Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately)

The countryside is beautiful, especially in good weather, and it was nice to tour it from both the boat/lakes and the jaunting cart. Some tours run the reverse direction, but our tour started with a bus to Ross castle. We had time to see the informative free displays at the castle but not to take the paid formal tour. We boarded our boat and crossed a connected series of scenic lakes, then got to Lord Brandon's cottage where we bought sandwiches and had time for a leisurely lunch. Our boat captain made sure we got hooked up with a jaunting cart and they told us when it was time to go. The cart ride was lovely. They may ask people to get out and walk a bit to ease the burden on the horse, (it was a hot day and there was a section of switchbacks) but if you're incapable of walking it, I don't think they'd force you - I'm an out-of-shape senior woman, and our jarvey asked if I'd prefer to stay in the cart. There were children in another cart who weren't asked to walk either. Overall, a beautiful scenic experience. The lake and river portion was so beautiful, and the carts were a nice option for those who might miss out on the Gap of Dunloe if they weren't up for hiking a 7 mile mountain pass.

I did the boat and jaunting cart thru the gap. It was an overcast drizzly and windy day so the boat ride was cold, wet, and not much fun. It is beautiful out on the lake and it would be wonderful if the sun was shining. There is a stop before the cabin where everyone gets off and hikes a short distance (theres a low bridge and some rapids they are avoiding. The hike has some up/down on gravel and slippery rocks-you need good mobility and good shoes. (Not told of this at booking) The boat trip ends and you have time for a snack. The cafe is open air so it was cold standing in line and sitting at picnic tables. Soup was good. The jaunting carts are small, so 2-3 riders max in each. Our pony was called King, our driver was fun and the ride is a good experience. Open air with plastic tarps yo cover legs if rainy. The area is spectacular and when the sun came out in the last 30 minutes it was the best. If the weather is poor, skip it. You can go to Kate Kierneys cottage and get a cart to take you up to the wishing bridge and back. If short on time or weather is iffy, try that so 4* on a cold drizzle day but no doubt its 5* on a sunny day.

The tour was nice. I just wish we could have stopped a few times to take still photos (the reason for 4 stars instead of 5). At least at the points of the prettiest views. I also wish it would have said you have to hike a half mile or so up the mountain. I have an autoimmune condition and while I can handle a bit of a normal hike, up a mountain was a little much for me (although I understand the reason for it) and made the rest of the trip and my whole evening a struggle. I was toast the rest of the day. The guide was very nice and shared quite a bit of history and information. Beauty our horse was sweet. Beautiful area to see!

Here’s a concise review you could use: Our Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour of the Gap of Dunloe was one of the highlights of our trip. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking—some of the most beautiful landscapes we’ve ever seen. The jaunting cart was well worth the extra €35 per person, adding a unique and memorable experience to the day. Our guide, Patrick, was knowledgeable, courteous, friendly, and always happy to help. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area!

Everything was organized well. Everything was explain to us. We got lots of information and felt comfortable asking questions, which were quickly answered. The weather was mixed but the drops of rain that did fall did not take away from the experience. I would highly recommend this bus, jaunting car and boat trip and would gladly do it again.

What a beautiful experience! We took the boat over from Ross's Castle and the landscape was incredibly beautiful! Pat was our driver and shared many interesting facts while we enjoyed the amazing landscape around us! Then our group of 8 split up, with 4 walking through the gap while the other 4 took a jaunting car. The scenery was incredible! Overall, it was an amazing way to experience the beauty of Ireland!

We had a blast on the bus, boat, and jaunting cart tour of the Gap of Dunloe. Our boat operator was personable and full of funny stories and interesting information. The boat tour went through gorgeous areas. The jaunting cart was so much fun and the views were breathtaking. I’d highly recommend this tour. It was one of our favorite activities on our trip to Ireland.

This is a MUST Do!! No words exist to describe the breathtaking views through the gap via jaunting cars!!! Make sure you get Patrick and his horse Skippy!! He is a fifth generation driver/land owner/ sheep farmer. His passion of the land and humor were contagious!!! After the cart you relax and grab a bit of lunch, then it’s off to the boat tour. Again… no words exist!!! Make sure to get Rory!! He too was so knowledgeable and passionate!! Honestly, one of my top 10 , maybe top 5 experiences!!!!

The bus was a shuttle from our hotel to the site. The driver of the jaunting cart was abusive to his horse. He was constantly making the horse run by whipping him. Other drivers would give their horses drink breaks, allow them to walk at a gentle pace, and allow them to rest a bit. Our driver was awful. I was in tears afterward. The boat ride was amazing. It was the only redeeming quality of this trip, other than the views.

Despite the short experience of a “touch of Irish weather “ the experience was amazing. Timothy picked us up at our B&B and kept to the timetable beautifully. Paul did a great job with the boat, answering questions and providing local information to us.