Leaving Killarney Town by coach, you travel the seven-mile journey to Kate Kearney’s Cottage on the northern side of this world famous pass. The Gap is a narrow mountain pass between Mac Gillycuddy Reeks (to the west) and the Purple Mountain (to the east) it is approximately seven miles (or 10 km) & the walk takes less than two & half hours. Pony and Traps are also available at Kate Kearney’s Cottage.

En-route you pass five lakes linked together by the river Loe, with spectacular mountains on either side.

At the end of the walk or pony and trap ride, you will arrive at Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the Gearhameen River. Here you can avail of a light lunch if you so wish.

At 2pm the boatmen will call guests to the boats for departure through three lakes and two rivers to Ross Castle, enjoying the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world – the majestic oak woods of Derrycunnihy and Tomies mountains, the Meeting of the Waters where the three lakes meet, the “shooting of the rapids” (water levels permitting) under the Old Weir Bridge, Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island, the old Copper Mines, where copper was mined in Killarney three thousand years ago. Historic Inisfallen Island, with its ruins dating back to the 6th century, where the Monks wrote The Annals of Inisfallen. Finishing point of the tour is Ross Castle, the 13th century castle home of the great chieftain – O’Donoghue.

During the boat trip, you will be told the history and legends of the area by the boatmen.

At Ross Castle your coach will be waiting to return you to your hotel or guesthouse.

Numerous operators sell tickets for the trip. I used Killarney Day Tour and the trip cost €27 per person. If you wish to take a Jaunting Car through the Gap that will cost €20 extra per person. It is also possible to do the trip in a day from Dublin or Cork and connections are available from Killarney Railway Station.