In short
- Shared carriage rides cost €35 per person.
- Private carriages cost €140 total.
- Drivers only accept cash (euros).
In this article
Hiring a traditional pony and trap is a popular way to travel the 11-kilometre (7-mile) mountain pass. The route starts at Kate Kearney's Cottage. You can choose to share a ride with others or book a private carriage for your group.
What is the jaunting car cost per person?
A shared jaunting car ride costs €35 per person.
When you arrive at Kate Kearney's Cottage, you can hire a seat in a shared carriage. Each carriage holds up to four passengers. You will share the ride with other visitors unless your group fills all the seats.
How much is a private jaunting car?
A private jaunting car costs €140 for the carriage.
Booking a private carriage ensures only your group rides together. This flat rate covers up to four passengers. The price remains €140 whether you have two, three, or four people in your party.
| Ride Type | Cost | Max Passengers |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Seat | €35 | 1 |
| Private Carriage | €140 | 4 |
How do I pay the driver?
You must pay the driver directly in cash using euros.
The drivers, known locally as jarveys, operate as independent businesses. They do not accept credit cards or digital payments. Make sure to withdraw enough cash before leaving Killarney.
Are jaunting cars included in tour packages?
Most day tours do not include the carriage fee in the upfront ticket price.
If you book a combination bus and boat tour, the ticket usually covers only the motorized transport. You will pay the €35 fee separately in cash when you meet your jarvey at Kate Kearney's Cottage.
How long does the carriage ride take?
The jaunting car ride takes about 1.5 hours to travel through the pass.
The horses maintain a steady pace up the mountain road. The route reaches an elevation of 241 metres (791 feet) at the Head of the Gap. Drivers will navigate past walkers and cyclists on the single-lane road.
Where do you hire a jaunting car?
Carriages line up at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the northern end of the pass.
This 150-year-old family-run establishment marks the traditional starting point. You can hire a carriage on the day or meet a pre-arranged jarvey if you booked a combined tour. There are restrooms here to use before you leave.
Questions travellers ask
What is a jaunting car in Ireland?
A jaunting car is a traditional horse-drawn wagon. It is also known as a pony and trap. Local drivers called jarveys operate them.
Do I tip the jaunting car driver?
Gratuities are not strictly required but are common. Tour prices exclude tips, so you can tip your jarvey in cash if you choose to.
Can I book a jaunting car in advance?
If you book a combination day tour, the operator coordinates the carriage for you. You still pay the jarvey directly in cash on the day of the trip.
