OUr Gap of Dunloe Tours
Please note that any of our tours can also be done in the reverse direction.
Boat departs Ross Castle (Reen Pier at 11am, red boats) Please allow 2.5 to 3 hours to hike through the Gap. It is 7 miles (12km) in length, the terrain is hilly, highest elevation is 840ft. Please wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock, you will need one or the other or both!
For those wishing to do the tour in reverse, Boat departs Lord Brandon’s Cottage at 2pm.
Booking information
Please note, we require 24 hour advance notice of any cancellation in order for passengers to receive a full refund.
The Boat departs Ross Castle at 11am (Reen Pier, red boats).
Bike rental is not included in the cost of the tour.
Please note there are no bike rentals available at the pier. It takes approximately 15 minutes to cycle from the bike hire shop to Ross Castle (Reen Pier, just to the right of Ross Castle, red boats, depart at 11am). If you require any assistance, you may come to our office first, located at O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (7 High Street) and we will direct you from here.
The Gap of Dunloe is a 7 mile (12km) journey in length, the terrain is hilly, highest elevation is 840ft. From Kate Kearney’s Cottage to KIllarney town centre is approximately 12km. This is mostly on flat ground, with some of the road trail.
For those wishing to do the tour in reverse, the boat departs Lord Brandon’s Cottage at 2pm.
Booking information
It takes approximately 15 minutes to cycle from the bike hire shop to Ross Castle (Reen Pier, just to the right of Ross Castle, red boats, depart at 11am). If you require any assistance, you may come to our office first, located at O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (7 High Street) and we will direct you from here.
Please note, we require 24 hour advance notice of any cancellation in order for passengers to receive a full refund.
The trip departs daily from our office located at O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26. We can also collect clients from their accommodation in the Killarney area. Check in-time: 10am. At the end of the trip client’s will be returned by bus to their accommodation (in the Killarney area) or starting point (in the town centre)
Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle (recommended starting point for walkers as it allows more time). For those who may chose not to walk Jaunting cars are available at Kate Kearney’s Cottage & Lord Brandon’s Cottage, the cost is €140 per Jaunting Car (€35pp) that sits 4 people to be paid in cash on the day. The Jaunting cars take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to travel the 7 mile (12km) journey through the Gap.
Booking information
The trip departs daily from our office located at O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26. We can also collect clients from their accommodation in the Killarney area. Check in-time: 10am. At the end of the trip client’s will be returned by bus to their accommodation (in the Killarney area) or starting point (in the town centre)
Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle. Jaunting cars are available at Kate Kearney’s Cottage & Lord Brandon’s Cottage, the cost is €140 per Jaunting Car (€35pp) that sits 4 people to be paid in cash on the day. The Jaunting cars take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to travel the 7 mile (12km) journey through the Gap.
Booking information
The trip departs daily from our office located at O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (7 High Street) Eircode V93 DV26. We can also collect clients from their accommodation in the Killarney area. Check in-time: 10am. At the end of the trip client’s will be returned by bus to their accommodation (in the Killarney area) or starting point (in the town centre)
Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle. Jaunting cars are available at Kate Kearney’s Cottage & Lord Brandon’s Cottage, the cost is €140 per Jaunting Car (€35pp) that sits 4 people to be paid in cash on the day. The Jaunting cars take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to travel the 7 mile (12km) journey through the Gap.
Booking information
Questions about our tours
Which Gap of Dunloe tour is right for me?
Each of our tours offers a different experience. If you’re looking for a mix of boat and walking, the Backpacker Walker Tour is ideal. Prefer to cycle? Choose the Bike on Boat Tour. Want a guided experience with transport? Try the Bus & Boat Tour or add a traditional Jaunting Car for something special.
Do I need to book in advance?
We do take bookings at Reen Pier, but booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak season. Spaces are limited and our boat departures fill up quickly.
Are the tours suitable for children or older adults?
Absolutely! All our tours are suitable for all ages. However, please be aware that some walking or cycling is involved, and the terrain through the Gap of Dunloe can be hilly. The Family Bus & Boat Tour is designed specifically for families.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours go ahead in most weather conditions, but sometimes we may reverse the direction of the tour to suit water levels or safety. In rare cases, if a tour must be cancelled, we’ll contact you directly and offer a reschedule or refund.
Do you provide bikes for the Bike on Boat Tour?
No, bike rental is not included. You’ll receive details in your confirmation email on where to rent a regular or electric bike in Killarney town.
Is the Jaunting Car included in the Bus, Boat & Jaunting Car Tour price?
The Jaunting Car is an additional cost and paid directly to the local Ponymen on the day. It costs €35 per person or €140 for a private cart (up to 4 people).
Can I bring food or a picnic?
Yes! Many guests bring a picnic to enjoy along the way. There are also cafés at Lord Brandon’s Cottage and Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Where does the tour start and end?
Tour start and end points vary depending on the tour and sometimes on weather. Please read your booking confirmation carefully. Most boat tours start or end at Reen Pier next to Ross Castle or Lord Brandon’s Cottage, and most walks or cycles finish at Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Is transport included in all tours?
Only some tours include return bus transport. The Backpacker Walker and Bike on Boat Tours are self-guided without bus transfers. If you need transport, book the Bus & Boat Tour or Family Tour option.
What should I wear or bring for the tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable footwear suitable for walking or cycling, depending on your tour. Always bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock — the weather can change quickly in the Gap of Dunloe. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic lunch, especially if you’re doing the walking or cycling tours.