Killarney , Ireland

Park Explorer Tour (Half Day Tour)

Active

(2 reviews)

4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Park Explorer Tour is the only half day tour of Killarney National Park. It is a great opportunity for families or those on a tight schedule to visit areas of the Park that they might not find themselves.

The tours has 3 elements; a bus tour, a boat tour and a 5km walk through the National Park. Along the way, passengers will visit the monastic ruins on Innisfallen Island, the beautiful café in Dinis Cottage and have a chance to see the biggest bird of prey in Europe; the White Tailed Eagle.

The walk through the National Park is on a road that is closed to any motor traffic and has Lake views on both sides. The walk is along a sealed, flat road and there is no rush because the bus has multiple departure times from Muckross House.

At the end of the walk, passengers can enjoy exploring Muckross House and Gardens, have lunch at the lovely Restaurant before catching the bus back to Killarney (15 minutes), departure times are as follows: 1.02pm, 2.02pm, 3.02pm, 4.40pm, 5.30pm.

Available options

Park Explorer Tour (Half Day Tour)

What's included

Bus and Boat transport

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The first stop for the bus is the world famous Ross Castle. Passengers will disembark here to explore the castle exterior and surrounding area. Boats will depart at 10.30am so the guided tour of the Castle will not be possible before departure. The boats depart from the stone pier on the lake side of Ross Castle. Please check in with Rory at the pier.

The first stop on the boat tour is the 7th century monastic settlement on Innisfallen Island. Passengers will have 15 minutes to explore the area. The boat driver will provide a history of the local area as part of the tour which helps to provide context to this peaceful setting.

Lough Leane is the largest of the 2 lakes upon which the boats will be travelling. The boats will head towards the shore of Tomies Mountain, where our resident White Tailed Eagles have been nesting for the last 18 years since their reintroduction.

As the boats make their way out of Lough Leane, they will pass under the Gothic inspired Brickeen Bridge. This bridge is the gateway into the Muckross Lake.

The boat tour finishes at the Dinis Cottage and the Meeting of the Waters. Dinis Cottage is an early 19th century hunting lodge which is now a wonderful café in the heart of the National Park.

After exploring the area and grabbing a coffee, the walk to Muckross House is next. The walk is 5km and will take around 1hr and 15 mins. The road is sealed all the way so no special footwear is required. The walk is relatively flat and is closed to any cars.

Stop 6

At the end of the walk is Muckross House and Gardens. There are numerous departures of the Big Red Bus and it will meet passengers in the main car park next to the public toilets. Departure times are as follows: 1.02pm, 2.02pm, 3.02pm, 4.40pm, 5.30pm. This means that passengers will have plenty of opportunity to explore the area, do the tour of the House or have lunch in the lovely Garden Restaurant.

What's not included

Meals are not included in the tour price.

The tours of either Ross Castle or Muckross House are not included in the tour price.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The Big Red Bus is a local hop on- hop off service which departs from the bus stop on Mission Road. The bus stop is located behind the Plaza Hotel adjacent to the public toilets. The bus departs at 9.30am sharp. Passengers may show their booking to the driver.

About Killarney

Killarney is a picturesque town in southwestern Ireland known for its stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the heart of County Kerry, it serves as a gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry and offers a blend of outdoor adventures and charming Irish hospitality.

Top Attractions

Killarney National Park

A vast park featuring lakes, waterfalls, and scenic walking trails, including the famous Torc Waterfall and the Ross Castle.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions within the park have entry fees)

Ross Castle

A 15th-century castle on the shores of Lough Leane, offering guided tours and historical reenactments.

Historical 1-2 hours €7-10

Muckross House and Gardens

A 19th-century mansion with beautifully maintained gardens and a traditional farm.

Historical 2-3 hours €12-15

Gap of Dunloe

A stunning glacial valley with hiking trails, horseback riding, and boat tours on the lakes.

Adventure Half day to full day €20-50 depending on the activity

Staigue Fort

An ancient stone fort dating back to the Bronze Age, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Historical 2-3 hours including travel Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Irish Stew

A hearty dish made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian with substitutions.

Boxty

A traditional Irish potato pancake, often served with fillings like cheese or meat.

Main Course Can be made gluten-free.

Seafood Chowder

A creamy soup made with fresh local seafood, potatoes, and leeks.

Soup Contains dairy and seafood.

Soda Bread

A traditional Irish bread made with buttermilk and baking soda.

Bread Contains gluten.

Popular Activities

Hiking Horseback riding Boat tours Spas Scenic drives Café hopping Visiting historic sites Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest time with warm weather and long daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

15-20°C 59-68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Irish
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (GMT+1 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Killarney is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious at night in less populated areas

Getting there

By air

Kerry Airport • 20 km from Killarney
Shannon Airport • 120 km from Killarney

By train

Killarney Railway Station

By bus

Killarney Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with frequent services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Free Now, Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Killarney Town Center Muckross Fossy Bridge

Day trips

Gap of Dunloe

10 km from Killarney • Full day

A stunning glacial valley offering hiking, horseback riding, and boat tours on the lakes.

Ring of Kerry

160 km loop from Killarney • Full day

A famous circular route offering breathtaking coastal and mountain views, historic sites, and charming villages.

Dingle Peninsula

60 km from Killarney • Full day

A picturesque peninsula with stunning coastal views, historic sites, and the famous Dingle town.

Festivals

Killarney Food and Drink Festival • September Killarney House Traditional Music and Dance Festival • July Killarney Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

Visit the national park early in the morning for fewer crowds and better wildlife sightings.
Try traditional Irish music sessions in local pubs for an authentic experience.
Book boat tours and guided activities in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the town on foot to discover hidden gems and local shops.
Visit the Killarney Market for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods.