KILLARNEY BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Six Hours of Bus, Gap Walk (or Jaunting Car) and Open‑Roof Boat Through Killarney’s Gap of Dunloe
A factual guide to the Family Bus & Boat (2 Adults 2 Kids) outing: a 6‑hour combination of bus transfer, a self‑guided 7‑mile walk (or jaunting car) and a 1.5‑hour open‑roof boat across the Lakes of Killarney.
Six Hours of Bus, Gap Walk (or Jaunting Car) and Open‑Roof Boat Through Killarney’s Gap of Dunloe.
Embark on a structured, family‑friendly 6‑hour loop from O’Connor’s Traditional Pub that mixes scenic transport with a classic Gap of Dunloe walk and a lake cruise — an efficient way to see Purple Mountain, Innisfallen Island, Lord Brandon’s Cottage and Ross Castle without arranging your own logistics.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Gap of Dunloe: a 7‑mile self‑guided route
From Kate Kearney’s Cottage the route through the Gap is a clearly defined, hilly 7‑mile (12 km) walk that takes roughly 2.5–3 hours and climbs to a high point of about 840 ft, finishing at Lord Brandon’s Cottage where there is a cafe and a fine viewpoint.
Open‑roof boat across the Lakes of Killarney
The experience includes a 1 hour 30 minute open‑roof boat trip (with a cover available if needed) that takes you through the lakes to Ross Castle, offering a different vantage on Dinish Island, Augher Lake and the lake‑ringed head of the Gap.
Flexible transport: bus, jaunting car or boat first
The day begins with a bus transfer to either Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle; guests may choose a self‑guided walk or hire a jaunting car for the 7‑mile Gap journey (jaunting cars are available from Kate Kearney’s and Lord Brandon’s and are operated independently), and the tour direction can be reversed to suit weather conditions.
What the day feels like
How the day plays out
You check in at O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (or arrange an accommodation collection) and board a bus to the start point. From Kate Kearney’s many families walk the 7‑mile Gap route — or opt for a jaunting car — to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, then rejoin an open‑roof boat for the crossing of the lakes to Ross Castle, where the bus collects the group and returns you to O’Connor’s.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain jacket and/or sunblock; you may also bring a picnic lunch if you wish.
Footwear suitable for hilly, uneven terrain is recommended; a rain jacket and sun protection are both advised depending on conditions.
Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch; there is also a cafe at Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the Gap route.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The full Family Bus & Boat outing runs for approximately 6 hours.
Where do I check in or get picked up?
Check in at O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (7 High Street) for a 10:00 am start; alternatively the operator can collect you from your accommodation between 9:45–10:00 am.
Can we avoid walking the 7‑mile Gap?
Yes — jaunting cars are available at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and Lord Brandon’s Cottage as an alternative to walking; the jaunting cars are operated independently and cost about €140 total (€35 per person), payable in cash on the day.
Is the boat open‑roof and what if it rains?
The boat is open‑roof but has a cover available if needed.
Can we bring a picnic?
Yes — guests are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch.
What happens in poor weather or low water levels?
The tour direction may be changed to suit weather conditions; if water level is low be aware that the short walk from the boat to the path can be tricky.
Is there parking at the meeting point?
Private car parking is available behind O’Connor’s (up the alleyway).
How do I add extra children to my booking?
If you have additional children to add, contact the operator by phone at (+353) 64 6630200 or by email at [email protected].