Killarney Tours
The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney
4.5

The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney

By Deros Coach Tours
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About
Make the most of your time in Killarney with a half-day trip to Killarney National Park that includes round-trip transport from the city. You can skip the stress of navigating and enjoy views of secluded landscapes often missed by visitors along the route, which features a trek through the Gap of Dunloe and river cruise to Ross Castle. Non-hiking option available on request.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 30 per group
Duration: 5h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Explore without the stress of navigating
  • Hike through secluded areas often missed by visitors
  • Enjoy rare views from boat cruise on Gearhameen River
  • Round-trip transport from Killarney and boat admission included

  • Bus and Boat trip only
  • Transport to Kate Kearneys Cottage and return from Ross Castle.
  • Driver/guide
  • Free Car Park at Ross Castle.With prior notice (24 hours) we offer a free pick up at Ross Castle.
  • Entry/Admission - Gap of Dunloe
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Jaunting Cart Ride ( EUR 35.00 pp cash only) 4 pax per Carriage can also be hired privately
  • Entry/Admission - Kate Kearney's Cottage


Start:
  • 22 Main St, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 NP74, Ireland
    Our office is beside St Marys Church of Ireland on Main Street. Please be at the Office no later than 10.15am
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3544KIL03

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Jaunting Carriages are paid directly at Kate Kearneys Cottage at a cost of E 35 pp (cash only).There are 4 passengers in each carriage
    • Carriages may be hired privately and the total cost would be E 140 per carriage.There is no pre booking for carriages as the booking may be made on arrival at Kate Kearneys Cottage.
    • There is not enough time to visit Ross Castle before returning to Killarney but visitors may stay at Ross Castle and enjoy a lesisurely walk to Killarney through the National Park (30 to 40 minutes).
    • Tours of the Castle takes 1 hour.Pre booking is advisable and can be done by phoning 353 64 6635851 or visit rosscastle@opw.ie
    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • There is free car parking at Ross Castle where the tour terminates and we can certainly collect customers at Ross Castle at 10am but prior notice has to be given by telephoning 00353 64 6631251 the previous evening.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3544KIL03

    From
    €46.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 22 Main St, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 NP74, Ireland
      Our office is beside St Marys Church of Ireland on Main Street. Please be at the Office no later than 10.15am
    • 1
    • 2
      Pass by
      Lakes of Killarney
      Ross Castle
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Deros Coach Tours
      2,033
      Ireland
      Joined in November 2009
    • jchussil
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful and Informative
      Our first visit to Killarney from Oregon, USA. We had perfect weather and an amazing time with our tour guide and coach driver Michael. The coach was comfortable and Michael provided information about sites along the way. The views were amazing and we had adequate time at stops for photos and a bit of shopping. Be sure you pay the 8 Euros to see the sheepdog demonstration at the stop at Kells, it is very entertaining and informative. One of my highlights was our stop for lunch at the Scariff Inn which provided a gorgeous view of the water and delicious food. This is a tour not to be missed!
      Written 10 October 2024
    • Stephen F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Deros Ring of Kerry
      Ring of Kerry with Deros is a must Do not Drive it’s more enjoyable if you have drivers like Denis driving He was extremely good driver the ring The stops most of them will appeal to most of us, Totally enjoyed the sheepdog experience it’s fun and educational. The stop at the Kerry Bog Village whilst again a good stop it lacks in the bar restaurants no Irish tastes except Irish coffee, no home made scones or sodas bread would have enhance the visit. Our lunch stop is a beautiful view over the bay As for food sadly not great and expensive but it was a lovely bowl of fish chowder which was to my taste Plenty to see still I would do the tour again with Deros totally enjoyable day
      Written 10 October 2024
    • Stephen F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dingle all the way🤣
      The tour was our 2nd tour after the ring of Kerry tour. Ray was the Driver/Guide he was our little Johnny and excellent experienced driver/guide The Dingle is beautiful it’s full of beautiful spots and Ray done his best to make sure we seen the best. Totally enjoyed the day We plan for again soon to come back thank you Deros and Ray.
      Written 10 October 2024
    • 526marcellem
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome tour/memorable esperience.
      The Ring of Killarney and The Dingle Peninsula tours were awesome. Our tour guide, Batt, was hands down the best person to accompany such a group. He provided multiple opportunities to take pictures and hit the bathroom. He was constantly giving us information about the areas we were passing through. I especially loved his bit of singing as well. I enjoyed the Irish music at the end of the Dingle Peninsula tour. Definitely recommend booking one of these tours.
      Written 8 October 2024
    • Travel04820836069
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic ROK tour!
      Today my husband and I attended the Ring of Kerry tour with Ray as our guide and he was absolutely fantastic- knowledgeable and funny, he often offered to take pictures for guests, and took us to all the beautiful scenes without rushing the group along, so we felt as though we did not miss a single thing. Could not have wished for a better experience, even though it was a bit misty today. Thank you Ray!
      Written 4 October 2024
    • hopbo
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour - with wonderful weather and tour guide
      A wonderful tour with beautiful sites. We were very lucky with the weather. The highlight was probably our tour guide (Bat). We were kept updated with lot of Information about the local area and people and we were further entertained by a great rendition of Danny boy. We feel like we have an intimate insight into the Iveragh peninsula. The only negative point is the restaurant we stopped at for lunch. It did admittedly have a beautiful view, but claiming that they cannot serve 'mountain tap water' for safety reasons is a bit.. preposterous (best polite word I can think of). Still, this incident did't warrant a reduction in our rating.
      Written 3 October 2024
    • janettW8878KR
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Disappointing!
      The scenery was amazing, Michael, the tour guide was a huge disappointment. He offered very little information on the history and culture of the region. He seemed to be in a hurry to get the tour over with, provided only basic information and failed to engage the passengers. Stops were way too short and he was adamant about getting back on the bus and consistently started driving before people were in their seats. He drove way too fast.
      Written 1 October 2024
    • elizabethhI5353ES
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience! A must do!
      Enjoyed the tour, beautiful scenery, paid a bit extra for front seats on bus (in cash upon arrival at office), well worth it. Michael was our driver. He was courteous and knowledgeable.
      Written 1 October 2024
    • Kelly G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Private car and driver around Ring of Kerry
      We contacted Deros Tours very last minute after a booked trip fell through. There were 3 of us and we wanted a private car and driver to show us the Ring of Kerry with stops where we wanted to stop. Deros sent us Padraig who was outstanding! He was so nice, extremely knowledgeable in a variety of topics, had a great sense of humor and was an excellent and confident driver. He really made the last day of our trip memorable.
      Written 30 September 2024
    • Trail27375130441
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Full day tour!
      Stunning view, took lots of pictures. Our guide for the day was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Highly recommend this tour for the day!
      Written 28 September 2024
    • John W
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Stress Free Day Trip
      Decided to take a bus tour instead of driving because of weather. The Sheep Dog Exhibition and Bog Village were very informative. Denis was an excellent driver and guide.
      Written 27 September 2024
    • JARD5
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful Day on the Ring of Kerry Tour!
      We greatly enjoyed our day touring the Ring of Kerry with Bat! He was an excellent driver, tour guide and even singer (just sang one song)! There were plenty of opportunities to get off the bus to see the sights and take photos. My husband enjoyed a day of not driving the rental car and just getting to enjoy the beautiful sights. Our lunch stop was at the Scarriff Inn Restaurant which had an absolutely beautiful view. It is pricey for what you get, but again you are paying for the view. We were the last ones off the bus, so were a bit rushed in eating as everyone files into a cafeteria type line to purchase lunch. My son has gluten and dairy allergies and that was a little tricky - we found that you need to ask someone about the allergens as the menu was not completely up to date. Another thing to note is that we arrived 15 minutes before the tour start time, and were practically the last ones on the bus. We ended up sitting near the back, but thankfully that didn't take away from our experience. I have no idea how early the other people arrived and were allowed to get on the bus. We absolutely loved the sheep dog demonstration - it's not to be missed. Just make sure you have 8 euro cash on hand per person for admission. It was well worth it to us! There's also another stop where you have the option to pay for admission to something called the 18th-19th Century Famine Village, which we did and enjoyed, especially because we wanted to see the 2 Irish Wolfhounds that they have there. I think it was about 6 or 7 euro per person also cash. If you decide not to pay to enter the village, you can hang out at The Red Fox Inn pub which is right next door. Overall wonderful, memorable day on The Ring of Kerry with Deros Coach Tours!
      Written 24 September 2024
    • marthae467
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend the Delos private guided tour of Ring of Kerry we enjoyed last week
      My husband and I booked a private, customized Ring of Kerry Tour with Delos Tours because we wanted the flexibility to see a couple of the old Kerry forts, the Kerry Cliffs, the place where the first transAtlantic telegraph was sent in the 1840's and other sights/places that were not on the group tour. Our driver/guide Anne was perfect ("grand!") - personable and knowledgeable with great suggestions and local insights - and very flexible about our stops while also suggesting the best times to see things e.g. the sheepdog demonstration, to avoid crowds or traffic. The private car was very comfortable and because Anne was driving we could sit back and enjoy seeing the coastal views. We were picked up and returned to the place where we were staying.
      Written 24 September 2024
    • jeffkZ8917WD
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Playing chicken with tour busses vs. sitting back and relaxing on a guided tour
      This would have been a horrible idea to drive the windy and narrow roads playing chicken against the other tour busses. Luckily we had a great driver along with an amazing narrator for the entirety of our trip through the Ring of Kerry, and didn’t have to worry. This trip is well worth the money if you have the time to spend a day touring part of the southwest corner of Ireland! Would recommend this to others !
      Written 22 September 2024
    • Marybeth W
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful area
      I enjoyed the tour of The Dingle Peninsula. Sheila and Sean were very good. Sheila was a lot of fun. Sean made many photo stops.
      Written 18 September 2024
    See all 2,033 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles73 reviews
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    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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    JRP1950
    Goodyear, AZ4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2022
    The hike through the Gap of Dunloe was outstanding. My wife took the jaunting cart, which was also a great experience. The day was a little warm, so be prepared as there are no facilities/water on the hike. The boat ride back was also great, although we did need to get out and hike about ten minutes so the boat could get through the narrow/shallow water under a bridge. The drought has had a major effect on the lake's water level this fall, but should not be a problem at other times of the year. Deros Coach Tours in Killarney were great and very professional--even suggested switching days due to potential/forecasted rain so the hike would be dry. The area clearly needs the rain, but we were happy to make that switch and appreciated Deros' guidance.
    Written 9 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Leonard H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Couples
    We were very lucky with the weather, which made the trip a wonderful experience. However, you should of course dress for the weather, as the hike takes about 2:30-3 hours and the boat trip about 1:30 hours, and you would of course get pretty wet in the rain.
    You only hike on a paved road, which is why a lot of cars drive by. It didn't bother us much at the end of April, as there weren't many of them... but it's probably a different story in midsummer.
    The small cafe at the end of the hike offers the opportunity to have a bite to eat/drink a coffee and use the toilet.
    All in all, a great experience that we can only recommend to everyone!
    Google
    Written 6 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    CampingDawg
    Roscrea44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    If you have just one day to plan an excursion/day trip during your stay in Killarney, do this one!
    We did the trip the opposite way around from advertised, which confused me momentarily, but I don't think it matters which way round it runs, you won't miss anything.
    The boat trip was magical (even in the light rain at the start) and the jaunting cart from Lord Brandon's cottage, up through the Gap of Dunloe to Kate Kearney's cottage, was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
    And to top it off the Deros' driver dropped me off right outside my hotel
    Thank you Deros Tours for a wonderful day out
    Don't be afraid to haggle the price a little with the Jaunting Cars
    Written 29 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Hopmarianne
    Loon op Zand, The Netherlands157 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023
    This day trip is definitely recommended. By bus to the start of the gap, then either 11 km on foot or by horse-drawn carriage through the gap, then 1.5 hours by open boat across the lakes to Ross' Castle where the bus will pick you up again (or you walk back to Killarney). You don't have much time on foot because the boat leaves. Walk briskly on a narrow and steep road, and horse-drawn carriages cycle between cars. Doing it yourself by car is a bad idea given the narrow road and the crowds. The horse cart is the best alternative but not included in the price. So there is an additional €25-35 per person. Make sure you have up to 4 people on the bus, the drivers want a full cart and if there are fewer people they will let you stand. Expect that you will still have to walk for 5-10 minutes on the steepest part to spare the horses. Lunch is not included, but it is available at the cottages and at a reasonable price
    Google
    Written 17 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    rachel c
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022 • Friends
    I loved how go with the flow the tour was, and how accommodating they were. DEFINITELY pack more layers than you need, it was very cold and rainy, but nonetheless the scenery was so beautiful you forget. Our boat driver was the absolute best, so funny and knowledgeable about the area, knew we were in very capable hands!
    Written 28 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Lynn833
    Hawley, PA138 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Couples
    We do not typically. Ok tours but to see the Gap of Dunloe it seemed to make the most sense. We booked with Deross tours in Killarney and it was the perfect choice. They provided the transportation to Ross Castle where we got on the 8 passenger motor boat to cross the Lakes of Killarney. Then a stop for a bite at Lord Byron’s Cottage after which we chose to take A Jaunting cart through the Gap of Dunloe.. amazing beauty surrounded us. The jaunting cart went to Kate’s Cottage where we had transportation back to Killarney. It was a perfect day!
    Written 29 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Stewart P
    Payson, UT1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    1

    we were 10 minutes late due to traffic issues, we’re going to charge is extra money to get the next trip and we had to purchase buggy ride tickets which would have brought the additional toll cost to $80 a person and wouldn’t refund our money. Wether would have prevented a boat ride anyway still no refund. Don’t do this just do the buss tour.
    Written 11 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Marijke P
    Oudendijk, The Netherlands60 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023
    The weather was extremely bad but the tour was not cancelled. Our waterproof outdoor shoes who survived South Africa, Costa Rica and other tropical rain destinations, did not handle this kind of rain very well. Could happen, but the organization doesn’t have a back-up plan. We called the office to please be picked up. They could arrange a pick-up in 2 (!) hours. No where to be dry, 7 miles (11 km) of pouring and pouring rain. We are from The Netherlands so used to rain. This was extremely bad weather.

    Then the boats: we were put on a boat with plastic to cover us. The boats man was handicaped but was, just like us, forced to get out of the boat, walk up and down steep hills without paths, to go around a bridge underneath which the boat wasn’t allowed to go due to high water. The second boat, same with another boatsman. Nobody even bothered to say sorry. Not the boatsman who did tell us water would be 5-6 ft above the bridge that night, not the bus driver, not the person at the company office once back in Killarny.

    Our advice: take a taxi to the parking lot, walk the tour yourself as there is just as much help if you need it as when you go with this company, pay for the boat yourself. Cheaper and safer. Bye bye 147 euros for 2 adults and one teenager.
    Written 21 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We appreciate your feedback and apologise that the tour left you feeling underwhelmed given the weather that day. There are a few things you left out, including: 1 - You had the option to cancel on the morning of the tour, but you decided to go anyway.You went shopping for rain gear before the tour because you were so mindful of the forecast.You had a choice. 2. We responded to your call and were prepared to drive to your location to pick you up when you contacted this office and left your number.It is official that we contacted you ten times to ascertain your precise position but that you did not pick up.Your spouse was shown this when he called the office following the trip.Given that it takes 60 minutes to get from Killarney to the general area where you were , the car and driver would have been there when you needed them. This is the reason we contacted you 10 times as part of our backup plan to find out exactly where you were and to get your approval that we were executing our backup plan. I arranged for the Jaunting Carriage—which took you to the boats—to travel in your direction on the way to Brandon's Cottage when you didn't pick up the phone. 3. The boatman was not in any way "handicapped".Do you really think a boatman that you say was “handicapped” would be entrusted with the duty of ferrying 12 persons on a boat? The gentleman you describe walks with a limp and is by no means "handicapped." Each boatman must receive a complete medical examination each year in order to drive a boat on The Lakes of Killarney as part of the health and safety/insurance regulations. 4.You neglected to mention that this office offered storage for your purchases, which your husband retrieved after the tour while our coach and driver waited for him before returning you courtesy to your lodging.a kind act that was made out of respect for you and your family. 5. Taking a taxi to the parking lot, as you suggested other people do, is not practical because the trip ends up on the opposite side of Killarney and is significantly more expensive.You purchased your tickets via a third party who charged you more than if you had booked directly with our office because of their commission. We do hope that the weather improved for you and your Family and you enjoyed the rest of your time in Ireland.
    Written 23 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Bill A
    Spring Lake, NJ586 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Despite the description given, I did not feel that this was a guided tour.

    We were picked up at a local hotel about a half mile outside if Killarney. The driver took us to downtown Killarney where we boarded a different bus. After waiting for a half hour, we were asked to change buses as there was a problem with the first one.

    By 11 am we were dropped off at the gap of Dunloe and given instructions on hiking 7 miles to the next location or to take a jaunting car. We opted for the jaunting car. But, the drivers passed us by in favor of larger parties. Each said that another driver would be along in 5 minutes; but, there were none. And, there was no one from the tour company to help. At this point, we considered finding a taxi to take us back to Killarney. Finally, after 45 minutes, a jaunting cart driver reluctantly agreed to take us and another couple to the next destination. I suspect the horse was overworked as we had to get out of the carriage and walk the steepest part of the road. I felt very bad for the horse and would never subject an animal to this kind of f treatment.

    We reached the next location with little time to eat and explore the area. We boarded our boat and made our way to Ross Castle. We could not find the bus which was supposed to take us back to our car, so we walked the two miles.

    The gap of Dunloe and the lakes in Killarney National Park are absolutely worth visiting. But, you don’t need this tour to do it. I recommend that you go on your own. This is basically what you’re doing anyway with this tour.
    Written 29 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Marian
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2021 • Couples
    We equally enjoyed the walk and boat trip. The scenery was spectacular. Dermot who took us by boat to Ross's castle was a great guide explaining about the different areas of the national park as we went by. It was lovely to see the park from the water. The trip was well organised by Deros and I could see doing the same tour next time we are I Killarney.
    Written 20 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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