If you’re not confident in hiring a car and driving yourself around County Kerry’s tourist-clogged roads, plenty of companies will take you to see the major sights on organized bus tours. Most depart from Killarney, the most popular base for exploring the Ring of Kerry. Prices vary enormously according to what you choose, but expect to pay somewhere in the region of €20 to €50 per person. Two recommended operators are Corcoran's Chauffeur Tours, 8 College St. (www.corcorantours.com; 064/663-6666); and Dero’s Tours, 22 Main St. (www.derostours.com; 064/663-1251 or 663-1567). Both run full-day tours of the Ring of Kerry, tours to Dingle and the Slea Head Peninsula, and a variety of tours centered around Killarney National Park. The downside, of course, is that you won’t possibly have enough time to see everything properly.
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-cart 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 around €15 for a basic tour, or €20 for a tour including lake cruise, up to €80 for a 2-hour tour of the Muckross Estate, Lower Lake, and the Abbey. 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 Killarney Jaunting Cars, 10B Muckross Close, Killarney (064/663-3358; www.killarneyjauntingcars.com).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
