In short
- Boats travel between Lord Brandon's Cottage and Ross Castle.
- The journey takes 1 to 1.5 hours across three lakes.
- Reach the departure point by walking or riding a jaunting car.
In this article
The Gap of Dunloe is an 11-kilometer (7-mile) mountain pass ending in the Black Valley. Instead of returning the same way, you can take a boat tour. Boats wait at Lord Brandon's Cottage to ferry visitors across the national park.
How do I connect the pass to the boat?
Travel south through the mountain pass to Lord Brandon's Cottage, where the boats depart.
Start your journey at Kate Kearney's Cottage. From there, you will either walk or take a jaunting car. The route stretches 11 kilometers (7 miles) over the Head of the Gap.
You will descend into the Black Valley. The road ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage on the Upper Lake.
How long is the boat journey?
The boat trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Traditional open boats travel from the Upper Lake, across the middle waters, and into Lough Leane. The route covers three lakes and two rivers.
You will eventually dock at Ross Castle. This completes the journey through Killarney National Park.
Do I need a guided tour for the boat?
You can book a combined tour or buy a standalone boat ticket.
Full-day combo tours include morning bus transport from Killarney to Kate Kearney's Cottage. They also provide afternoon pickup from Ross Castle.
If you arrange your own transport to the start, buy a boat-only ticket.
What is the boat like?
Operators use traditional open boats with no covers.
These boats do not have roofs or enclosed cabins. You will be exposed to the elements for the duration of the ride.
Pack a waterproof jacket or rain gear. Bring layers of clothing for changing weather.
Are there facilities before boarding?
Lord Brandon's Cottage has a cafe and restrooms.
The 19th-century hunting lodge sits on the western shore of the Upper Lake. It operates a cafe that only accepts cash.
Bring euros to buy food or drinks while you wait for your boat to depart.
Can I take a bicycle on the boat?
Yes, specific boat tickets include bicycle transport.
Cyclists can ride the 25-kilometer distance from Lord Brandon's Cottage back to Killarney. Some boats take bikes from Ross Castle in the morning.
Exercise extreme caution when cycling the pass. The route features steep descents and tight corners.
Questions travellers ask
Can I pay for a boat ticket with a card at the lake?
Facilities in the Black Valley are cash-only. This includes the cafe at Lord Brandon's Cottage. Most operators require advance booking or exact cash for tickets.
What happens if it rains during the boat trip?
The open boats run in most weather conditions. You need a waterproof jacket or rain gear, as the boats offer no cover.
Does the boat tour include the jaunting car?
Most combined tours do not include the carriage price. A shared jaunting car costs €35 per person. You pay this in cash directly to the driver.
