4 minute read
Boat Trips on the Lakes
Long Rang e & Upp e r L a k e on th e wa y f rom Lord Brandon’ s Cottage
Boat trips to the Waters and the Wild
Killarney offers an array of boat trips, chiefly on Lough Lein, the largest of the three lakes.
Muc kross Lake coming from the Meeting of the Waters
By Damien Switzer
In my opinion, the ‘Rolls Royce’ experience of them all is the Gap of Dunloe boat trip through the entire lake system. Allowing yourself an entire day for one trip might sound like a big ask but, take it from me, the hours spent outdoors will be memorable. Like a lot of locals, I take the trip at least once a year. The starting point is Ross Castle between 10am and 10.30am. The trip across Lough Lein and Muckross Lake and on up to Lord Brandon’s Cottage takes roughly two hours. There is an option of bringing a bike if you want to cycle the eight miles back through the Black Valley and the Gap of Dunloe. Otherwise, walk or take a horse and trap. At Kate Kearney’s Cottage, you can catch a bus or taxi back to town. Some walkers choose to return via the Kerry Way behind Torc Mountain if they have taken the Gap route previously. Traditional boatmen also ply for hire from the Pier at Ross Castle. I would highly recommend taking a trip out to Innisfallen Island where the 7th century abbey ruins are quite extensive, and herds of deer roam through the wooded glades. Another beautiful boat trip is the one from Dundag Boathouse beside Muckross House across the lake to Dinis Cottage. An all-weather cruising option is offered on Lough Lein by two enclosed water buses, which are ideal for groups and families. These crafts cruise the lake from the docking point at Ross Castle across to the foot of the mountains fringing the water. Trips on canoes or kayaks have grown in popularity on the lakes in recent years, especially for corporate groups. They have the advantage of bringing visitors very close to the islands dotting the lakes. They are also a terrific sensory experience for visitors who are partially-sighted. Whatever boat trip you choose, nothing compares to being out there in the middle of nature with the possibility of sighting deer, Whitetailed Eagles and a variety of other wildlife in the waters and the wild.
KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK THE TRADITIONAL WAY...
BOAT TRIP FROM ONLY €12PP
WATER BUS 1 Hour Cruise on the Lakes of Killarney with the MV Pride of the Lakes. Tours leave from Ross Castle.
JAUNTING CAR 1 Hour Jaunting Car ride through Killarney National Park.
COMBINATION TOUR 2 Hour Jaunting Car & Lake Cruise Trip.
Sailing times: 11am | 12.30pm | 2.30pm | 4pm
Book online at www.killarneylaketours.ie
Kilarney Lake Tours, Killarney, Co. Kerry 064 6632638 | info@killarneylaketours.ie | www.killarneylaketours.ie
Enjoy a 2 Course Dinner & Glass of Wine for €40*
*T&Cs apply, subject to availability, glass of house wine.
Dinner in the Garden Room at Great Southern Killarney
DINING AT THE
Built in 1854 in Killarney town centre with the remit to ‘take the guest’s breath away’, Great Southern Killarney still stands proudly as Killarney’s premier historic hotel. The team at the Great Southern take great pride in offering an authentic Irish food experience in an exquisite setting, served by culinary Warwick Thomas is the new Executive Head Chef at the Great Southern Killarney. professionals. Whether you’re looking for cocktails and a light bite in the famous Brownes Bar, or indulging in fine dining under the incredible gold gilded dome of the Garden Room, our cuisine follows the classic principle; source the freshest of quality ingredients locally, and cook to perfection.
NEW EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF AT GREAT SOUTHERN KILLARNEY
Great Southern Killarney are delighted to welcome a new Executive Head Chef this summer, with the introduction of Warwick Thomas to the team. Hailing from South Africa, and with over 25 years in the industry, Warwick brings a wealth of fine dining experience with him, having previously enjoyed stints in a number of luxury 5-Star properties. The already popular menus in Brownes Bar and The Garden Room restaurant are sure to see some exciting new additions from Warwick and GREAT SOUTHERN his team in the coming months! “I am delighted to be joining the team at such a historic hotel as the
KILLARNEY Great Southern,” Warwick said. “Having a close working relationship with our local suppliers and Whether you’re a native of Killarney, or visiting our beautiful town on your holidays, a trip to the famous Great Southern is providing excellent quality food is of the upmost importance to me. I am looking forward to continuing a must this summer. on the legacy of providing exquisite locally sourced food to our guests while also introducing my own expertise to enhance the offering.”
SUMMER DINING PROMOTION
As part of Great Southern’s summer campaign, you can enjoy a two course meal in the stunning Garden Room, complete with glass of house wine for just €40 per person (T&Cs apply). For more information, or to reserve your table, contact the Great Southern team today on +35364 663 8000, at info@greatsouthernkillarney.com, or by visiting greatsouthernkillarney.com.
