Ireland · BOAT TRIPS IN KILLARNEY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 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.”
Set out from Ross Castle on a one-hour cruise across Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. Your guide points out Innisfallen Island, copper mines, Ross Island, Carrauntoohil, and possible wildlife sightings. Covered boats, live commentary, and several departure times make this an easy choice in changing Irish weather.
“perfect little trip to do before a pint of guinness in killarney . only an hour long if you don’t want to do an all day trip . captain was very knowledgable about the area .”
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…”
Start beside Ross Castle with a horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park, then board the MV Lily of Killarney for a one-hour cruise on Lough Leane. Drivers such as Lewis, Kyle, Michael, and Eoin share local stories, while the boat adds wide lake and mountain views.
“Even in the wet this was a fantastic voyage. Our jaunting car guide Kyle was so nice and knowledgeable, he included conversation with our kids and was welcoming and relatable. Charlie is the best horse! Our boat ride was equally enjoyable, the weather changed in our favor, the clouds dispersed and the sun came out. We stepped right onboard, checked in, and learned so much about Lough Leane and its surroundings. Commentary was full of jokes, fun, and so much info. Great time, highly recommend!”
Travel from Killarney to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, cross the Gap of Dunloe on foot or by cash-paid jaunting car, then cruise Killarney’s three lakes to Ross Castle. Expect local stories, mountain views, a 1.5-hour boat ride, and roughly 11 kilometers of walking if you skip the carriage.
“We loved this excursion. We decided to take the jaunting carts through the gap, which was truly an amazing experience. We stopped for lunch for an hour or so & then got our boats to Ross Castle which really is a wonderful part of the trip. We would highly recommend this excursion as it is great fun.”
Set out from Killarney with pickup from local accommodation, walk the 7-mile Gap of Dunloe route or hire a jaunting cart, then continue by boat near Ross Castle and Reen Pier. Tony may lead your group, and the day includes time at Kate Kearney’s Cottage for refreshments.
“Eight in our party - very well organised and personal service with Tony.”
Take the red boat from Ross Castle across the Lakes of Killarney, with local stories from captains such as Tighe and Tim. At Lord Brandon’s Cottage, walk or cycle the 11 km Gap of Dunloe to Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Bring rain gear and arrange your own return from there.
“A really great way to see the lakes and surrounding areas. We were able to take our bikes on board and cycle back to Killarney from Lord Brandon’s Cottage. Would highly recommend.”
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”
Spend about an hour aboard the Lily of Killarney Watercoach, cruising Lough Leane from Ross Castle. Your captain, including Paul on some departures, points out Innisfallen Abbey, Ross Island’s 2,400-year-old copper mines, wildlife, and Killarney National Park from a comfortable glass-covered boat.
“Its so lovely and really enjoyable , me and my daughter love it and it was so informative and lovely trip”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
