Gap of Dunloe Tour: Explore Killarney National Park by Boat and Bus

Embark on the Gap of Dunloe Tour and explore the stunning Killarney National Park by boat and bus. Discover the iconic sights of the Gap of Dunloe, Old Weir Bridge, and Ross Castle on this unforgettable journey.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kate Kearney’s Cottage - 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.
What's Included
  • Bus Transport
  • Parking
  • Boat Transport
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Horse and Carriage transport payable on the day in cash
Additional Information

The Gap of Dunloe full-day excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of Killarney’s National Park. Participants will witness attractions such as the Gap of Dunloe, the Old Weir Bridge, and Ross Castle. The excursion consists of 3 main segments:

  1. Bus conveyance from our base at Old Weir Lodge on Muckross Road, Killarney, to Kate Kearney’s Cottage - the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe.

  2. Traverse through the globally recognized glacial valley known as the Gap of Dunloe. On further arrival at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, horse-drawn carriage transport can be rented (additional charges apply, payable directly to the ponyman). Alternatively, guests can choose to journey on foot through the ‘Gap’.

  3. Experience a scenic boat ride through the National Park guided by our proficient Drivers. The boat trip navigates the park’s lakes and rivers. With tales full of folklore and legends shared by the driver, it promises to be a memorable experience for everyone, regardless of age.

Note: Subjected to water conditions, a moderate hike through uneven forest terrain may be necessary.

Location
Old Weir Lodge
Muckross Road
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.3
(46 Ratings)
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Jill_m
Aug 18, 2024
Great trip! Highly recommend - It was a must do trip. Boat guide, David, was informative and funny. Buggy ride was fun but wouldn't recommend for anyone with back problems
Review provided by Viator
Ronald_l
Aug 11, 2024
Perfect day on the water - A spectacular day! Beautiful scenery and background on what we were seeing made this a great tour. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Satoshinakamotor
Jul 29, 2024
Fantastic trip - Fantastic trip! Very knowledgeable guide (Rory) and Ted the dog is the best! Would book again. Stunning beauty. Sublime Day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S5400qujillc
Jun 29, 2024
Stunning walk to Gap of Dunloe - We walked through the rain and even in the rain the views were outstanding. We are moderately fit and it took us a little longer then 2 and a quarter hours. We didn't stop, other than pausing for photos: we took loads. After refreshments, boat left at 2 and took 1.5 hours. Driver gave good information and explanations. Was courteous throughout. Due to low water level we had to disembark and walk for 50 meters to embark again around old weir bridge. In the rain this is less fun but still, the views are great. Managed to see the eagle. A few gripes answered: If you go to bookings office, you can get a map but driver gives clear instructions of visuals along the route: always choose left, remember that! Iykyk. You dont need to be picked up from old weir lodge at 10, the coach leaves from bookings office at 10:30. Wish I had known. Å´hen we got on the coach at 10, we got explanation of 20 minute wait. Excellent trip, can wholeheartedly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
642betsyw
May 29, 2024
Great Experience - This was a wonderful tour of the gap and the lakes. The check-in process was easy, the driver was courteous. The hike is challenging but the vistas are well-worth seeing. The captain of the small boat was knowledgeable and so agreeable. Highly recommend this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shaw_o
May 27, 2024
Natural beauty exploring the Gap of Dunloe - The horse wagon ride and the boat ride were the best way to experience the Gap of Dunloe. The boat captain was hilarious and an amazing story teller. The boat was the best way to explore the rivers and lakes
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_l
Apr 30, 2024
Great experience! - The Gap is gorgeous! I highly recommend this tour. The driver was friendly and accommodating. Our boat guide was funny and knowledgeable. Everything went as scheduled. We decided to walk the Gap and it took us 3 hrs to do. We had about and hour to rest and eat at Lord Brandon’s Cottage before the boat tour.
Review provided by Viator
Greg_s
May 18, 2024
Breathtaking scenery and boat tour. - The scenery and fresh mountain air were great. The boat ride through the lakes was the highlight. The walk is 7 miles up and down hills. You can take a horse and carriage but it’s $35 per person and perfect for 2 but veeery crowded for 4.
Review provided by Viator
Retired1955
May 30, 2024
Disappointing Day - We were told to be at pickup at 10:00. Left on time, however went to another pick up and had to wait 20 minutes to get going on the tour. We were a party of 3, so none of the drivers wanted to take us without us paying for 4 people. We got to the cottage, it was outdoors. Very cold, windy and rainy. Had to wait 1 1/2 hours for the boat to take us across the lake. Not much commentary from both the pony driver and the boat person.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
693ericd
Jul 19, 2024
Not recommended organization!! Blessed boat trip but then.... A race against time! - After a very nice boat trip, even though it rained, we did not take the time to eat or drink in the (at sight) nice dining tent. The people were enjoying a sandwich and a drink. Rightly so because it was noon. For us, time was ticking, we only had 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the 11 km , to catch the bus on time.... NOT FUN!!! No time to picnic on the way to the summit, let alone take beautiful pictures. The goal was to arrive on time or the bus was GONE!!! That's what was made clear to us at the beginning of the trip... ENJOY AWAY, AWAY ATMOSPHERE, AWAY FUN DAY... WELCOME STRESS TO CATCH THE BUS AT AN INHUMAN PACE!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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