; bike rental is not included in the tour. Guests will rent their own bikes in Killarney and make their way to Ross Castle. There is no bike rental at Ross Castle.
The first stop on our tour is the monastic settlement on Innisfallen Island. Passengers will get a full history of the area from their boat driver and will have 15 minutes to explore the ruins.
Pass by: Lough Leane is Killarney's biggest lake and after the boats depart Innisfallen Island, the next stop is the shore of Tomies Mountain. There's had been a nest of White Tailed Sea Eagles along this shore for the last 18 years since their reintroduction to the area. These Eagles are the biggest bird of prey in Europe and are fantastic sight to see in the wild.
Once the boats leave Lough Leane, they will be on the Muckross Lake and heading for the Meeting of the Waters. Here, guests may have to disembark for a 10 minute wooded walk to allow the boats to traverse a particularly shallow area.
The secluded cafê at Lord Brandon's Cottage is the Finish point for our Boat Tour. From here, guests will begin the 25km cycle back to Killarney. The tour is a sealed road so the way and after 11km, guests will pass by Kate Kearney’s Cottage which is a famous bar along the route. Please note; meals and snacks are not included in the cost of the tour. Due to the secluded location amongst the hills, Lord Brandon's Cottage only accepts cash.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Bike rental is not included
- The cycle is not guided
Traveler reviews
Entertaining
Lads lads lads… hilarious and entertaining trip up the three lakes with our 3rd generation boatman. Highly recommend for the jokes alone
Highly, highly recommend!!!
The boat ride was fabulous. The tour guide was great. The bike ride back through the gap to Killarney was fantastic. Awesome scenic views at every turn. Although I bike, I don't think I could have done it without the peddle asist/ebike. It might have made it even better. I didn't have to work for it.
The lake tour is a gem.....hidden treasures unfold. If you are not sure about the cycling....you will be buying one !
A pure joy......three lakes personal tour with a real personality.Dermot is a stand up comedian filled with local knowledge and Irish charm....if that doesn't entertain you then daisy will......who is Daisy....that's for you to find out! The tour of the lakes surrounded with mountains is stunning. Destination are wonderful cakes and coffee. TAKE CASH.....I didn't do couldn't try them. If you are a average cyclist hire a bike. The climb up the gap is 15 minutes...of admiring the lake and chatting to the jolly jaunting carriage drivers on the way up....see how many you pass. When you get to the gap it is Special.....for a twenty minute climb you get a 30/40 descent.....despite the warnings if you have bike skills you can fly down.... pubs and café waiting.Then cycle around the lake through the woods right back where you started from. It is a festival of smiles and no Dermot is not my dad!!
Rory was our guide and ensured we had a terrific experience. The scenery from the boat is breathtaking and Rory provided lots of information about the area.
Boat and E Bike
This was a fun trip with both a beautiful boat right and a fun bike ride back to town. Wear waterproof clothes for the boat ride because you do get wet. The bike with an electric bike is the only way I would do it, unless you are into cycling. There are some good climbs that is not for the faint of heart. Overall it was great experience.