Top ratedGap of Dunloe Tour (Boat & Bus)
The Gap of Dunloe day tour is a journey which encompasses Killarney’s entire National Park. During the tour, guests will see such sights as the Gap of Dunloe, the Old...
- Bus Transport
- Parking
- Boat Transport
County Kerry, Ireland
Gap of Dunloe
A narrow mountain pass carved by glaciers 2 million years ago. Walk, cycle, or take a horse-drawn carriage past five glacial lakes.
4.6 from 83 traveller reviews on Viator
- 11 kmpass length
- 241 mmax elevation
- 5corrie lakes
- 2.5-3 hrswalking time
Tickets & tours
Choose your Gap of Dunloe tour
Find the right combination of bus transport, boat rides, and guided transport.
Top rated
Most bookedThe Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney
Amazing and best tour to visit the Killarney National Park. Considering a walking, rambling or hiking tour? Look no further as The Gap of Dunloe is 7 miles (11...
- Bus and Boat trip only
- Free Car Park at Ross Castle.With prior notice (24 hours) we offer a free pick up at Ross Castle.
- Transport to Kate Kearneys Cottage and return from Ross Castle.
Best valueBoat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe)
Client's experience the beauty of the Lakes of Killarney and then travel through the Gap of Dunloe at their leisure to take in the breathtaking sights of the Black...
- Boat Ticket
Explore
Explore the route
Key stops from Kate Kearney's Cottage to Lord Brandon's Cottage.
The valley features five distinct lakes connected by the River Loe.
Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough.
Plan your visit
Plan your visit
How long you need
Allocate 2.5 to 3 hours for the walking route. Full-day tours take up to 6 hours.
Best time to go
May to September offers the best weather. Early arrivals secure parking at Kate Kearney's Cottage.
Getting there
Park at Kate Kearney's Cottage for free. Driving the pass itself is strongly discouraged.
Budgeting
Walking is free. Jaunting cars cost from €35 per person. Bring cash for drivers and cafes.
About the Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a 11-kilometre (7-mile) mountain pass. It runs between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain ranges. Slow-moving ice glaciers carved this route over two million years ago.
Most visitors start at Northern Mountain Pass. Here, you find Kate Kearney's Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run establishment. You can walk the paved road or hire a traditional jaunting car.
The route climbs to a maximum elevation of 241 metres (791 feet) at the Southern End & Valley. From the summit, you descend into the Black Valley. Many visitors combine this route with a boat trip across the Lakes of Killarney.
How we compare tours
Verified routes
We map exact pickup locations and transport methods.
Time estimates
We highlight required walking times and boat schedules.
Hidden costs
We tell you when jaunting cars require extra cash on the day.
From Viator
What travelers say
4.6
83 reviews of the boat & bus tour on Viator
Amazing experience - Organised by Catherine in the office (Deros Tours) - short stroll to the pickup point in the beautiful town of Killarney to a day of the most beautiful scenery to the Cliffs of Moher - compliments of the driver Darren
The hike was beautiful and we got great photos! Our bus and boat guides were funny and knowledgeable and told us much about the local area
It is a great trip. The jarvey and boatman were wonderful guides and provided a lot of interesting information. We really enjoyed our time.
Tour was well organised, you have enough time to walk and take pictures from the place where the bus leaves you till the boat. It’s isn’t totally easy, but comfortable and the views are definitely worth it. Boat guide was very friendly and told a lot of stories about the places around. It was comfortable to sit in the boat, the bus back was waiting right there where the boat left us.
The best day of our holiday. Patrick was our guide and he was really great fun and very informative about the history, flora and fauna around the lakes. He was also a superb boatman, guiding the boat through tiny gaps where, because of the dry summer, there was little water. A really lovely day on all three lakes.
Paul was a great captain! The views were spectacular. The The walk through the gap was breathtaking
There are certain places where you do have to get out of the horse and buggy and walk. up hill to give the horse relief.
The 11km hike up through the Gap was amazing. The scenery is astounding. It was a great walk and not hard at all. The boat trip back was fun, despite it pouring with rain at times. It’s all part of the experience. The skipper was very informative and fun to listen to
Fantastic tour. The lakes and surrounding mountains themselves are beautiful but the history shared throughout the tour is also very fascinating. Rory is a delightful guide. Highly recommend doing this tour!
Travel tips
Visitor tips
Tour vs DIYCompare self-guided walks with combo boat and carriage tours.Read 
Parking GuideFind free parking at Kate Kearney's Cottage and learn when to arrive.Read 
Driving GuideWhy local authorities heavily discourage driving the mountain pass.Read 
Carriage CostsPrices for shared and private jaunting cars at the Gap of Dunloe.Read 
Weather & SeasonsFind the best time to visit the Gap of Dunloe and how to pack.Read 
Boat Trip GuideConnect the Gap of Dunloe pass with a boat across the lakes.Read Can you drive through the Gap of Dunloe?
Local authorities strongly discourage driving the Gap of Dunloe during the day. The road is a single lane with blind corners. It experiences heavy pedestrian, cyclist, and horse-drawn carriage traffic. Read more about Driving Guide.
How long does it take to walk the Gap of Dunloe?
A walking round trip to the Head of the Gap and back covers about 12 km (7.5 miles). This takes 2.5 to 3 hours at a moderate pace. Walking the full one-way route to Lord Brandon's Cottage takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Where do you park for the Gap of Dunloe?
You can park at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the northern end. Parking here is free but fills up quickly in summer. Read our Parking Guide guide for arrival times.
How much does a jaunting car cost at the Gap of Dunloe?
A shared jaunting car ride costs €35 per person. A private carriage costs €140. You must pay the driver (jarvey) directly in cash. Check our Carriage Costs guide for details.
How to get to the Gap of Dunloe from Killarney?
You can drive 15 minutes to Kate Kearney's Cottage and park. Alternatively, book a Tickets combo tour that includes bus transport from Killarney.
Can you cycle the Gap of Dunloe?
Yes. The paved road is open to cyclists. Exercise extreme caution on steep descents and tight corners. Yield to jaunting cars and pedestrians.
Ready for the Gap of Dunloe?
Book your combo tour today and secure your spot on the boats.