Water activity

Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

4.6 / 5

65 reviews

Activity provider: Wild Kerry Daytours
Water activity

Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

Activity provider: Wild Kerry Daytours

From US$ 39.12 per person

Explore the magnificent terrain of towering summits, sleepy lakes, and dramatic castles of the Gap of Dunloe, led by an expert guide. Discover the folklore of this area, and take in the unique atmosphere of Macgillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountain.

About this activity

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Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore the dramatic terrain of the Gap of Dunloe
  • Enjoy round-trip-transportation from Killarney
  • Discover the facts, folklore, and history led by an expert guide
  • Visit Lord Brandon's Cottage and Ross Castle
  • Journey by foot, boat, and an optional pony/cart ride
Full description
The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass situated between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain in County Kerry. It spans 11 kilometers from north to south and consists of 5 lakes. Take a guided tour through the narrow and winding path, and discover a terrain formed by glaciers. Marvel at the towering summits of the Reeks, the changing shadows on the Purple Mountains, and the silence and solitude of the rugged glen. After being transported by coach, arrive at the famous cottage marking the entrance to the Gap. The cottage is named after Kate Kearney who is reported to have died of childbirth here at the ripe old age of 102! An unlikely story! Embark on a 7-mile journey to Lord Brandon’s cottage by either trap, pony, or foot. There will be an opportunity to purchase lunch at Brandon Cottage. Afterwards board a boat to Ross Castle, traveling through the 3 of the 5 lakes of Killarney. Be enchanted by the stories and folklore of the boatmen. As the tour draws to a close you will be transported back to Killarney by motor coach.
Includes
  • Bus and boat transportation
  • Expert guide
  • Optional cart or pony ride

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet at Ardross, Ross Road, Killarney.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • O’Connor Autotours offers a courtesy pick-up service on request from or near your Killarney town accommodation and at all Killarney bus and rail stations.
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 65 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.6/5
  • Organization
    3.9/5

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Overall a really enjoyable experience, and some amazing sights along the way. Glad we chose the horse and trap option to go through the Gap as the walk would have been very challenging. However we were told that the trap cost Eur30 so we were shocked at the end when asked to pay Eur100 (Eur25 pp) and some Americans even paid Eur200 (Eur50 pp) for theirs so make sure you agree a price before getting on. A limited number of horses so I imagine some later arrivals will have had no choice but to walk. The downside of not walking is that you then have a long wait of 90-120 mins at the cafe before the boats leave. The boat tour itself was peaceful and the scenery was stunning. Our guide was great and pointed out lots of landmarks and wildlife along the way. We had to get out and walk some of the journey back as the lack of rain meant that the boats were getting beached in some places, and they weren’t sure how much longer they could carry on, so again make sure you check before you leave

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April 2, 2023

This was an amazing activity. However, the description should be more clear as to the skill/shape of those choosing to walk the gap. It is a continuous climb up to the gap along a road that is also used by cars and jaunty cars. People should understand that they need to wear proper shoes, bring water/snacks and a coat in case the weather changes. The guide at the pick up location told us it was a 10km walk, the driver said it was 12km and we mapped it as 11km with a 240m elevation increase to the top of the gap, so "walk" in the description is a little misleading. Also, our bus driver was unable to pick us back up at Ross Castle due to a prior commitment. The guy at the pick up spot in Killarney informed us if this just as the bus pulled up and said that it was a quick 1km walk back through the park but Google said it was almost 4km, so after the hike, that was an unexpected add on. We were not offered a discount for this change.

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April 2, 2023

I had a great day from the bus trip,walk though long,to bus trip home again and of course the boat trip in between.It was good to meet other people during the walk especially from other countries as well. Ifound I would have liked just a bit more time either during or after the walk or especially after the boat trip to Ross Castle to appreciate the sights or have a bite to eat. Thus said it might take from the efficient organisation of the whole trip which was excellent. The guys were great,very friendly and we felt in good hands both in the bus and boat listening to the banter and being informed of itinerary of the day along with informaton of the local area. Overall because of the excellent weather also I had a most enjoyable day.Thank you

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April 2, 2023

Product ID: 2941