Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately)

This is one of those County Kerry days that packs serious scenery into a simple flow. You start with bus transfers, then head onto a boat for the Lakes of Killarney, and you can add the classic pony-pulled jaunting cart for the Gap of Dunloe.

I especially like how the schedule does the heavy lifting for you, so you can park the rental-car stress and just enjoy the ride. I also love the mix of angles, boat views plus the dramatic Gap pass. One thing to plan for is that the jaunting cart is paid separately in cash, and the Gap section is not for people who need step-free or low-effort travel.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• A combo day that actually saves time: The full bus transfer handles your getting there and back, so you spend less time figuring out routes.
• About 90 minutes on the lakes: The boat portion is a big part of the value, with views tied to Ross Castle and Lough Leane.
• Optional jaunting cart, max 4 per cart: You can choose the cart for the Gap, but it is not included in the tour price.
• Cash matters: The cart driver is paid directly, in cash, and having it ready avoids delays.
• Weather changes the comfort level: Rain is common around the lakes, and the day includes time outdoors on both boat and Gap routes.
• Small-group feel, still not tiny: The tour caps at 60 travelers, so you are not alone, but it does not feel like a huge group crush.

Why This Bus, Boat, and Jaunting Cart Day Works in Killarney

County Kerry is gorgeous, but it can also be a logistical headache. This tour is interesting because it stitches three core experiences together into one timed day: bus for the long stretches, boat for the lakes, and the jaunting cart for the Gap of Dunloe option. That combination is exactly what you want when you only have a day or two around Killarney.

The value is in reducing friction. Instead of driving yourself, parking, and coordinating boat timing, you follow the plan. You get the views without the mental load. And because the jaunting cart is optional, you can match the day to your comfort level, energy, and weather.

Getting Started at O’Connors Traditional Pub at 10:00 am

Your day begins at O’Connors Traditional Pub on High Street in Killarney. The meeting point is listed as 7 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry (V93 DV26), and the start time is 10:00 am. The activity returns you back to that same meeting point, so you are not scrambling for your next transfer.

Pickup is offered, which can be a big deal if you do not want to time a bus to town or shuffle luggage around. Either way, this is a schedule day, so I recommend you arrive a bit early, use the restroom, and be ready to go when the bus lines up.

One practical point from real-world experience with this kind of timed itinerary: if anything feels off early in the day, speak up quickly. When the timing gets tangled, the fixes usually come faster if you flag it right away.

Gap of Dunloe: Jaunting Cart Option vs. Walking Time

The Gap of Dunloe is the dramatic centerpiece people come for, about 7 miles (11 km) across. In this tour, you have two ways to handle that section: ride the jaunting cart or walk parts of the Gap.

The jaunting cart: fun, classic, and paid separately

If you choose the cart, it is hired at either Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Lord Brandon’s Cottage. The cart is limited to max 4 people, and it is paid directly to the driver in cash. The info you may see gives two published cost styles: €100 per cart (max 4 people), and €35 per person (also with max 4 per cart). The same material also notes an increase to €120 for the 2023 season. The safest move is simple: bring cash and confirm the exact total your driver is asking before you board.

The ride through the Gap takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, so this is not a quick pony ride. You are out there long enough to see the Gap change with light, and you will feel the altitude and grade.

Walking parts: doable for many, but come prepared

If you plan to walk, the climb and footing matter. One helpful real-life tip: plan for some uphill effort during the jaunting part, because the horse may tire during a steep incline, especially when a cart has multiple riders. That means you should have water, wear layers, and keep your shoes comfortable.

This is not a “bounce around in sandals” kind of day.

The Boat on the Lakes of Killarney: Ross Castle and the Meeting of the Waters

The boat portion is where the day gets cinematic in a different way. You take a boat journey through the three Lakes of Killarney, listed as about 90 minutes. From the water, you get a quieter view of the valley, plus a sense of scale that you just cannot get from the road.

Two specific highlights matter here:

• Ross Castle views: The boat ride includes great views of Ross Castle, which overlooks Lough Leane.
• Old Weir Bridge at the Meeting of the Waters: You also pass the Old Weir Bridge, found where the lakes meet, a classic photo spot because it looks so old against the moving water.

If you are sensitive to wind or spray, bring rain gear even on sunny days. Boats feel cooler on the water, and Ireland will do Ireland things.

Also, the boat time is not just time. It is a change in pace. After the bus and possibly the Gap walk or cart ride, you get to sit back, look around, and let the scenery roll past at a slower speed.

Lord Brandon’s Cottage Area: A Breather Before the Boat Return

Between Gap time and the boat ride back, you get time in the area around Lord Brandon’s Cottage. This is useful in two ways. First, it gives you a breather, especially if you walked uphill or waited for the cart. Second, it gives you a chance to regroup and reset before you head back onto the water.

Some people also note that there are treats available at Brandon’s Cottage. Even if you do not plan a big snack, it is still the kind of stop where you can stretch your legs and warm up with something small.

Price and Value: What Your $70.14 Covers, and the Jaunting Cart Add-On

The tour price is $70.14 per person for about 5 hours (approx.). It includes air-conditioned vehicle service and the big-ticket logistics: morning bus transfers and the return bus transfer, plus the boat journey portion through the lakes.

What is not included is the jaunting cart. That is the one extra cost that can surprise people because it feels like it should be part of the full experience. It is not. You pay it directly to the driver in cash.

Here is how I think about the overall value. If you were to tackle this day on your own, you would still need a way to get to the Gap start, coordinate transport between the Gap area and the lakes boat boarding, and line up a boat during the correct time window. This tour packages that structure for you. You pay a fixed amount for the core parts, and then you decide how you want to experience the Gap itself.

So, yes, you should budget for the cart. But you are not buying it “instead of” the tour. You are adding it to the parts you would otherwise still have to organize.

Comfort, Fitness, and Who This Tour Suits Best

This experience lists a moderate physical fitness level. That matters because the Gap area involves walking and grades, and the jaunting cart portion can also include moments where the horse needs a hand due to steep inclines.

If you have mobility issues, plan carefully. One clear piece of guidance is that it is not the experience for people who need easier access. The good news is that the tour includes a clear option system, cart versus walking choices, but you should still assume there will be uneven ground and outdoor waiting time.

On the plus side, the group size cap is 60 travelers, which is big enough for logistics but small enough that your day is less likely to feel like a moving cattle market.

Weather Reality: Rain-Proofing Your Gap and Boat Day

This is an outdoor-heavy day. Expect that weather can shift quickly, and it might be pouring when you want it not to be.

Bring:

• A waterproof layer you trust (not just a light jacket)
• Layers you can peel off later
• Water, especially if you plan to walk uphill
• Cash for the jaunting cart driver

One thing to keep in mind: rain can make everything colder, including waiting outdoors. But it does not automatically ruin the day. The Gap and the lakes are still stunning with clouds and mist, and the boat ride remains a highlight, especially if your boat guide knows how to keep things safe and comfortable.

The Human Factor: Guides, Captains, and the Fun Part of the Day

A big part of why this trip earns strong ratings is the way the day is guided. You are not just herded around. You get explanations and storytelling that help the scenery click.

Some departures include guides such as Timothy and Paul, and you might also encounter a host named Katie sharing stories while you meet people for the ride. On the water, boat captains and boatmen often provide information along the way, and many riders say the drivers and captains bring a good sense of humor to the day.

That matters because the Gap and the lakes can feel similar if you only view them from a distance. A guide adds context, and you end up remembering more than just photos.

When Things Go Wrong: A Small Word of Caution

Most days run cleanly, but this is Ireland, and schedules can get tangled. There is at least one account of a rough start involving an aggressive bus driver, an early drop-off, waiting for the boat, and confusion over directions. The cart and boat experiences were still praised, but the beginning portion suffered due to staff and timing issues.

So here is the practical takeaway: if you notice confusion early, stay calm, check you are at the right place, and contact the team right away. If you are split up or delayed, clarify timing and your pickup points before you assume someone will fix it automatically.

Should You Book This Bus, Boat, and Jaunting Cart Tour?

Book this tour if you want a high-effort, high-view Killarney day without driving yourself. It is ideal for first-timers who want the Gap of Dunloe experience and the Lakes of Killarney boat ride in one smooth loop.

Skip or rethink it if:

• You have mobility limitations and need step-free travel.
• You hate paying an on-the-spot cash add-on.
• You cannot handle rain and outdoor waiting.

If you do book, prepare like a pro: bring cash, pack waterproof layers, and wear shoes that handle damp ground. Then lean into the day. The Gap feels bigger from up close, and the boat views of Ross Castle and the Meeting of the Waters are the kind of moments that make you stop checking your phone.

FAQ

What time does the Bus, Boat, and Jaunting Cart Tour start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at O’Connors Traditional Pub, 7 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry (V93 DV26), and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 5 hours.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

The price includes the air-conditioned vehicle and the boat journey through the three Lakes of Killarney, with full bus transfers in the morning and return in the afternoon. The jaunting cart is not included, and you pay the driver directly in cash.

Do you offer pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is the jaunting cart price included?

No. The cart is paid separately in cash, with a max of 4 people per cart. The provided details list costs such as €35 per person and also €100 per cart, with mention of €120 for the 2023 season.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level, and it is not described as a good fit for people with mobility issues.

What happens if weather is poor, or if I cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.