Boat Tours
Tour Options
Gap Of Dunloe Option 1
Departing from Ross Castle carpark by coach, you travel the seven-mile journey to Kate Kearney’s Cottage on the northern side of this world famous pass. The Gap is a narrow mountain pass between Mac Gillycuddy Reeks (to the west) and the Purple Mountain (to the east) it is approximately seven miles (or 10 km) the hike takes less than two hours. Pony and Traps are also available at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. En-route you pass five lakes linked together by the river Loe, with spectacular mountains on either side. At the end of the hike or pony and trap ride, you will arrive at Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the Gearhameen River. Here you can have a light lunch (not included in the price of the tour)
At 2pm the boatmen will call guests to the boats for departure through three lakes and two rivers to Ross Castle, enjoying the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world – the majestic oak woods of Derrycunnihy and Tomies mountains, the Meeting of the Waters where the three lakes meet, the “shooting of the rapids” (water levels permitting) under the Old Weir Bridge, Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island, the old Copper Mines, where copper was mined in Killarney three thousand years ago. Historic Inisfallen Island, with its ruins dating back to the 6th century, where the Monks wrote The Annals of Inisfallen. Finishing point of the tour is Ross Castle, the 13th century castle home of the great chieftain – O’Donoghue. During the boat trip, you will be told the history and legends of the area by the boatmen.
Gap Of Dunloe Option 2
For the person that would like to walk or cycle and explore the area at their own time, boats leave the main pier, in front of Ross Castle, every morning at 10:30am
PLEASE NOTE: For all options, booking is essential.
Tour Schedule
Boats
From Ross Castle at 10:30am
From Lord Brandon’s Cottage at 2:00pm
Coach
Depart from Ross Castle Carpark at 10:00am
(First carpark as you enter the castle on the right hand side.)
Ponies & Horse Drawn Traps
These run throughout daylight hours.
The following are the hours to or from the boats at Lord Brandon’s Cottage:
From Kate Kearney’s Cottage at 11:00am
From Lord Brandon’s Cottage at 2:00pm
Times maybe subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions. All times are flexible for group bookings.
Lily of Killarney Watercoach
Cruise the Killarney National Park in the comfort and safety of a covered, heated and modern vessel. Live commentary with Niall or Padraid who will entertain you on the history and folklore of the area. The ideal way to view Killarney National Park.
To book, contact either of the following:
Dero’s Tours
Main Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel: 064 6631251 / 6631567 or email info@derostours.com
Killarney Boating & Tour Centre
Old Weir Lodge, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel: 064 6631068 or email oldweirlodge@eircom.net