The 10 Boat Tours in Killarney to Book First

1.Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 778 reviews · from $18Our pick

Spend an hour cruising Lough Léin from Ross Castle in the heated, glass-covered MV Lily of Killarney. Your English-speaking captain and guide point out Innisfallen Island, ancient oak and yew woods, Red Deer, White Tailed Eagles, and Carrauntoohil. Guides Paul and Frank are known for clear local stories, humor, and useful details about the lake.

“Paul, the captain and tour guide was a wealth of knowledge and very entertaining! Would recommend this very affordable trip to all.”

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2.Gap of Dunloe Pony, Trap & Traditional Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 188 reviews · from $153

Start at Ross Castle and transfer to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a seven-mile pony-and-trap ride through the Gap of Dunloe. Stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, then cruise Killarney’s three lakes for about two hours. Guides such as Patrick, Rory, Patsy, and Donal bring local stories and humor to this five-hour outing.

“What an amazing tour! Laura arranged everything and communicated well the the whole group. The boat operator was a character and provided great facts and stories about the Park. Pony and trap ride was lovely, and the driver was friendly.”

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3.Gap of Dunloe Tour by Foot & Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 157 reviews · from $51

Travel from Killarney by coach to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, then cross the Gap of Dunloe on foot or by optional pony and trap. Stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage before a scenic boat ride through three Killarney lakes to Ross Castle. Guides such as Kevin and Donald add local stories, humor, and useful context.

“Fabulous trip - best choice for people who want to explore but don't have their own transport. Beautiful walk through the Gap of Dunloe and wonderfully knowledge guide for the boat trip. Forgot the big tour buses - choose this tour for the best experience!”

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4.1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney’s Largest Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 151 reviews · 55 minutes (approx.) · from $20

Set out from Ross Castle for a 55-minute cruise across Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest lake. Your captain provides live English commentary on Ross Castle, Innisfallen Island, local history, plants, and wildlife. The enclosed boat offers easy boarding and shelter, while clear weather gives you the best views of the mountains and water.

“Captain was very knowledgeable and very helpful 👏 boat very smoothly would recommend it to anyone else”

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5.Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 72 reviews · from $62

You’ll travel from Killarney to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, walk the six-mile Gap of Dunloe or pay extra for a jaunting cart, then cruise the Gearhameen River and Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle. English-speaking boatmen share local insights. Bring sturdy shoes and rain gear, since the walk is long and the boat can get wet.

“Even in the rain the views are magnificent. Ben and Lucy were expert guides, felt like a fairy tale experience. The rugged emotional backdrop of dramatic uniquely Irish scenery is thrilling. Highly recommend!”

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6.Gap of Dunloe Walking and Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 72 reviews · from $68

Combine a self-guided 7-mile walk through the Gap of Dunloe with a 90-minute boat trip across the Lakes of Killarney. You’ll see Purple Mountain, the Meeting of the Waters, Innisfallen Island, and Ross Castle. The walk is hilly and time-sensitive, but jaunting cars offer a cash-paid alternative.

“The views were amazing. We decided to walk the gap and enjoyed every minute of it, even despite the wind and rain. The boat tour was also great, and the guide was friendly. I only wish we had more time to view the Ross Castle, as our bus was waiting for us on our arrival and only allowed a few minutes to view the grounds. Otherwise, fantastic outing!”

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7.Guided Boat Tour to Innisfallen Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · from $24

You’ll take a 10-minute open-air boat ride from Reen Pier to Innisfallen Island, then spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring its 21 acres with an English-speaking guide. See the 12th-century abbey and Romanesque church, hear about the monastery founded in 640, and watch for Sika deer before returning to Ross Castle.

“This was a fantastic trip to Innisfallen Island. Don’t miss it!!”

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8.Skellig Michael: Skellig Sightseeing Cruise with AquaTerra

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $96Top rated

Join AquaTerra’s two-hour small-group cruise from the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre. Your skipper and guide take you past Valentia Island, Kerry Cliffs, Puffin Island, Skellig Michael, and Small Skellig, with chances to spot dolphins, seals, seabirds, and whales. English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German audio guides are available. This cruise does not land on the islands.

“The boat was great, we had rough waters our captain Brenden delivered us safely to and from the Skellig Islands. Elisabeth our guide was well informed and very personable. The boat “Skellig Bounty” has a canopy which was a welcome feature today keeping us dry and comfortable. We spent ample time viewing the islands, we had a pod of dolphin’s swimming alongside the boat, it was specular!”

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9.Gap of Dunloe: Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour and Scenic Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 11 reviews · from $40

Start with a self-guided 12-kilometre walk through the Gap of Dunloe, then board a traditional open-air boat at Lord Brandon’s Cottage. An English-speaking guide explains the sights as you cross the Lakes of Killarney, including the Meeting of the Waters, Old Weir Bridge, Innisfallen Island, and Ross Castle. Bring water, rain gear, and cash for lunch.

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10.Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour with Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · from $68

You’ll travel from Killarney to the Gap of Dunloe, with the option to hire a traditional jaunting car for the 12-kilometer route. Then cruise the Lakes of Killarney past Innisfallen Island, the Old Weir Bridge, and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Guides may include boatman Patrick and driver Tim. Bring cash for the cart and lunch.

“Patrick out boat operator was amazing and our jaunty ride with Brian the horse was fantastic.”

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