Killarney Lakes and Countryside

Price From £126pps

Killarney has over 250 years experience in welcoming guests. With Ireland's finest choice of Accommodation, Dining & Entertainment, Touring & Shopping Options, Sporting Activities galore and many nearby Blue Flag Beaches, - all located in the midst of breathtaking and ever-changing beautiful landscapes, you will not be disappointed.

The residents of killarney are all very proud of their vibrant "little" town and the incredibly beautiful surrounding countryside which makes Killarney a very special place indeed. It is a superb place to visit but it is also a superb place to live and work. Killarney is populated with enthusiastic and welcoming people, eager to make sure that they are always moving forward and that their many visitors leave satisfied with their experiences. This enthusiasm is reflected in successive awards for Ireland's Tidy Towns and Europe's Entente Florale.

Our short break to Killarney includes the following:

• 3 nights in the Killarney Avenue Hotel (or similar)
• Full Irish breakfast each morning
• VAT at current rate

When in Killarney you should book for 'Tunes in the Church'.  They present an authentic experience of traditional Irish music, song and dance. They perform on Tuesdays and Thursdays and each night presents a different line-up of some of the tradition's most respected artists within the ambiance of St. Mary's Church, Killarney.  Visit their website for bookings and further information.

Further tour options in Killarney:

Muckross House & Gardens:  Approx Tour Duration 1¾ hours
This jaunt provides spectacular viewing of Killarney National Park including Muckross Lake and the 15th Century Muckross Abbey. You will be informed & entertained with local folklore & history of the area. You will finish your journey at the internationally renowned Muckross House & Gardens, where you will experience Victorian elegance in all its grandeur. You can enjoy a brief visit of here and your jaunting car is waiting to return you to your hotel.

Ross Castle & Killarney Estate:  Approx Tour Duration 1 hour
Step back in time and enjoy Irish tradition at its best, come on board a horse and carriage and take a unique tour and visit some of Killarney’s many beauty spots. While on tour your eye is drawn to the majestic high spire of St Mary’s Cathedral. This tour through history, legend & folklore rambles its way along Killarney National Park, Deer Parks and onto Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Léin. Your tour journey takes you through areas where no motor traffic is permitted, allowing you to experience an absolute paradise. A short stopover at this restored 15th Century castle, allows for a real glimpse of ancient Ireland at its finest. Ross Castle was home to the legendary Gaelic Chieftain O’Donoghue Ross and the last Irish fortress to fall to Cromwell in 1652.  You will be returned to the town centre or your hotel awed by the experience.

Check out the video

MV The Lily of Killarney Lake Cruise:  Sailing Duration 1 hour
Cruise on Killarney’s largest lake Lough Léin (the lake of learning) in the comfort & safety of a covered, heated & modern vessel. Drift through the islands on board “The Lily of Killarney” cruiser and relax in the beauty & splendour that surrounds you.

You may be fortunate to see the magnificent Red Deer herds that roam the Killarney Valley and the long lost resident “The White Tailed Eagle” now soaring over the Lakes of Killarney.  Throughout your tour your captain will give you insight knowledge into the spectacular scenery, flora, fauna and historical sites of the area. Tape commentaries available on request for groups in French, German, Spanish & Italian. Daily Sailings: 10.30- 12:00- 13:45– 15:15- 16:30.

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Traditional Jaunting Car Tour & Lakes of Killarney Cruise:  Approx Tour Duration 2 hours
This is a must for any guest to Killarney; experience the most beautiful part of Ireland in the most memorable way.  You haven’t really experienced Killarney, if you have not taken a jaunting car tour. The ideal way to see Killarney National Parklands and the famous Lakes of Killarney is on a jaunting car (horse & carriage) combined with a lake cruise

Your tour will start on board a traditional jaunting car where you will ramble through the Killarney National Park & Ross Castle with the local jarvey. This spectacular tour will inform you on the history, legends & folklore of the area, and if you are lucky enough you might just bump into the odd 1 or 2 Leprechauns!!!  You will see the wonderfully restored 15th Century Ross Castle home to the legendary Gaelic Chieftain O’Donoghue Ross and the last fortress to fall to Cromwell in the mid 1600’s.

Once arriving on the doorstep of Ross Castle you will then take a cruise on Killarney’s largest lake, Lough Léin in the comfort & safety of a covered heated & modern vessel. Drift through the island on board “The Lily of Killarney” cruiser and relax in the beauty & splendour that surrounds you. Sailing Times: 10:30- 12:00-13:45- 15:15- 16:30. This tour can be done in reverse and also return transfers can be arranged. This tour can be done in reverse- on request and subject to availability.

Traditional Jaunting Car & Open Boat Tour of Killarney.  Approx Tour Duration 2 hours
Enjoy the best of both worlds; experience Killarney National Parklands by land and water.

Come on board a traditional jaunting car unique to Killarney where you will take a leisurely jaunt through the Killarney National Parklands. Your jarvey will inform you on the local history, legends & folklore of the area and share in some local banter.

The second part of the tour sees you taking a traditional open boat tour from Ross Castle on Loch Léin and drifting under Bricin Bridge through to Muckross Lake where you will arrive by boat in front of the magnificent Victorian mansion Muckross House & Gardens. You will be entertained from start to finish on the tour. This tour can be done in reverse- on request and subject to availability.

The Gap of Dunloe Day Tour:  Approx Tour Duration 5 hours
The journey begins at approx 10.30 am at the wonderfully restored 15th century Ross Castle  where you are taken by the traditional open boats through the Three Lakes of Killarney passing by Innisfallen Island, Bricin Bridge, Colleen Bawn Rock, Torc Mountain, Old Weir Bridge , The Meetings of The Waters just to mention a few. The boat journey takes approximately 2 hours and ends at the local cottage restaurant Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you can enjoy a light snack.

Here you change to a pony and trap and jaunt through the Gap of Dunloe where you can view a spectacular glaciated valley. The tour is the perfect way to see the rich and varied vegetation and scenery Killarney has to offer. Your day ends at the renowned Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Approx Finish Time: 15:30- 15:45. This tour can be done in reverse- on request and subject to availability.

Check out the video

Video of Killarney and surrounds

We can also organise Stena Line ferry for both cars and passengers on the following routes:

• Fishguard-Rosslare
• Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire
• Holyhead-Dublin Port
• Stranraer-Belfast

For further information and bookings please contact:
Email: lesley@best-of-scotland.co.uk
Tel: +44(0)1592 752990
Fax:  +44 (0)1592 758966
Toll Free: 1-888 678 1567 USA/Canada