
Bus & Boat Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 68 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bus & Boat Tour worth booking?
Bus & Boat Tour is a 6-hour experience in Killarney, Ireland, from $74 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 68 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (68)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $74 per person
The Gap of Dunloe Tour is a must do for visitors to Killarney. The ‘Adventure’ begins daily from our head office at O’Connor’s Pub, 7 High St., Killarney at 10:00am for check in. We can also collect clients from their accommodation in the Killarney area. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle (recommended starting point for walkers as it allows more time). From here visitors make the 7 mile walk (please allow 2.5 to 3 hours for the walk). For those who do not wish to walk Jaunting cart’s are also available (at extra cost of €25 per person) to take the clients through the natural unspoilt beauty of the Black Valley, a walker’s paradise. Upon reaching Lord Brandon’s Cottage, there will be time to enjoy refreshments (not included) at the Cafe, before taking your boat trip through the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle where your bus will be waiting to take you back to Killarney. As noted, this tour can also be done in reverse.
What you get
About this experience
The Gap of Dunloe Tour is a must do for visitors to Killarney. The ‘Adventure’ begins daily from our head office at O’Connor’s Pub, 7 High St., Killarney at 10:00am for check in. We can also collect clients from their accommodation in the Killarney area. Your journey begins with a bus trip to Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Ross Castle (recommended starting point for walkers as it allows more time). From here visitors make the 7 mile walk (please allow 2.5 to 3 hours for the walk). For those who do not wish to walk Jaunting cart’s are also available (at extra cost of €25 per person) to take the clients through the natural unspoilt beauty of the Black Valley, a walker’s paradise. Upon reaching Lord Brandon’s Cottage, there will be time to enjoy refreshments (not included) at the Cafe, before taking your boat trip through the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle where your bus will be waiting to take you back to Killarney. As noted, this tour can also be done in reverse.
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide
- Bus Transfers
What you'll see and do
Gap of Dunloe
Passengers can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Gap of Dunloe by travelling the 7mile/12km journey on foot or can also hire a Jaunting cart (optional extra cost).
180 minutes here
Ross Castle
For those client's who wish to complete the tour by beginning their boat journey at Ross Castle, will have some time to look around the grounds prior to the boat departing Reen Pier (red boats) at 11am
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Kate Kearney's Cottage
Traveller's will have time to avail of refreshment's at Kate Kearney's Cottage either at the start or end of their tour (depending which direction they are taking the tour).
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Killarney
O'Connor's Traditional Pub, 7 High Street Killarney, Eircode: V93 DV26
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
O'Connor's Traditional Pub, 7 High Street Killarney, Eircode: V93 DV26
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gap of Dunloe Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 68 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
68 verified traveler reviews for Bus & Boat Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Trip with the bkys
A great trip with the boys from Canada. The weather was incredible and we felt extraordinarily well taken care of.
via Tripadvisor
Be carefull with bike through woods
The tour is beautifull and well recommendated. However when the river is low you have to walk a path in the woods with treetrunks and rocks to catch the second boat. Its impossible with an electrike bike. A women fell and broke her wrist, she even passed out because of the pain. There was no help from the organisation. Even more so they urgent the people who were helping to hurry up beacuse the boat was leaving.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Scenery, but Overall Overrated
The tour itself was okay, but overall, we found the Gap of Dunloe experience somewhat overrated. The logistics were generally well organized, but it would have been nice to have the option to choose the direction of the tour (boat-to-bus or bus-to-boat). When we arrived at Ross Castle, there was hardly any time to explore it, as the guide seemed keen to keep everyone moving and stick to a tight schedule. Unfortunately, the guide was also not particularly friendly or patient when some of the other participants had difficulty understanding his instructions on the boat, which were sometimes mumbled and unclear. Overall, the scenery is beautiful, but the experience did not quite live up to our expectations.
via Tripadvisor
The Irish Charm.
The driver was very friendly, making the start of my trip an enjoyable one. The driver of the boat was informative, friendly and humorous with the Irish charm who pointed out different landmarks, which was very interesting.
via Tripadvisor
Boat ride and Gap of Dunloe
Efficient bus into park and lovely boat ride through lakes with good commentary from guide. We then walked out over the gap - a good workout for us older folks but fun and very beautiful
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 24
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gap of Dunloe Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.5.
See everything Gap of Dunloe Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bus & Boat Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Killarney.
How much does Bus & Boat Tour cost?
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Prices start at $74 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Killarney usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bus & Boat Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Killarney is not rushed.
Is Bus & Boat Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 68 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Killarney, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bus & Boat Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bus & Boat Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bus & Boat Tour?
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Around 24 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Killarney can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Killarney and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bus & Boat Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Killarney within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Killarney?
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On Outty we rank every Killarney experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Killarney National Park Tour, Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach, Ring Of Kerry Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Killarney?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Killarney?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bus & Boat Tour?
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Included: Tour Guide; and Bus Transfers. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Bus & Boat Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 39 listed pickup locations in and around Killarney. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Bus & Boat Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bus & Boat Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bus & Boat Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bus & Boat Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Bus & Boat Tour?
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Across 68 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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