The 11 Best Gap of Dunloe Tours in Ireland

1.The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 221 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72Our pick

Travel from central Killarney to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, then walk or pay €35 for a jaunting cart through the Gap of Dunloe. Meet the boat at Lord Brandon’s Cottage for a scenic ride across Killarney’s three lakes, ending near Ross Castle before returning by coach.

“Loved it! The scenery is spectacular both on and off the water. I found walking the Gap both challenging but so worthwhile! I felt quite a sense of achievement for an oldie. The boat man, Rory, was hugely informative and obviously knows his stuff!”

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2.Gap of Dunloe Pony, Trap & Traditional Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 188 reviews · from $153

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.”

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3.Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 157 reviews · from $51

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.”

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4.The Gap of Dunloe Adventure Day Tour from Killarney

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $205

Combine a guided boat ride across Lough Leane and the Lakes of Killarney with a pony trap through the Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley. Local guides such as Patrick, Dux, Robert, and Niamh bring stories and humor, while Ross Castle provides the historic starting point.

“The tour is one of the oldest in Ireland. Great experience, very well organized. Very memorable day for our family.”

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5.Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 72 reviews · from $62

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.”

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6.Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 72 reviews · from $68

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…”

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7.Gap of Dunloe Tour (Boat & Bus)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $78

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.”

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8.Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $38Best value

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.”

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9.The Gap of Dunloe – Day Trip (One Way Only)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48Top rated

Start at Ross Castle at 10:15 am for a small-group boat ride across Killarney’s lakes. Pass Old Weir Bridge and historic sights before reaching Lord Brandon’s Cottage, where you can walk, cycle, or take a jaunting car through the Gap of Dunloe.

“Loved everything about our trip .the welcoming from hotel and from the travel guides .and tge facilities were excellent”

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10.Gap of Dunloe: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour and Scenic Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 11 reviews · from $40

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.

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11.Gap of Dunloe Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3 reviews · from $68

Travel from Old Weir Lodge to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, cross the Gap of Dunloe on foot or by horse and carriage, then cruise Killarney’s three lakes with an English-speaking boat guide. Expect dramatic mountain scenery, folklore, Ross Castle, and a possible uneven woodland walk.

“A superb 11 km walk with the family, with a small pass to cross, in the middle of superb landscapes, then a ride in a small boat (12 passengers) on the 3 lakes of the national park, with there also a magnificent environment, commented by a friendly and passionate guide. The icing on the cake, meeting with an eagle soaring above one of the lakes. Everyone loved it, including the young adults aged 17 and 18. Note that, although the pass is not very difficult to cross for a person in good health, people who do not feel able, for various reasons, to do the 11 km on foot, can…”

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