FAQ’S

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the tour operate?

March to October

Can you walk through the Gap of Dunloe?

Yes, the walk takes approx. 2.5 hours from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. (6.5 miles; 10 kms)

Can we be collected by bus?

Yes, PLEASE NOTE: Arrangements can be made if transport to Ross Castle or Kate Kearney’s Cottage is required. Call 087 2694646 or email us for individual requirements.

Is the tour weather permitting?

YES

Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours, Killarney
Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours, Killarney
Is a tour of Ross Castle included?

No, as when you arrive into Ross Castle by boat in the afternoon, the bus is waiting for you.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is available at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, but is not included in the price of the tour.

Is there an alternative to walking up through the Gap of Dunloe?

Yes, there are two alternatives – a) by bicycle, which can be brought from Ross Castle (only) in the boat and b) by Pony/Trap which are available at the beginning of the tour at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, arrangements can be made to have pony/traps available at Lord Brandon’s Cottage should you decide to start the trip at Ross Castle in the morning.

Is there an additional charge to take bicycles on the boat?

No, bicycles are taken free of charge from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage only.

Can we rent bicycles from you?

No, but there are bicycle rentals in the Town Centre and also nearby on Muckross Road.

What is a Pony/Trap?

It is a pony-drawn carriage which takes four people.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is available at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, but is not included in the price of the tour.

How long does the boat trip take?

Approximately one and a half hours.

Can we leave our car where we meet the bus?

Yes, we have free car parking facilities here at Old Weir Lodge if you decide to come here, alternatively, you can be collected from your accommodation if it is within a 2 ml. radius of the Town Centre. The bus will return you back again after the tour.

What type of clothing should we wear?

Comfortable walking shoes if you intend to walk through the pass, also some rain wear, in case of a shower. Sometimes it can be quite cool on the Lower Lake in the afternoon.

Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat Tours, Killarney

What major sights of the Killarney area can we see?

Through the pass, the rugged, spectacular, mountainous beauty of the world-famous Gap of Dunloe, with its numerous Lakes and Valleys. Time to explore around Lord Brandon’s Cottage, which is surrounded, be Oak trees and colourful wild Rhododendron Trees, which bloom in May/June. Journeying down through the three Lakes, and two rivers, on the Upper Lake you pass Coleman’s Eye, the Elephant Rock. Pass under the oldest bridge in Ireland – The Old Weir Bridge, where, water levels permitting, you “shoot the rapids”! The meeting of the Waters at Dinis Island, and the world-famous Dinis Cottage, Under the Toothache Bridge you are into the Middle or Muckross Lake, where you can see Torc Mountain and Mangerton Mountain.

After a short journey you pass under Bricin Bridge and out into the Lower Lake. Here you can see Tomies Mountain, the Purple mountain , Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in the distance and pass beside Innisfallen Island where the Annals of Innisfallen were written and compiled by the Monks during the 6th Century. (Now in the Bodlien Library in Oxford) The “Library Point” at the entrance to the Bay is a rock formation resembling stacked books! Your destination – Ross Castle is now in view, and the boat traffic in and out of Ross Bay. Have your cameras ready, as it is possible to get great views of the Castle and also a sighting of a family of Swans or a White-Tailed Eagle, recently introduced to Killarney.