KILLARNEY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Through the Gap of Dunloe: A day of mountain pass hikes, pony-and-carriage lanes and a boat run across Killarney’s lake string to Ross Castle
A five-hour Deros Coach Tours outing that combines a 2.5‑hour pass hike (or optional pony-and-carriage), five interconnected lakes and a return boat trip through Killarney’s Upper, Middle and Lower Lakes.
Through the Gap of Dunloe: A day of mountain pass hikes, pony-and-carriage lanes and a boat run across Killarney’s lake string to Ross Castle.
Embark with Deros Tours from Killarney town to traverse the narrow mountain pass of the Gap of Dunloe (Dún Lóich / Bearna an Choimín), descend past five linked lakes and cross the Wishing Bridge before boarding boats for the return across the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Gap: a seven‑mile pass between Reeks and Purple Mountain
The tour transfers guests to Kate Kearney’s Cottage to begin ‘Walk The Gap’ through the narrow mountain pass, a route of just under seven miles that is ideal for hiking and rambling; an alternative is to travel parts of the pass by Pony and Carriage operated independently by the Gap of Dunloe Ponymen Association.
Five connected lakes and the Wishing Bridge
Within the pass are five lakes — Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough — all linked by the River Loe; an old arch between the first two is locally known as the Wishing Bridge.
Boat journey from Gearhameen River to Ross Castle
After lunch at Lord Brandon's (payable directly) boats meet guests on the Gearhameen River for the homeward passage via the Upper, Middle and Lower Lakes of Killarney, disembarking at historic Ross Castle where return transport awaits.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing is a structured five‑hour loop: a 10:30am transfer to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a roughly 2 hour 30 minute hike (or optional pony‑and‑carriage segments) through the Gap with lake and bridge landmarks, a lunch stop at Lord Brandon's Cottage, then a boat ride along the Gearhameen River and across Killarney’s lake chain to Ross Castle for return transfer to Killarney town.
THE ROUTE
The Gap: a seven‑mile pass between Reeks and Purple Mountain
The tour transfers guests to Kate Kearney’s Cottage to begin ‘Walk The Gap’ through the narrow mountain pass, a route of just under seven miles that is ideal for hiking and rambling; an alternative is to travel parts of the pass by Pony and Carriage operated independently by the Gap of Dunloe Ponymen Association.
THE LAKES
Five connected lakes and the Wishing Bridge
Within the pass are five lakes — Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough — all linked by the River Loe; an old arch between the first two is locally known as the Wishing Bridge.
THE RETURN
Boat journey from Gearhameen River to Ross Castle
After lunch at Lord Brandon's (payable directly) boats meet guests on the Gearhameen River for the homeward passage via the Upper, Middle and Lower Lakes of Killarney, disembarking at historic Ross Castle where return transport awaits.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and when it might not.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full tour runs approximately five hours.
Daily tours depart from the operator’s office in the centre of Killarney; the listed meeting address is 22 Main Street, Killarney and transfers to Kate Kearney’s Cottage leave at around 10:30am.
Expect walking: the Gap hike is roughly 2 hours 30 minutes and the Pony and Carriage option may still involve walks; plan accordingly.
Lunch at Lord Brandon's Cottage is payable directly; pony‑and‑carriage charges (if taken) are paid directly to the carmen and barbecue arrangements for groups are available on request.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The full Deros tour is five hours in duration.
Where do I meet for the tour and when does it depart?
Tours leave from the operator’s office in the centre of Killarney; the meeting address is 22 Main Street, Killarney and transport transfers to Kate Kearney’s Cottage depart at approximately 10:30am.
Can I take a pony and carriage through the Gap of Dunloe?
Yes — Pony and Carriage rides are an optional, independently operated service provided by the Gap of Dunloe Ponymen Association; carriage charges are payable directly and a typical charge is €35 per person (occupancy four persons plus driver) or €140 to hire a carriage for one to three persons.
How long is the walk through the Gap?
The walk through the Gap takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch may be had at Lord Brandon's Cottage but is payable directly; groups of 20 or more can arrange a barbecue at Lord Brendan’s by request.
Can I stay at Ross Castle or walk back to Killarney?
Yes — guests may stay to visit Ross Castle or walk through Killarney National Park back to town (a walk of about 2 kilometres); advise a member of the group if you plan to stay to avoid delaying the return transfer.