Things to do in

Gap of Dunloe

Get the full Killarney experience on this comprehensive tour. Visit the verdant lake district where you will find Kate Kearney's cottage. Then hop on a pony and continue on through the Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy lunch and a ride in a traditional open boat. Your 14-mile voyage goes across all 3 of Killarney’s lakes with a pony and trap journey through the famous Black Valley and Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy an unforgettable adventure and the ultimate Killarney experience. The journey begins mid-morning at the world-renowned Kate Kearney’s cottage. Here you take a 7-mile jaunt on a pony and trap through the Gap of Dunloe where you can view a spectacular glaciated valley. Your pony and trap ride ends at Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you can enjoy a light snack (not included in the price). After lunch, get into a traditional open boat for an approximately 2-hour tour of the three lakes of Killarney. Pass by Innisfallen Island, Bricin Bridge, Colleen Bawn Rock, Torc Mountain, Old Weir Bridge, the meetings of the waters, and more, ending at the 15th-century Ross Castle. The tour is the perfect way to see the rich and varied vegetation and scenery Killarney has to offer. Your tour will end in the mid-afternoon.

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass situated between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain in County Kerry. It spans 11 kilometers from north to south and consists of 5 lakes. Take a guided tour through the narrow and winding path, and discover a terrain formed by glaciers. Marvel at the towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple Mountains, and the silence and solitude of the rugged glen. After being transported by coach, arrive at the famous cottage marking the entrance to the Gap. The cottage is named after Kate Kearney who is reported to have died of childbirth here at the ripe old age of 102! An unlikely story! Embark on a 7-mile journey to Lord Brandon’s cottage by either trap, pony, or foot. There will be an opportunity to purchase lunch at Brandon Cottage. Afterwards board a boat to Ross Castle, traveling through the 3 of the 5 lakes of Killarney. Be enchanted by the stories and folklore of the boatmen. As the tour draws to a close you will be transported back to Killarney by motor coach.

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!

The tour begins with a coach journey to Kate Kearney's Cottage. On arrival, you can arrange to take a jaunting cart ride through the six mile pass. This traditional Irish horse and cart ride will incur an additional cost which can be paid on the day. Alternatively, you can hike the six mile pass and enjoy the beautiful scenery at your own pace. Once through the gap, boats will be waiting on the Gearhameen River for the homeward journey via the enchanting upper, middle and lower lakes. On-board the boat, enjoy beautiful views of the national park and discover the famous Old Weir Bridge. Travel to the historic Ross Castle where coaches will be waiting to take you back to Killarney. Ross Castle is a 30 to 40 minute walk from the town center so there is an option of staying at Ross Castle after the boat trip and making your own way back to Killarney. 

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 you will enjoy a 1.5-2 hour Jaunting Cart ride through the 12km (7 mile) Gap of Dunloe. Please Note - The Jaunting Carts are a separate business to Gap of Dunloe Tours and are an additional cost to the tour price. Jaunting cars are available to hire at Kate Kearney's Cottage or Lord Brandon's Cottage. You may then pay the Ponymen direct for the Jaunting Car journey. They charge €140 per jaunting cart, (€35pp) and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen. Your Jaunting Cart trip ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (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 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!

Your journey begins at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy a 12km (7 mile) walk through the scenic Gap of Dunloe which is a glacial valley. The walk takes between 2.5-3 hours and has hilly terrain, the highest elevation is 840m. Your walk finishes at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (cash only) before boarding one of our traditional boats for a journey across the Lakes of Killarney. During your boat trip your guide will give you the history of the area and you will see beautiful scenery including: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Dinish Cottage Bricin Bridge Ross Castle 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 and may not be suitable for passengers with mobility issues or walking difficulties What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

The boat departs at Reen Pier near Ross Castle at 11am and takes you to Lord Brandons Cottage (1h 30 minutes) You will travel in an open roof boat with a cover if needed. Your journey through the Gap of Dunloe is self guided (you can’t get lost) Please allow 2.5 to 3 hours to hike through the Gap, it is 7 miles (12km) in length. The terrain is hilly and picturesque, the highest elevation is 840ft If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch Points of Interest Purple Mountain Dinish Island Lord Brandons Cottage Innisfallen Island Augher Lake Black Lough Macgillycuddy's Reeks Head of the Gap Journey End The Gap walk normally ends at Kate Kearneys Cottage. Great place for some traditional food and drinks. 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 and may not be suitable for passengers with mobility issues or walking difficulties What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

Following mostly narrow, single-track roads, encounter a range of spectacular views and spellbinding locations to explore with your camera or phone, as we travel through some of the remotest rural landscape in Ireland. With numerous hill and mountain passes to cross and remote valleys to uncover, we’ll have photo stops at scenic lakes, atmospheric ruins, and panoramic vistas. Leaving Killarney and touring towards Glencar, The Bridia Valley and through the Ballaghbeama Gap during the morning, we take a break for lunch in Kenmare. During the afternoon we discover the Black Valley, returning to Killarney, towards evening through the iconic Gap of Dunloe, providing a stunning and picturesque finale to the tour. As this is a genuine photography and sightseeing tour led by a landscape and nature photographer, I will provide ongoing tuition and tips to improve your holiday photography with any camera or mobile phone. I am also happy to take photos of you and your group during this tour, using your camera or phone. All the locations we visit are easily accessible using paths from the minibus and there's no strenuous walking or climbing involved. Group Rates available. This tour can also start and finish from the Dingle, Tralee or Kenmare areas - please book all 5 spots on your chosen day and I will collect you from your choice of location or accommodation.