Ireland · KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK TOURS
The 15 best killarney national park tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
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.”
Spend about 11 hours touring the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park from Cork. You’ll visit Killarney, Waterville, Sneem, Dingle Bay, and Torc Waterfall with a driver-guide such as Kevin, Paul, or Brian. Expect grand views, lively commentary, a large bus, and several short stops.
“Beautiful scenery, but I felt that this tour was very commercialized. An hour at Killarney national park for a horse drawn carriage ride. Half hour at some model village. Group lunch (35-50 people). This could be time spent much better. Still giving it 4 stars, as the second part was lovely. But not sure I'd do it again. I would prefer a different tour.”
Set out from Deenagh Lodge with McCarthys Killarney Carriage Rides for a private, one-hour jaunt through the national park. Your driver may be Damien, Jason, or another McCarthy family guide, with horses such as Daisy, Maggie, or Paddy. Expect lake and castle views, local stories, and time for photos.
“It’s a wonderful introduction to Killarney National Park and a great way to kick off our stay in Ireland. Martin was a congenial and informative guide to the sights along the way and personal historic stories. And Paddy (our trusty horse) led the way.”
From central Killarney, Deros Coach Tours takes you around the Ring of Kerry in an air-conditioned coach. Expect Bog Village, a possible sheepdog show, Waterville, Sneem, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and Killarney National Park, with lively guides such as Batt, Denis, or Darren.
“Very interisting Tour. I would definitly recomend it. Enough time at every stop. The lunch restaurant had a very beautiful view.”
Meet Richard, James, Mike, Thomas, or another local guide at 11am outside O’Sheas Funeral Home. Spend about two hours walking Killarney National Park, learning its stories, plants, wildlife, and hidden paths. The route is flexible, and may be extended if you want a longer walk.
“Great walk through the national park and a wonderful guide! Richard was an excellent guide. Thank you!”
Ride from stables just outside Killarney into Knockreer Estate with an English-speaking guide. Beginners are welcome, horses and safety gear are provided, and the route brings you past Lough Leane, mountain scenery, forest paths, and sometimes wild deer.
“At the start I was very nervous. But Natalie guided me and told me what to do. As time went on the nerves were fading away and I got to look at the scenery, we seen a lot of deers aswell. It was a lovely day”
Pick up a bike, helmet, map, and lock at Killarney Flesk Caravan & Camping Park, then follow park paths to Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall, and the traditional farms. You set the pace, choose your stops, and return the bike to the same place.
“We loved the bike ride through the park. Highly recommend the red route around the lake. It was so pretty. The bike shop guys were super friendly.”
Ride a covered horse-drawn carriage through Killarney National Park with a local McCarthy family guide such as Damien or Damian. You’ll visit Muckross Abbey, see its ancient yew tree, hear stories about the park, and enjoy views across the lakes. The private tour lasts about an hour.
“this has easily been the highlight of our trip, Damian was our guide and was very kind and easy to talk with. Molly, our horse was a BEAUTIFUL girl that gave the ride her all. Would LOVE to do this again and highly recommend this to anyone looking for the jaunting tour. They take very good care of all their horses which is a MUST for me.”
Travel by air-conditioned coach from Killarney through Killorglin, Waterville, Sneem, and Killarney National Park. You’ll see mountain and sea views, Torc Waterfall, and possibly Inch Beach, with live commentary, WiFi, and USB charging. Guide quality and exact stops can vary.
“I read the reviews complaining about most of the tour time being taken up by small town and the bog museum stops, whilst it’s nice to support the local community, and the stops were lovely, it seemed a bit off balance. Myself and a lot of reviewers would prefer the time spent enjoying the natural beauty of the ring of kerry. I decided to still go on this tour as it included Dingle bay and torc waterfall in the itinerary, only one of which was covered by the hop on hop of bus. I really wanted to see dingle bay so I booked this tour. We didn’t stop at dingle…”
Meet your guide at Deenagh Lodge by St. Mary’s Cathedral and ride a private jaunting car through Killarney National Park. Guides such as Damien, Martin, Liam, and Jason share local stories as you pass Ross Castle, Lough Leane, Innishfallon, wildlife, and views toward Carrauntoohil.
“In spite of a little rain we were still accomodated with some last minute changes. Martin was a wonderful guide who was so personal, informative and entertaining! We loved the extra effort made to compensate for an orange level rainy day in Killarney!! Thank you!”
Use a one-day English-language bus pass from Killarney town to Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Muckross Traditional Farms, and Muckross Abbey. Drivers such as Kevin share helpful stop-by-stop advice, while the accessible service gives you freedom to explore without a car.
“We love the full tours but our favorite spot was the torc waterfalls and muckross house.”
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 .”
Ride for one guided hour through Killarney National Park from Ballydowny, with horses matched to your height, weight, and experience. Guides such as Annie and Lutzy help beginners feel at ease, while the route brings mountain, lake, forest, and red deer views. Helmets and boots are provided.
“Advise people to book directly through the owner,The fees that were added were robbery.When I arrived at the stable the fee for riding was 70.00$ I was charged 110 per person.I could understand a transaction fee this was robbery”
Spend about 11 hours touring from Limerick through Killarney, Killorglin, Waterville, Sneem, Killarney National Park, and Torc Waterfall. You get live commentary, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and round-trip transport, though bus changes and limited stop times require patience.
“The breathtaking scenery makes people feel the majesty of Ireland. Thanks to our friendly driver, wonderful town, delicious restaurants, and a great trip!”
Ride for two hours through Knockreer Estate in Killarney National Park, north of Lough Lein. Your guide matches you with a horse based on your height, weight, and riding experience. Helmets and boots are supplied, and beginners are welcome.
“The whole experience was wonderful. The guides were kind, attentive and friendly. The scenery was like out of a picture book. The stable even provides boots for riders. Would strongly recommend this for anyone visiting the area!”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
