Gap of Dunloe Traditional Boat & Hiking Tour  

At 9.30am the bus will leave Ross Castle and transfer you to Kate Kearneys Cottage. Once you arrive at Kate Kearneys cottage, you will hike through the Gap of Dunloe. The Gap is a narrow mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks (to the west) and the Purple Mountain (to the east) it is approximately seven miles (or 10 km) The hike takes approx. two hours. Pony and Traps are also available - pre book in advance (not included in the price - bookable separately). En-route you pass five lakes linked together by the river Loe, with spectacular mountains on either side. At the end of the hike (or pony and trap ride), you will arrive at Lord Brandons Cottage.

 

There is a café at Lord Brandons cottage where you can buy lunch/snacks/drinks.

 

From here the boatmen will travel through three lakes and two rivers to Lord Brandons Cottage, enjoying the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world – the majestic oak woods of Derrycunnihy and Tomies mountains, the Meeting of the Waters where the three lakes meet, the “shooting of the rapids” (water levels permitting) under the Old Weir Bridge, Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island, the old Copper Mines, where copper was mined in Killarney three thousand years ago. Historic Inisfallen Island, with its ruins dating back to the 6th century, where the Monks wrote The Annals of Inisfallen. Finishing point of the tour is Ross Castle, the 13th century castle home of the great chieftain – O’Donoghue. During the boat trip, you will be told the history and legends of the area by the boatmen.

 

Wander Wild Festival works with selected local outdoor service providers to deliver our outdoor activities. In order to participate in these activities, participants will be required to provide information about those participating in the event and to comply with the service provider’s terms and conditions.