Killarney , Ireland

Gap of Dunloe Cycle (Boat transport)

Active

(8 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

This is transport for 1 passenger and their bike through the 3 lakes of Killarney National Park. Boats leave Ross Castle at 10.30am only each morning and travel to Lord Brandon's Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe.

Highlights along the way include a visit to Innisfallen Island to see the 7th century Monastic ruins and the chance to see some of our White Tailed Eagles.

The distance from Lord Brandon's Cottage to Killarney is 25km, cyclists should be aware of some steep ascents and descents.

Good news is that this isn't a race! After having lunch at Lord Brandon's Cottage, cyclists can travel through the Gap of Dunloe at their leisure. Stopping to have a drink at the Kate Kearney's Cottage is definitely recommended before continuing to Killarney.

This is a great way to see the Gap of Dunloe at your own pace.

Please note that bike rental is not included in the tour, nor is the cycle guided. Passengers must secure their own bike rental in Killarney before progressing to Ross Castle.

Available options

Gap of Dunloe Cycle (Boat transport)

What's included

English Guide

Boat tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our tour starts at Ross Castle, 2km from Killarney. The Castle was the stronghold of the O'Donoghue family in the 14th century and sits on the shore of Lough Léin. While there is no fee to walk around the Castle, the guided tour is an additional fee, payable at the reception. Unfortunately
Guests will not have time on this occasion to do the full guided tour before the boats depart. The boat tour departs at 10.30am from the main stone pier on the lake side of the Castle, keep an eye out for the green boats and ask for Rory. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to load up bikes.

Please note; bike rental is not included in the tour. Guests will rent their own bikes in Killarney and make their way to Ross Castle. There is no bike rental at Ross Castle.

The first stop on our tour is the monastic settlement on Innisfallen Island. Passengers will get a full history of the area from their boat driver and will have 15 minutes to explore the ruins.

Lough Leane is Killarney's biggest lake and after the boats depart Innisfallen Island, the next stop is the shore of Tomies Mountain. There's had been a nest of White Tailed Sea Eagles along this shore for the last 18 years since their reintroduction to the area. These Eagles are the biggest bird of prey in Europe and are fantastic sight to see in the wild.

Once the boats leave Lough Leane, they will be on the Muckross Lake and heading for the Meeting of the Waters. Here, guests may have to disembark for a 10 minute wooded walk to allow the boats to traverse a particularly shallow area.

The secluded cafê at Lord Brandon's Cottage is the Finish point for our Boat Tour. From here, guests will begin the 25km cycle back to Killarney. The tour is a sealed road so the way and after 11km, guests will pass by Kate Kearney’s Cottage which is a famous bar along the route. Please note; meals and snacks are not included in the cost of the tour. Due to the secluded location amongst the hills, Lord Brandon's Cottage only accepts cash.

What's not included

Bike rental

Meals and snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 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

Bike rental is not included

The cycle is not guided

Meeting point

Our Boat Tour departs from the main stone pier on the lake side of Ross Castle at 10.30am. Please check in 15 minutes before departure so that bikes can be loaded up. Rory will be the gentleman in charge and look for the green boats.

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.