Did the tour yesterday and loved it! We met at 10am at O’Connors on High Street and departed in the cute little bus about 10:15, arriving at Ross Castle at 10:30 (this was reverse order of what I expected). He told us we could explore the castle for a few minutes and then pointed where we should meet our little boat at 11am, which we did. Bus driver then joined us at small pier with the boat captain and we climbed on. There were 7 passengers (2 with bikes) and the captain on the outboard motor boat. I’m guessing you could maybe fit 4 more passengers if needed. We each were given a life jacket to wear and we were off. Captain was very good about pointing out places as we travelled from the largest lake to Lord Brendons Cottage and provided history, wildlife, vegetation and fun facts. Water level was low so at Old Weir bridge 5 had to get out at a small rock landing to walk 100 yards to another landing just beyond the bridge, while the captain and 2 passengers had to pull the boat through the low water area. Also had to get about 100 yards before usual docking point at Lord Brendon’s Cottage because of low water level, but it again was no problem to walk the last little bit. It really was beautiful and so peaceful.
We ate lunch at Lord Brendon’s Cottage (arrived about 12:30), where they sold a selection of premade sandwiches, soup, chips, assorted desserts and beverages. For 2 sandwiches, 2 bottles of water, and a bag of chips total was about 15 euros.
About 1:30 our boat captain matched us up with our jaunting car driver and we were quickly on the road. Such a fun and unique thing to do. I will say the cart is tight with driver facing you on one side and the 2 of us were on the other, facing him. Also, I guess partly because there are only two wheels and thus less stability, you are jolted around quite a bit, although we were none the worse for wear when we completed ride. The driver was very pleasant and informative and happy to take any of our questions.
We arrived Kate Kearney’s cottage about 2:45 and jaunting driver said bus would pick us up there at 4 to return to town. Kate’s didn’t have their inside open for visitors and instead had assorted tables set up outside. Across the road was Coffee Pot Cafe which had indoor and outside deck seating, and we decided to get a snack there. Bus arrived promptly at 4 and even dropped each of us off at our respective hotels.
I highly recommended this tour and company for the uniqueness of these activities, the beauty of the scenery, and excellent service and attitude of the drivers/guides.