Jaunting Car Trips

The traditional way to tour all of the local ‘beauty spots’ is by Jaunting Car (local ‘unique’ horsedrawn carriage), in the company of a ‘Jarvey’ (driver & guide) who will spin the ‘old stories’ at every corner on the road. Jaunting Cars are available for large groups and independent travellers. Tours include The Lakes, Ross Castle, Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall and, just about anywhere in Killarney you might want to visit.

Boat Trips & Inisfallen

No visit to Killarney is complete without taking a boat trip on its famous and enchanting lakes. The visitor has a choice of organised group boating trips in open lake boats, group & independent trips on the all-weather luxury Lake Cruisers or, in ’self-propelled’ rowing boats. One stop you should make is Inisfallen Island and its monastic ruins dating back to the 11th Century.

Killarney Valley Highlights

Including Aghadoe, Muckross, Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall & Ladies View

This is the Local Highlights Coach Tour of approximately 3 hours duration, taking in all of the key local attractions e.g., Aghadoe (panoramic view of Killarney Lake district) including the ruins of the 11th Century Aghadoe Church & Round Tower and the 13th Century Norman Castle of Parkavonear, Kate Kearney’s Cottage (Gateway to the Gap of Dunloe), Ross Castle(15th Century restored Castle), Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms(Magnificent Victorian Mansion & Gardens in the National Park), Torc Waterfall and Lake Views etc. [ Ample time is allowed for photo stops, shop visits and lunch ]

Gap of Dunloe

Arguably, the most varied and exciting tour in Ireland. The Gap of Dunloe Tour is of approximately 7 hours duration. The day begins with a coach ride to Kate Kearney’s Cottage where, after partaking of suitable refreshments, the visitor then travels through the 7 mile Gap of Dunloe mountain pass on horseback, horse-drawn trap or on foot if so desired, to Lord Brandons Cottage on the shore of the Upper Lake. Lunch can then be had before departing by boat through each of Killarney’s three Lakes, arriving at the 15th Century Ross Castle, where your coach awaits to return you to Killarney. [ Barbecues can be arranged for Groups and, the Tour can also be arranged in reverse order ]

Muckross House & Traditional Farms

A visit to Killarney, or indeed Kerry, is not complete without a visit to the world renowned Muckross House & Gardens. One of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions, this magnificent Victorian mansion was built in 1843 and forms the centrepiece of the equally renowned Killarney National Park. The elegantly furnished family rooms in the upper floors and the spartan servants quarters in the basement, clearly depict the ‘upstairs – downstairs’ divide of that era. The Gardens are renowned world-wide for their beauty and, in particular they are noted for their fine collection of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, extensive water garden and an outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone.

The nearby Muckross Traditional Farms are full working examples of rural life in the 1930’s. Take a stroll down memory lane to a time before the advent of electricity, when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily work in the houses, on the land and, with the animals.

Together with the Craft Workshops in Muckross House, the superb extensive Gardens and, the surrounding National Park, this is a location of immense beauty and historical interest. An experience not to be missed and never to be forgotten. Muckross House & Gardens are open all year (excl. Christmas) and the Traditional Farms are fully open May – September inclusive, with limited opening during March, April and October. Entrance to the National Park and Muckross Gardens is free. Special Group Rates apply to the House and Farms and substantial savings can be made by buying a ‘joint ticket’ for both attractions.

Ross Castle

Original home of the O’Donoghue Ross Chieftains in the 15th century and, believed to be the last significant fortress to fall to Cromwell’s armies in Ireland, Ross Castle has been magnificently restored to its former glory. Standing on the shore of Lough Leane, this castle is open to visitors (Guided Tours) from April to October inclusive.

Ross Castle is located on Ross Island. Its human habitation history goes back some 9000 years with one of Europe’s earliest Bronze Age Copper Mines dating back some 4500 years. A most informative and pleasant Mining & Nature Walking Trail takes you through the Island – allow c. 60-90 minutes.

Dinis Cottage

Dinis Cottage is a former hunting lodge which dates back to the 1700s. It is located on the shore of Muckross Lake, close to the Meeting of the Waters – where the three Lakes of Killarney meet – So it is a natural meeting place which is accessible by boat from Dundag Pier and can be reached on foot by following the Dinis track c.1 mile/1.6km from the Kenmare Road entrance and approximately 3 miles/5km from Muckross House. Dinis Cottage is located at two of Killarney’s most famed beauty spots i.e., The Meeting of The Waters and The Old Weir Bridge.

With the exception of the winter months, Dinis Cottage provides a welcome repose for the visitor with a wide variety of fresh home baked refreshments in a unique atmosphere where you will be regaled with stories of famous visitors past and present as well as folklore relating to the area.