Ireland · BOAT TRIPS IN KILLARNEY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 boat trips in Killarney worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Set out from Ross Castle Pier on the MV Lily of Killarney for a one-hour cruise across Lough Léin. Your English-speaking captain and guide, including popular guides such as Paul and Frank, point out Innisfallen Monastery, ancient forests, wildlife, and Carrauntoohil.
“A beautiful boat cruise around the lake with narration as we went.”
Start at Ross Castle, transfer to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, and ride a traditional pony and trap through the seven-mile Gap of Dunloe. After a break at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, cross Killarney’s three lakes by open boat with local guides such as Rory, Patrick, or Patsy.
“It was a really worthwhile activity. Really glad I went. Probably the best experience I had during my 2-week trip through Ireland.”
Travel from Killarney by coach, walk or ride a pony and trap through the glacier-carved Gap of Dunloe, stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, then take a guided boat ride through three Killarney lakes to Ross Castle. Guides such as Kevin and Donald add local stories and humor.
“Amazing trip through the beautiful national park. We took the option of walking through the gap and it was a wondeful experience. The guides were all fantastic irishmen who were as informative as they were proffessional.”
Set out from Ross Castle on Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest lake, for a 55-minute cruise with live English commentary. Expect clear views of the castle, Innisfallen Island, mountain scenery, and possible sightings of white-tailed eagles or sika deer. The enclosed boat suits changeable weather.
“Really enjoyable trip and great value Would highly recommend Driver was v informative I’ve told my friends already”
Combine a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park with a heated cruise on Lough Léin. Local jarveys share folklore and park history, while captains explain Innisfallen Island, Ross Island’s copper mines, wildlife, and mountain views. Expect about two hours, with several departure times.
“was a very good tour, both your guides Paul and Don were very helpful and guided through the national park and lake tours giving interesting and useful insights into the areas! Jimmy (horse) was also very calm and took us leisurely through the national park where we got to see some of the deer that resides there.”
You’ll travel by bus from O’Connors Pub to the Gap of Dunloe, cross the three Lakes of Killarney by boat, and return by bus. The jaunting cart is optional and paid separately in cash. Guides such as Timothy, Paul, and Katie may add local stories and humor along the way.
“So much fun! Great weather.Great characters met along the way. Spectacular views. So much green. With wonderful friends.”
Travel by coach to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, walk or pay extra for a jaunting cart through the Gap of Dunloe, then cruise the upper, middle, and lower Lakes of Killarney with local boatmen before reaching Ross Castle.
“Stunning views during the walk through Gap of Dunloe and fun boat ride back to Ross Castle. Perfect organisation.”
This six-hour Killarney outing links a 7-mile walk through the Gap of Dunloe with a 90-minute boat ride across the Lakes of Killarney. Expect hilly ground, changing weather, Ross Castle, the Meeting of the Waters, and an optional jaunting car ride for an extra cash fee.
“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…”
Take a 10-minute open-air boat ride from Reen Pier to Innisfallen Island, near Ross Castle. Your English-speaking guide explains the island’s 950-year monastic story as you explore abbey ruins, private beaches, woodland, and possible sika deer sightings for 30 to 45 minutes.
“fantastic dispite the weather we went It was very special”
Cruise from Valentia Island toward Skellig Michael and Small Skellig with Aqua Terra’s local crew. You’ll hear folklore and island history in five languages, pass Kerry Cliffs, and watch for puffins, seals, dolphins, whales, gannets, and cormorants. The boat does not land on the islands.
“Fantastic tour guide and boat skipper. Really knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the islands and the wildlife. Very comfortable boat, canopy over bus-style seats in case of inclement weather. Uncovered area at back of boat.”
Walk 12 kilometers through the Gap of Dunloe, then board a traditional open-air boat at Lord Brandon’s Cottage for a guided cruise past Innisfallen Island, the Meeting of the Waters, Old Weir Bridge, and Ross Castle.
Travel from Killarney to the Gap of Dunloe, add a traditional jaunting car ride for €35 per person, then cruise the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle. Guides such as Tim and Patrick help manage the route, which may run in reverse for better weather and timing.
“The views through the Gap of Dunloe are stunning. Please note that the horse jaunting carts are an extra cost. They are also extremely small for four people. My husband and I paid extra for our own cart and the ride was lovely. Boat ride was also wonderful even in the rain. Make sure you have extra cash if you want to eat something at Brandon’s Cottage.”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
