Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour

Exploring the captivating landscapes of Ireland’s Killarney region is a must-do for many travelers. The Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour offers an ideal way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Starting from the quaint O’Connors Traditional Pub, this 6-hour adventure combines a scenic hike with a tranquil boat ride, showcasing the breathtaking vistas that have drawn visitors to Killarney for generations. With flexibility and local insights, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the region’s charm.

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Key Points

The tour is a 6-hour excursion that combines a self-guided 7-mile walk through the Gap of Dunloe and a 1.5-hour traditional boat ride across the Lakes of Killarney.
The tour starts at O’Connors Traditional Pub, with guests arriving by 10:00 am for check-in, and then being transported to the starting point for the self-guided walk.
The self-guided hike through the Gap of Dunloe takes approximately 2.5-3 hours and offers panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and the opportunity to enjoy peaceful solitude.
The boat journey across the Lakes of Killarney provides a tranquil contrast to the hiking portion, with breathtaking views of landmarks such as Purple Mountain, Dinish Island, and the Meeting of the Waters.
Jaunting cars are available as an alternative way to explore the scenic landscape, with each cart accommodating up to 4 people at a cost of €35 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour is a 6-hour excursion that takes visitors through the picturesque Gap of Dunloe, followed by a traditional boat ride across the scenic Lakes of Killarney.

The tour starts with a bus trip to the meeting point, where participants embark on a self-guided 7-mile walk through the Gap, reaching an elevation of 840 feet.

After the walk, they board a boat for a 1.5-hour journey, admiring the stunning views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.

Transportation back to the starting point or accommodations is provided at the end of the tour.

Into exploring Killarney on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Meeting Point and Check-in

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point for the Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour is O’Connors Traditional Pub, located at 7 High Street, Eircode V93 DV26. Guests should arrive by 10:00 am for check-in.

The tour begins at O’Connors Traditional Pub, located at 7 High Street, Eircode V93 DV26, where guests should arrive by 10:00 am for check-in.

From there, the tour begins with a bus trip to either Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle, where the self-guided 7-mile walk through the Gap of Dunloe will commence.

After the hike, the tour concludes with a 1.5-hour traditional boat ride through the Lakes of Killarney, providing scenic views of the area’s natural beauty before returning to the starting point.

The Gap of Dunloe Walking Experience

After arriving at the meeting point, guests embark on a bus trip to either Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle, where the self-guided 7-mile walk through the Gap of Dunloe begins.

The hike takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a highest elevation of 840 feet.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy:

Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside
Opportunities to spot local wildlife
Peaceful solitude as they make their way through the picturesque gap
The chance to stop for lunch at Lord Brandon’s Cottage before continuing on the boat journey.

Boat Journey Through the Lakes of Killarney

At the conclusion of the Gap of Dunloe walk, travelers board a traditional boat for a scenic 1-hour and 30-minute journey through the Lakes of Killarney.

The serene boat ride offers breathtaking views, including Purple Mountain, Dinish Island, and the Meeting of the Waters. Passengers glide past landmarks like the Old Weir Bridge and Bricin Bridge, before reaching Innisfallen Island and the majestic Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range.

This tranquil water tour provides a peaceful contrast to the previous hiking portion, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Killarney’s landscapes.

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Additional Options: Jaunting Cars

Along With the walking and boat tour, visitors have the option to experience the Gap of Dunloe aboard a traditional jaunting car.

These horse-drawn carts can be hired at Kate Kearney’s Cottage for €140 per cart, which accommodates up to 4 people at €35 per person. Payment is required in cash.

The jaunting car journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, providing an alternative and more immersive way to explore the scenic landscape.

Some key considerations for this option include:

Cash-only payment
Maximum capacity of 4 people per cart
Duration of around 1.5 hours
Availability at Kate Kearney’s Cottage

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Killarney

Weather Considerations and Tour Reversal

The tour may reverse its course based on prevailing weather conditions, so organizers advise participants to exercise caution if water levels are low.

The walking and boat portions of the tour are sensitive to inclement weather. High water levels could disrupt the boat ride, while low levels may make the Gap of Dunloe trek more challenging.

The tour director will assess the conditions on the day and modify the itinerary accordingly, prioritizing participant safety.

The tour director will adapt the itinerary based on the day’s conditions, prioritizing the safety of participants.

Flexible scheduling and route changes ensure an enjoyable experience regardless of the weather.

Recommendations and Tour Suitability

Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential for participants, as the tour involves a self-guided 7-mile (12 km) walk through the Gap of Dunloe.

This nature walk may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Plus, the tour doesn’t allow large bags.

Recommendations for an enriched experience include:

Hiring a local jaunting car driver for the journey through the Gap of Dunloe
Bringing water, as there are no shops along the trail
Packing rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable
Considering tour reversal based on water levels and weather conditions

Customer Feedback and Highlights

According to 66 reviews, customers have rated the Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour an overall 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Highlights include the tour’s beautiful scenery, with one reviewer from Denmark describing it as an "organized tour with beautiful scenery."

A customer from the United States noted the tour as the "best part of an 8-day trip."

Reviewers also recommend hiring a local jaunting car driver to enhance the experience, as highlighted by a customer from the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour in My Own Language?

The tour is offered with a live tour guide in English. While other language options may not be available, the guide can likely provide some support for non-English speakers on an individual basis.

Is a Private Tour Option Available?

No, a private tour option is not mentioned. The tour description indicates it’s a group tour with a live English-speaking guide. Private tours may be available through other providers, but are not part of the standard Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations for the Lunch?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer dietary accommodations for lunch. Guests can purchase food at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, but it’s cash-only and doesn’t specify if they cater to special dietary needs.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour itinerary and logistics don’t accommodate bringing pets. Customers should leave their furry friends at home to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety during the walking and boat portions of the experience.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer any discounts for seniors or children. The price is listed as $65.13 per person, with no mention of reduced rates for specific age groups. The policy seems to be a flat rate for all participants.

The Sum Up

The Killarney: Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Ireland’s stunning natural landscape. Combining a scenic hike and a tranquil boat ride, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that showcases the region’s breathtaking beauty. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, this tour caters to diverse preferences, making it a must-do activity for visitors to the Killarney area.