Killarney Jaunting Car Tour: Ross Castle & National Park

An hour on horseback wheels through centuries of Irish landscape

A traditional jaunting car tour through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle, with a live English-speaking guide and stops at scenic landmarks including St. Mary's Cathedral and the Deenagh Lodge. The guide shares the history of the 15th-century castle, the O'Donoghue Chieftains and the park's Irish red deer population. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ross Castle20m
2. Killarney National Park1h · entry included

Jaunting Car Tour to Ross Castle

• Start traditional Jaunting Car ride
• Pass St. Mary’s Cathedral
• See Deenagh Lodge and River
• Explore Killarney National Park
• Stop at scenic photo locations
• Visit 15th century Ross Castle
• Learn about castle history and legends
• Discover park wildlife including Irish Red Deer

The experience

The jaunting car leaves from Killarney and heads into the National Park, where your guide points out the gothic spire of St. Mary's Cathedral rising nearly 300 feet, then moves deeper into the 26,000 acres of landscape where Irish red deer still live. The carriage follows the Deenagh Lodge and River as it winds through the park, pausing at dramatic scenic spots so you can photograph the moment before the route turns toward the water.

Ross Castle sits on the shores of Lough Lein, a 15th-century stronghold built by the O'Donoghue Chieftains. Your guide tells the story of the castle's fall to the Cromwellian Army during the conquest of Ireland, the legends tied to the lake itself, and what the fortress meant to the landscape around it. The hour is structured so the castle becomes the natural endpoint of the ride, not a rushed final stop.

You travel in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, which is how people moved through this landscape for centuries. The guide is live and speaks English throughout. All taxes, fees and handling charges are included, and you skip the long lines that form at popular stops. Children ride free if accompanied by an adult, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide.
• professional driver.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• skip-the-line access at scenic stops.
• stops at St. Mary's Cathedral, the Deenagh Lodge and River, and Ross Castle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:15

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (4 to 16 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Killarney Jaunting Cars - Tangney Tours Ireland

Is this one for you?Book this for a first morning in Killarney when you want to move through the landscape without arranging transport or timing yourself: the carriage, the guide and the route are already set, and an hour is enough to see why the castle and the park matter to the place.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 16 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Ross Castle and why does the guide spend time there?

Ross Castle is a 15th-century fortress on Lough Lein built by the O'Donoghue Chieftains. The guide explains its history, including its fall to the Cromwellian Army during Ireland's conquest, and the legends connected to the castle and the lake, making it the focal point where the jaunting car route ends.

How much of Killarney National Park do you see on this tour?

The jaunting car travels through the park's 26,000 acres, passing the Deenagh Lodge and River and stopping at several scenic spots. You also see St. Mary's Cathedral and its nearly 300-foot gothic spire from the carriage, though the route is designed to showcase the landscape rather than cover the entire park.

Will I see wildlife on the jaunting car ride?

Irish red deer live in Killarney National Park, and your guide points out the nature of the park and its famous wildlife inhabitants as you travel. Sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the guide shares knowledge of the animals that inhabit the landscape.

How long is the jaunting car tour and what's included in the price?

The tour lasts one hour and includes all taxes, fees and handling charges, a professional driver and guide with live English commentary, and guaranteed skip-the-line access at scenic stops. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.