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Killarney Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Killarney Family-friendly activities

Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

1. Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

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.

Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

2. Killarney: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

Enjoy a trip across the beautiful Lakes of Killarney and enjoy a walk through the Gap of Dunloe. Join us at O'Connor's Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26 for the departure (10:00 am check in), or we can also collect you from your accommodation in the Killarney area. Please Note - The tour can go in two directions. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle* From Kate Kearney's you will enjoy a 1.5-2 hour Jaunting Cart ride through the 12km (7 mile) Gap of Dunloe. Please Note - The Jaunting Carts are a separate business to Gap of Dunloe Tours and are an additional cost to the tour price. Jaunting cars are available to hire at Kate Kearney's Cottage or Lord Brandon's Cottage. You may then pay the Ponymen direct for the Jaunting Car journey. They charge €100 per jaunting cart, and the cart carries a maximum of 4 people. Please bring cash to pay the Ponymen. The 2023 Ponymen rates have increased to €120 per jaunting cart. Your Jaunting Cart trip ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage where you can stop for lunch and refreshments (please note Lord Brandon's Only accepts cash). At 2pm our traditional boat takes you through the Lakes of Killarney and to Ross Castle (1 hour 30 mins). While on the journey across the Lakes of Killarney you will take in amazing scenery, such as: Purple Mountain Dinish Island Meeting of the Waters Old Weir Bridge Bricin Bridge Innisfallen Island Macgillycuddy's Reeks Your boat journey finishes at Ross Castle, from their we will transport you back to O'Connor's Traditional Pub or your accommodation. If you wish, feel free to bring your own picnic lunch. *For those guests leaving from Ross Castle, you will start your journey on the boat across the lakes and finish at Kate Kearney's and then a bus journey back to O'Connors Pub Sometimes the tour is done is reverse to suit weather conditions If the water level is low, please be careful as the short walk from the boat to path can be tricky. What to bring Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!

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What people are saying about Killarney

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.

It was a beautiful tour. We were lucky to have good weather. The walk through the gap was really nice for us adults! Recommended with teenagers! Well, it's really an easy walk, but about 2 hours. For us better than just sitting. The boat ride was the highlight of the tour. So, we can only recommend the tour!

Enjoyed every minute of the trip. Well organised. The boat man was full of fun facts. Highly recommended.

Very informative. Learned a lot during the boat ride. He went over and beyond.

The walking tour and boat trip are both recommended