Organized Tours

In addition to Killarney's main sights, some bus tours also venture into the two prime scenic areas nearby: the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. From May to September, tours are offered daily; prices range from around €18 to €25 per person. This list is far from exhaustive, but the following companies take tours outside Killarney: Bus Éireann, Bus Depot, Railway Road, off East Avenue Road (tel. 064/663-4777; www.buseireann.ie); Corcoran's Chauffeur Tours, 8 College St. (tel. 064/663-6666; www.corcorantours.com); and Dero's Tours, 22 Main St. (tel. 064/663-1251 or 663-1567; www.derostours.com).

Buggy Tours -- The quaint horse-driven buggies known as "jaunting carts" or "jarveys" that constantly clip-clop down the lanes around the lakes are one of the most persistent and charming features of the Killarney landscape. If you decide to give them a try, note that jaunting-car rates are set and monitored by the Killarney Urban District Council, so if you're quoted a price that seems outlandish, pass on by and try the next one. Current rates (per person, based on four people to a jaunting cart) run roughly from €12 for a basic tour to €25 for a tour including lake cruise. The buggies are arguably the best way to get around the national park, since cars are not allowed. The price depends on the destinations, which include Ross Castle, Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey, Dinis Island, and Kate Kearney's Cottage, gateway to the Gap of Dunloe. You can hire a buggy at the park near Muckross House, or to arrange a tour in advance, contact Tangney Tours, 10B Muckross Close, Killarney (tel. 064/663-3358; www.killarneyjauntingcars.com).