Killarney is one of the easiest places in Ireland to tour without a car. The Ring of Kerry coach tour is a local institution and a real alternative to driving the narrow road yourself. The Gap of Dunloe trip, combining a mountain pass with a boat through the three lakes, is the best day out in the area.
Hand-picked tours & tickets
Day trip from €49 From Killarney: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Tour
The full circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula by coach, with stops for views, villages and lunch — typically Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem, Moll’s Gap and Ladies View.
Walk & boat from €60 Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killarney Boat Tour
Bus to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, walk (or take a pony trap at extra cost) through the Gap of Dunloe, then return by open boat through the three lakes to Ross Castle.
Cruise from €17 Lakes of Killarney Boat Cruise
An easy hour on a covered boat on Lough Leane from Ross Castle, with commentary on the islands, wildlife and legends of the lake.
Small group from €75 Kerry Cliffs, Skellig Ring & Ring of Kerry Tour
A small-group day that leaves the main road for the Skellig Ring: Portmagee, the Kerry Cliffs and views out to the Skellig islands, where big coaches cannot go.
Day trip from €60 From Killarney: Dingle & Slea Head Peninsula Day Tour
Over to the neighbouring peninsula for Inch Beach, Dingle town and the Slea Head Drive, with views of the Blasket Islands.
From Dublin from €149 Rail Tour from Dublin: The Ring of Kerry
A long day from the capital: train to Killarney, a coach tour of the Ring, and the train back. For those who cannot spare a night in Kerry.
Prices are indicative “from” prices seen on GetYourGuide and change with season and currency — the link shows the live price.
Booking notes
- Skellig Michael landings are not sold here. Only a small number of licensed boats, mostly from Portmagee, may land passengers, during a season that runs roughly from mid-May to the end of September. Numbers are capped, trips sell out months ahead and are often cancelled by the sea. Book directly with a licensed operator and have a back-up plan. Non-landing “eco” cruises around the islands are easier to get.
- Jaunting cars (horse-drawn traps) are hired on the spot in town and at Muckross; agree the route and price before setting off.
- Gap of Dunloe trips involve an 11 km walk unless you pay for a pony trap, and run mainly from spring to autumn.
- The Ring tour runs all year, but views depend on the weather. If you have two days, pick the clearer one.
