Killarney: Jaunting Car Ride to Ross Castle & Park Sights

Summary

Jaunting car ride through Killarney’s wild greens to lakeside castle stories

You’ll ride by horse-drawn jaunting car from Killarney through lush parkland, passing St. Mary’s Cathedral and Deenagh Lodge before reaching lakeside Ross Castle. With a local guide sharing legends and laughs along the way, expect sensory moments—the scent of wet grass, distant church bells—and time to pause for photos or just silence by the water.

What’s the experience like?

I climbed up onto the jaunting car just outside the park entrance, feeling a bit awkward until our driver—Mick, I think—grinned and told me not to worry about my “city shoes.” The horse (he said her name was Molly) gave this little huff like she’d seen a thousand nervous tourists before. Right away, you get that soft clip-clop echoing off the trees in Killarney, and it’s weirdly calming. There was a smell—like wet grass mixed with something sweet from the wildflowers along the path. I kept catching glimpses of St. Mary’s Cathedral through the branches, its spire poking up like it was keeping an eye on us.

Mick had stories for every turn. He pointed out Deenagh Lodge (“thatched roof’s older than my mother-in-law,” he joked), and then we followed the river where he said you might spot red deer if you’re lucky. We didn’t see any that day—just a flash of brown—but I liked how he slowed down so we could listen to birds instead of rushing past everything. There were families walking, some kids waving at us like we were royalty or something. It started to drizzle for maybe five minutes; Molly just shook her mane and plodded on like rain was nothing new.

When we finally rolled up to Ross Castle, I got this odd shiver—not cold exactly, more like stepping into a storybook. The lake looked silver under the clouds, and Mick told us about the O’Donoghue chieftain who supposedly vanished into those waters (I probably butchered his name trying to repeat it). He let us hop down for photos—he even offered to take one for me when I fumbled with my phone—and there was this quiet moment where all you could hear was water lapping against the stone. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jaunting Car Tour to Ross Castle

• Start traditional Jaunting Car ride
• Pass St. Mary’s Cathedral
• View Deenagh Lodge and River
• Explore Killarney National Park
• Learn about Irish Red Deer
• Stop at Ross Castle
• Hear stories of O’Donoghue Chieftains
• Capture scenic photos

Top questions

How long does the jaunting car tour in Killarney take?

The tour typically lasts around 1-2 hours including stops at main sights.

Does the tour include entry to Ross Castle?

The tour stops at Ross Castle for photos and stories but does not include interior entry.

Is pickup included in this Killarney jaunting car ride?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a central location near Killarney Park.

Are children allowed on the jaunting car tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult during the ride.

Can infants join? Are strollers or prams allowed?

Infants can join and may ride in a pram or stroller as space allows on board.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The jaunting car is accessible for most fitness levels; service animals are also allowed.

Will we see Irish Red Deer during the day trip?

You might spot Irish Red Deer in Killarney Park but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Does this day trip operate in bad weather?

The tour operates rain or shine; light rain is common but covered seating is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees, skip-the-line access at busy spots, a professional driver-guide sharing live commentary throughout your journey from Killarney town through parkland to Ross Castle—with time to pause for photos or questions along the way.