Gap of Dunloe tour

xyz99 · Veteran Member

Gap of Dunloe tour

Michele Erdvig · Host

xyz99,

When passing through Killarney on your way from Dingle to Kenmare I suggest you do Muckross House & Gardens (and traditional farms if they are of interest), Torc Waterfall (weather permitting) and Ross Castle. You should have time for that. If there are other castles you will be visiting on your trip you could skip Ross if need be. You will have to backtrack to Ross Castle, since Muckross is a few miles past it on the Kenmare road.

While you are in Killarney doing that, stop first at the tourist office. They will have the exact schedules for boats, etc. at the Gap of Dunloe. These things vary by season and it is always best to ask locally since things can change. There are no taxi stands at either end of the gap. Ask the tourist office for a taxi suggestion and phone number so you can order one if you want.

It is possible to do the gap on your own and put the pieces together yourself. It can be done from either direction (either Kate Kearney's Cottage or Ross Castle). You will have to bargain with the jarveys for your horse-drawn ride. Personally, I think it would be much easier to do the organized tour since they provide all the transportation and tie up all the loose ends. But that is your decision. The Gap of Dunloe is a whole day trip in itself.

Michele

Dude · Guru

When we were at Ross Castle we wanted to take the boat tour but he wouldn't go with fewer than a certain number, I don't remember how many but more than the 5 of us. So keep that in mind when "doing it yourself."

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dude,

Good point. Another reason for the package tour.

Michele

xyz99 · Veteran Member

Hmm, I think I need to reconsider the organized tour. Any company recommendation? If not, I assume that if we ask at the tourist office in Killarney, they would tell us about what’s available and departure times – right?

Should we make reservations ahead? I mean, weeks ahead, before we leave? Or the day before? Or the day of?

Thanks

Michele Erdvig · Host

xyz99,

Dero's Tours has a rate that is all-inclusive so you don't even have to bargain with the jarveys: www.derostours.com Send them an email and they will be able to tell you how far ahead to book. Since you are going in August it is probably a good idea to book a bit in advance but they will be able to tell you exactly how far in advance.

Michele

xyz99 · Veteran Member

Michele.Thanks for the Deros website – they don’t see to have an email address, so I guess I’ll need to call them.

The other thing – the Loch Lein looks great, I am so torn now…should I keep my reservation in Kenmare or stay in Killarney? Would it be better to stay in Kenmare and back-track to Killarney for the Gap of Dunloe? Or stay in Killarney and drive to Beara? Decisions, decisions….

Michele Erdvig · Host

xyz99,

Dero's has an email form: http://www.derostours.com/emailform.html

It is a tough decision about Killarney and Kenmare. Any way you look at it some backtracking will happen. The two places are about 45 - 60 minutes apart so you are best off deciding on one and staying put. Since you have the early morning Gap of Dunloe start maybe Killarney has a slight edge in the contest.

Michele

xyz99 · Veteran Member

Thanks Michele, I will contact Deros for details on their tour.

As for Kemnare vs Killarney….I’ll let you know when I decide. That’s a hard one

xyz99 · Veteran Member

Michele,

I was just wondering - is it safe to stop/park the car and visit Ross Castle and Muckross House while all our bags are in the car? Most likely the bags will be in the trunk (not visible) but still...

Thanks

Michele Erdvig · Host

xyz99,

I do it all the time (leaving luggage in the trunk). I have not had a problem in over 30 years. There is usually a lot of activity in those parking lots and someone breaking into cars would get immediate attention -- by the police!

Michele

xyz99 · Veteran Member

Michele,
That's great, thanks. One less thing to worry about...