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
Incredible Experience
This boat tour was a true highlight from our visit to Killarney. We road with Rory, the owner of the boat company. He is the 4th generation owner/operator of this company following the footsteps of his father, grandfather etc. His knowledge of the area and manner of caring for all his passengers and boat fleet was outstanding. We loved the ride, the history, the knowledge and the tour of this gorgeous national park water way. Book with this incredible local boat tour company. You won’t regret it. While you are at it, ask Rory about the American girls that were a month and a half late to their boat tour.
An added joy to our holiday.
The hottest day of the year and we’re on a boat with a plan to ride bikes back to Killarney. It was magical! Our boat Captain was funny and informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Excellent Guide!
Our day was planned around riding bikes through the Gap of Dunloe, but this boat transport became the rival highlight of the day. Rory was an incredible guide who made the 2 hour experience very enjoyable. We had the pleasure of making a quick stop along the way to explore the ruins of Innisfallen Monestary. We saw deer and learned about white tailed eagles as one flew directly overhead of our boat. Cafes are located both before and after the boat trip, making packing for the bike ride up to the head of the gap much more pleasant with a full belly. Thank you Rory!
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.