Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour

4.4027777 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.4027777 out of 5 stars
72 reviews
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Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour
4.4027777 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.4027777 out of 5 stars
72 reviews

Enjoy a trip by boat and foot across the Lakes of Killarney and through the breath-taking Gap of Dunloe on this guided tour. Take in the scenic landscapes and hilly terrain of the picturesque area.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 6 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
If you would like to be picked up from your accommodation please be in the lobby for 10am. We pick up guests between 10am - 10:30am

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

T
Tina – United States

boat ride/guide was fabulous. The hike through dunloe gap was a highlight of trip. the only trouble comes to the timing of the hike. 2.5 hours is not enough time. we were pratically running to make it.

C
Callie – United States

The Gap of Dunloe is absolutely stunning. You do not want to leave Killarney without seeing it. The tour is convenient in getting you where you need to be in order to see the Gap. Once your bus drops you at the base of the Gap, it is possible to walk to the other side to where the boat picks you up. I strongly recommend hiring a jaunting car. If you are lucky, you may get a jaunting car driver who is local to the Gap of Dunloe and lives nearby. Our driver Michael owned a home and land (with sheep and horses) which was visible from the road through the Gap. He was incredibly proud of his home, his horse, and his heritage and was happy to share with us about the land and his experiences. Talking with him was one of my favorite parts of the day. On the boat ride across the lakes you will be able to see some interesting buildings and landmarks including the Ross Castle. We enjoyed this entire experience and would recommend.

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Gap of Dunloe
  • Lakes of Killarney
  • Meeting of the Waters
  • Ross Castle

Full description

Enjoy a trip across the beautiful Lakes of Killarney and enjoy a walk through the Gap of Dunloe.

Join us at O'Connor's Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26 for the departure (10:00 am check in), or we can also collect you from your accommodation in the Killarney area.

Please Note - The tour can go in two directions.

Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle* From Kate Kearney's there is a self guided walk (you can’t get lost) that is 7 miles (12km) in length and takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to walk
The terrain is hilly and picturesque, the highest elevation is 840ft. The Gap walk ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshment (please note Lord Brandon's Only accepts cash).

At 2pm our traditional boat takes you through the Lakes of Killarney and to Ross Castle (1 hour 30 mins). While on the journey across the Lakes of Killarney you will take in amazing scenery, such as:

Purple Mountain
Dinish Island
Meeting of the Waters
Old Weir Bridge
Bricin Bridge
Innisfallen Island
Macgillycuddy's Reeks

Your boat journey finishes at Ross Castle, from their we will transport you back to O'Connor's Traditional Pub or your accommodation.

If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch.

*For those guests leaving from Ross Castle, you will start your journey on the boat across the lakes and finish at Kate Kearney's and then a bus journey back to O'Connors Pub

For those who may chose not to walk, Jaunting cars are available at Kate Kearney's Cottage
They charge €140 per jaunting cart, (€35pp) and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen
The Jaunting cars take approximately 1.5 hours to travel the 7 mile journey through the Gap.
Please note, as you may know the Jaunting cart's are operated independently of ourselves by the Ponymen's Association.
Weather conditions:

Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions
If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky.

What to bring
Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

Includes

  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Boat tour

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Water
  • Rain gear
  • Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 72 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

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T
Tina – United StatesMay 26, 2025 – Verified booking
boat ride/guide was fabulous. The hike through dunloe gap was a highlight of trip. the only trouble comes to the timing of the hike. 2.5 hours is not enough time. we were pratically running to make it.
C
Callie – United StatesOctober 18, 2024 – Verified booking
The Gap of Dunloe is absolutely stunning. You do not want to leave Killarney without seeing it. The tour is convenient in getting you where you need to be in order to see the Gap. Once your bus drops you at the base of the Gap, it is possible to walk to the other side to where the boat picks you up. I strongly recommend hiring a jaunting car. If you are lucky, you may get a jaunting car driver who is local to the Gap of Dunloe and lives nearby. Our driver Michael owned a home and land (with sheep and horses) which was visible from the road through the Gap. He was incredibly proud of his home, his horse, and his heritage and was happy to share with us about the land and his experiences. Talking with him was one of my favorite parts of the day. On the boat ride across the lakes you will be able to see some interesting buildings and landmarks including the Ross Castle. We enjoyed this entire experience and would recommend.
D
David – United StatesOctober 12, 2024 – Verified booking
This was the highlight of my 8 days in Ireland. A fun trip through the lakes via boat and then an unforgettable hike through the Gap.

Product ID: 426560

Activity provider:Gap of Dunloe Tours

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