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.”
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.”
Take a one-hour horse-drawn carriage ride from Killarney town into the national park. You’ll pass St Mary’s Cathedral, Lough Leane, deer parks, Ross Castle, and views toward Inisfallen Monastery, with an English-speaking guide and return to Beech Road.
“I loved seeing all of the beautiful views and that day there was no rain so it made it even better!”
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.
Meet your English-speaking guide at Deenagh Lodge for a one-hour private horse-carriage ride through Killarney National Park. You will pass Ross Castle, a sixth-century monastery, Killarney House and Gardens, and views toward Carrantouhill. Covered carriages and blankets help in wet or cool weather.
“This was an amazing experience. I brought my grandmother over from the states, and we were looking for an easy and special way to experience Killarney National Park. The guide was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and also had suggestions for other things to do in the area which we took him up on and it was a great experience for the entire day. I am so glad we did this, and I was so glad we did it earlier in the day to get recommendations for the rest of the day and places to go in the park! Our horse was Molly. and she was such a sweet well behaved horse! Thank…”
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.”
You’ll ride from the Great Southern Hotel through Killarney National Park in a traditional weatherproof jaunting car. Expect views of St. Mary’s Cathedral, the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Deenagh River, Irish red deer, and Ross Castle, followed by one craft beer and a 12-inch pizza at Killarney Brewery.
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
