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The Killarney Valley tour
Enjoy the spectacular Killarney Valley tour beginning with a hike, cycle, pony ride or traditional jaunting car through the glacial Gap of Dunloe. The day begins with a coach ride to Kate Kearney’s Cottage where, you then travel through the 7-mile Gap of Dunloe mountain pass on horseback, horse-drawn trap or on foot if so desired, to Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the shore of the Upper Lake. Have lunch at Lord Brandon’s Cottage before departing by boat through each of Killarney’s three Lakes, arriving at the 15th Century Ross Castle, where your transport awaits to return you to Killarney.
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The Gem of Killarney Valley
The Gap of Dunloe
An essential part of our Killarney Valley tour, the Gap of Dunloe has drawn tourists from around the globe for years. Located 12km outside of Killarney town the ‘Gap’ as it is locally known was hewn from the landscape by glaciers that flowed here 2 million years ago. Leaving Kate Kearney’s Cottage, travel up past the five corrie lakes to the Head of the Gap and on down into the Black Valley and Lord Brandon’s Cottage, from where you can travel by boat up through Killarney’s famous lakes… a day out not to be forgotten!
The gem of Killarney Valley
The Gap of Dunloe
An essential part of our Killarney Valley tour, the Gap of Dunloe has drawn tourists from around the globe for years. Located 12km outside of Killarney town the ‘Gap’ as it is locally known was hewn from the landscape by glaciers that flowed here 2 million years ago. Leaving Kate Kearney’s Cottage, travel up past the five corrie lakes to the Head of the Gap and on down into the Black Valley and Lord Brandon’s Cottage, from where you can travel by boat up through Killarney’s famous lakes… a day out not to be forgotten!
Wild Killarney
Killarney National Park
Comprising 26,000 acres of mountains, lakes and ancient woodland, Killarney National Park was created in 1932 after the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish State. Killarney National Park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 by UNESCO, the focal point of which is Muckross House, a 19th century Victorian mansion and gardens. Killarney House, located in the former Kenmare Demense, adjacent to Killarney town, now houses an impressive exhibition showcasing the Park including its natural and cultural history and is well worth a visit while in the area.
Wild Killarney
Killarney National Park
Comprising 26,000 acres of mountains, lakes and ancient woodland, Killarney National Park was created in 1932 after the Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish State. Killarney National Park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1981 by UNESCO, the focal point of which is Muckross House, a 19th century Victorian mansion and gardens. Killarney House, located in the former Kenmare Demense, adjacent to Killarney town, now houses an impressive exhibition showcasing the Park including its natural and cultural history and is well worth a visit while in the area.
Other attractions on your tour of the Killarney Valley
Old Weir Bridge
The Old Weir Bridge is located at the Meeting of the Waters between the Long Range and the Middle (Muckross) Lake. Travel under this, one of Killarney’s oldest structures, on your boat tour from Lord Brandon’s Cottage. Close to the bridge is the old hunting lodge of Dinis Cottage.
Killarney House
Once the humble stable block of the original stately Killarney House, today’s building was home to the Browne’s (who built the original house) between 1913 and 1915 after their former home was destroyed by fire. Later it served as a home to John McShain, a building contractor from Philadelphia who purchased the property and subsequently donated it to the State.
Ross Castle
This iconic castle was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. Local lore has it that O’Donoghue still exists in a deep slumber under the waters of Lough Leane, Killarney’s Lower Lake, beside which Ross Castle stands. Every seven years, on the first morning of May, he rises from the waters on his magnificent white horse and circles the lake. Catch a glimpse of him and be assured of good fortune for the rest of your life!
Muckross House
Long seen as the focal point of Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens is also home to Muckross Traditional Farms, a faithful representation of the 1930’s farming life of local people. Well worth a visit, the farms mark a stark contrast to the lives led by those living closeby in Muckross House.