Gap of Dunloe Tour (Boat & Bus)

From$70
300 minutes – 360 minutes
Killarney, Ireland

Full description

The Gap of Dunloe day tour is a journey which encompasses Killarney’s entire National Park. During the tour, guests will see such sights as the Gap of Dunloe, the Old Weir Bridge and Ross Castle. The tour involves 3 separate stages: 1. Bus Transport from our office at the Old Weir Lodge on Muckross Road, Killarney to Kate Kearney’s Cottage at the beginning of the Gap of Dunloe. 2. Travel through the world famous glacial valley that is the Gap of Dunloe. Horse and carriage transport is available to rent (extra payable directly to the ponyman) when you arrive at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Alternatively, you can walk through the ‘Gap’. 3. Boat transport through the National Park with one of our experienced Drivers. The boat tour brings you through the lakes and rivers of the Park. A guided tour by the driver full of folklore and legends will ensure a memorable day for all ages. Note: depending on water levels, a moderate walk through an uneven wooded area may be required.

Included / Excluded

  • Bus Transport
  • Parking
  • Boat Transport
  • Lunch
  • Horse and Carriage transport payable on the day in cash

Itinerary

1

The bus which departs from the Old Weir Lodge will bring passengers to the world famous 'Kate Kearney's Cottage'. Here, passengers will make contact with the Horse and Carriage drivers. Note: Payment for the Horse and Carriage section of the tour is made to the drivers themselves and due to the mountainous nature of the area, cash is required. Unfortunately, the carriage drivers may not charge a children's rate due to limited seating.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

The Carriage ride is roughly 1.5 hours through the Glacial Valley known as The Gap of Dunloe. The distance is 11 Kilometers. Passengers will then arrive at Lord Brandon's Cottage.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Lord Brandon's Cottage is an old hunting lodge which has been transformed into a cafe for those hiking and cycling in the area. After the walk or carriage ride through the Gap of Dunloe, Guests will have up to 1 hour to have lunch and enjoy this peaceful setting. Boats leave here at 2pm daily.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

The boat tour by our experienced guides will bring you through the 3 lakes and 2 rivers of Killarney National Park. The trip is around 1.5 hrs depending on water levels and weather conditions. Guests will see The Meeting of the Waters, Dinis Cottage, the Old Weir Bridge, Brickeen Bridge and Innisfallen Island. Our experienced local guides will provide a full commentary throughout the tour and will answer any questions you may have.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
5

Pass by: At the end of the boat tour is the famous Ross Castle. Built in the 15th century, Ross Castle was the seat of the Chieftain O'Donoghue. The bus will meet guests at the castle immediately after the boat tour so unfortunately the Castle isn't part of the tour. As the castle is less than 2km from Killarney, some guests opt to explore the area and walk to the town through the National Park afterwards. Please let the bus driver know if this is something you would like to do.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Infants Required On Laps

Traveler reviews

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74 reviews
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Beautiful Gap of Dunloe

A wonderful day both on the water and taking the jaunting cart …. such spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.

jennycK1318JFMay 12, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Wonders of Nature at every turn

Private trip with Rory was a wonderful experience and one I would recommend to any couple, family or group. If you’re in the area and don’t do this excursion you truly missed a lifetime memory.

Mack469May 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great way to see the Gap of Dunloe

Wonderful experience! Amazing scenery! Fantastic guides! Be warned, however, that although indicated for most accessibility levels, there is some walking/hiking events if you choose the jaunty cart option.

Pamela_BMay 2, 2026VIATOR

Gap of Dunloe day trip

Very well organized tour. As you will read in other reviews the highlight of tour is the boat tour. We had a beautiful day and Rory our boat captain (and owner) was amazing. He provided us with very good commentary on everything we saw. If I were to do this again I would rent an e-bike and book only the boat tour. Going through the Dunloe Gap was nice but I would have like more time to enjoy the sights. We hired the jaunting car vs walking. With this part we were not as lucky as our driver was more interested in getting us to the destination as fast as possible. He could have made more stops for picture taking. As for the part under the tour control everything was great: bus and boat

JorgerecoApr 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

This was great fun and a...

This was great fun and a good day out activity. Just remember that the walk rolls straight into the boat ride so make sure you pack appropriate clothing. It’s a good 11km walk and then you sit on the boat so carry some extra warm kit if the weather isn’t great. Also everything on the tour is cash only.

James_GApr 1, 2026VIATOR