Ireland · TOURS IN KERRY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 tours in Kerry worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Board the MV Lily of Killarney at Ross Castle for a one-hour cruise on Lough Léin. Your English-speaking captain and guide, often Paul or Frank, points out Innisfallen Monastery, ancient oak and yew forests, wildlife, and Carrauntoohil. The heated, glass-covered boat runs daily and returns to the castle pier.
“Was wonderful views and boat guide helped fill in some details.”
Travel from Killarney around the Ring of Kerry in a smaller coach with an English-speaking local guide. You’ll see MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Skellig Islands, Waterville, Sneem, Moll’s Gap, and Killarney National Park. Guides such as Kevin and John add Irish stories, music, humor, and local context along the way.
“It was just wonderful. So many crazy beautiful locations! Tons of emotions! And the great, funny and caring guide makes this unforgettable trip ultimately perfect! Highly reccomend!”
Ride from stables just outside Killarney into Knockreer Estate, with a guide, horse, helmet, and boots included. You’ll pass near Lough Leane, watch for red and sika deer, and follow forest and estate trails beneath Kerry’s mountains. Beginners are welcome, children must be at least eight, and you should arrive 30 minutes early.
“The riding was fantastic!!!! The staff goes above sns beyond. The horses are great. The views are out of this world. BUT we found out we paid DOUBLE the cost if we had booked directly with the farm. Book through the Killarney Riding Stables. Don’t make the same mistake we did.”
Travel from Killarney around the Iveragh Peninsula with an English-speaking guide such as Dave, John, Sean, or Frank. Expect rural villages, coastal views, Molls Gap, Ladies’ View, photo stops, local history, and folklore. Lunch and entrance fees cost extra. The tour lasts 6.5 hours and returns to Killarney.
“It was great! Driver was incredible. Great time for all of us! Highly recommend!”
Start at Ross Castle, transfer to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, and travel seven miles through the Gap of Dunloe by pony and trap. After a break at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, board a traditional open boat for a two-hour journey across Killarney’s three lakes, ending at Ross Castle. Guides such as Rory, Patrick, and Patsy add local stories along the way.
“The family business has operated this type of tour for over 250 years. Great experience with local guides and local history. Horse carriage and boat ride were excellent. You get a real sense of the land and the people with this outdoor activity.”
Travel from Killarney to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, then walk or pay for a pony-and-trap ride through the Gap of Dunloe. After lunch at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, cruise three Killarney lakes to Ross Castle with an entertaining boat guide such as Donald, before returning by coach.
“The boat trip was great fun altogether - our guide entertained us in full Kerry style.”
Travel from Killarney around the Dingle Peninsula in a small coach with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see Slea Head and the Blasket Islands, visit Dingle town, and stop near prehistoric and medieval remains such as Gallarus Oratory. Guides including Donal and Barry have added local stories, photo stops, and a well-paced route.
“It was beautiful, Barry was our driver and he was funny and informative.”
Travel with Peter Stanley Tours on a private 6 to 8 hour drive around the Ring of Kerry. You can visit Torc Waterfall, Kenmare, Cahergall Fort, Ballycarbery Castle, Valentia Island, Kerry Cliffs, and Coomakista, with time for local suggestions and photo stops.
“Everything! The views were spectacular and our guide, Peter brought an abundance of stories and history to life for us. The views are truly magical as you zig and zag through the mountains and coast. The Kerry Cliffs are more stunning than you can imagine! We were treated with such kindness. It was a joy from beginning to end!”
Set out from Knightstown on Valentia Island for a 2-hour-15-minute boat trip past Bray Head, Kerry Cliffs, Puffin Island, Skellig Michael, and Illaunloughan. A captain and crew guide the route, while AquaTerra’s multilingual audio headsets explain the islands’ Christian past, folklore, wildlife, and UNESCO status. The boat does not land on the Skelligs.
“This tour delivered. Comfortable ride out and back to the Skelligs. The team was professional and friendly. The recorded tour guide part was great with interesting facts of the area as well as additional details from the crew. The Skelligs were absolutely breathtaking, and were captivating views from every angle. Do yourself a favor and book this tour. This felt like the “once in a lifetime” experience and I was happy to have done it.”
Join Brendan and Elizabeth of Aqua Terra Boat Tours for a 90-minute English-language cruise around Valentia Harbour. From a glass-covered boat, you’ll see Church Island’s monastery, Beginish Island, the lighthouse, Cahersiveen Castle, and Knightstown’s transatlantic cable story. Groups are limited to 12, with private trips also available.
“This tour was great! Elizabeth and Brendan were fun and knowledgeable. I enjoyed hearing about Irish history and culture. Highly recommend!”
Spend about 6.5 hours touring Dingle Peninsula in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with pickup in Dingle town. Your guide handles the narrow Conor Pass and Slea Head roads while sharing local stories at beaches, beehive huts, Dunmore Head, Gallarus Oratory, and Kilmalkedar Church. Tony is one guide named in the tour feedback.
“Our guide Tony was full of history and knowledge of Ireland. He took us to beautiful beaches and museums and of course a couple of pubs. It was a ten of an experience!”
Join local photographer George of Dingle Darkroom for a 3.5-hour evening tour around Slea Head. You’ll visit Coumeenoole Strand, Clogher Head, Dunquin Pier viewpoints, Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkedar Church, secluded coves, and sunset stops while learning to use your camera or phone more effectively.
“Our experience was great. George knew exactly where to stop for the best views and we were able to see things we wouldn’t have found on our own. This was an excellent stress free way to experience this drive to the fullest. I’m very inexperienced at taking photos and he taught me some basic things to improve my ability. Would definitely recommend!”
Join Aqua Terra from the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre for a two-hour cruise toward Skellig Michael and Small Skellig. Your skipper and guide share local history and wildlife details through English, French, Spanish, Italian, or German audio options. You stay aboard, with no island landing, while watching for puffins, dolphins, whales, seals, and seabirds.
“The boat was great, we had rough waters our captain Brenden delivered us safely to and from the Skellig Islands. Elisabeth our guide was well informed and very personable. The boat “Skellig Bounty” has a canopy which was a welcome feature today keeping us dry and comfortable. We spent ample time viewing the islands, we had a pod of dolphin’s swimming alongside the boat, it was specular!”
Travel the Ring of Kerry with a private guide and driver, usually Peter, Tony, or William, with hotel pickup and a flexible route. Expect Torc Waterfall, Ladies’ View, Kenmare, Kerry Cliffs, Cahergall Fort, and Kerry Bog Village, plus time for food, photos, and custom stops.
“This tour was great! I highly recommend. We were actually booked on a day that the weather was awful. The local guide, Peter, graciously agreed to delay for a day, despite the fact that he was not available the following day and would need to arrange for an alternate guide. We were left in the very capable hands of William and he was awesome! He shared a lot of history and filled our day with awesome sights and great conversation. The weather couldn't have been better - William continued to remark about the difference 24 hours makes with Ireland weather. I highly recommend a private tour - worth every penny.”
Travel from Killarney to the Gap of Dunloe, add a traditional jaunting-car ride for €35 per person, then cruise the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle. Guides such as Tim and boat operator Patrick help keep the day moving, while weather may reverse the route. Bring cash, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
“The views through the Gap of Dunloe are stunning. Please note that the horse jaunting carts are an extra cost. They are also extremely small for four people. My husband and I paid extra for our own cart and the ride was lovely. Boat ride was also wonderful even in the rain. Make sure you have extra cash if you want to eat something at Brandon’s Cottage.”
Start on a coast road, at a castle gate or on a bar stool.
