Innisfallen Island - Scenery & history of Killarney National Park
Description
Mike and Tony Fleming are the owner / operators of Ross Castle Boat Tours. They offer a guest focused experience and provide all visitors with an intimate guided tour on the beautiful Lakes of Killarney. The use of humour and Irish ‘wit’ is a key component of the trip and ensures this is a truly unique experience. Innisfallen Island offers guests the opportunity to visit one of Ireland’s oldest monastic settlements while also enjoying the scenery of the Lakes of Killarney. Guests can request longer periods on the island and this will be facilitated where possible. The island is a great option for couples who want to wander around the ruins or families with young kids who cam run freely in the open green areas. The presence of Red and Sika deer in amongst the ruins is often a welcome bonus. All tours are guided by experienced skippers. Boats are Department of Marine Certified, National Parks and Wildlife Service Licenced and fully insured.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Early monastic settlement on scenic 21 acre island in the center of Killarney’s largest lake - Lough Leane. Historic ruins dating back to the early 6th century along with a beautiful 25 minute walk around the islands perimeter.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(75)
We had a fantastic experience on the Ross Castle Boat Tour, and it was the highlight of our trip to Killarney. Mike, our skipper was absolutely wonderful, friendly, funny and incredibly welcoming from start to finish. He was brilliant with the kids, keeping them engaged, making them laugh and even giving them important jobs to do. He made the experience feel special for the whole family. The scenery was stunning, the tour was excellent value for money, and we couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Thank you Mike (and Tony) for such a memorable experience. Your Dad would be proud. We will definitely be back for another tour.
Hi Aisling, wow, what an amazing review. Thanks so much for taking time to share such a great review and a special thank you for remembering our dad. Can't wait to see you all back on the water. Thanks again, Mike and Tony, RCBT.
We had an amazing trip with Mike to Inisfallen Island. He was extremely friendly and understanding with my little boy who is Autistic. Everything was calm and relaxing and my little lad had a great time as it was his first time on a boat. I was very nervous as I wasn’t sure how it would go or if he would even get on the boat but on the way back he was content that he even sat beside Mike and drove the boat with him. I would highly recommend and we will definitely be back. I never write reviews but I felt it was important to write this one and to let others with neurodiverse children/family members know.
Hi Paul, All I can say is wow and of course thank you. It means so much to us to get this feedback as our commitment to working with neurodiverse children / family members is something we care so much about. We are smiling as we read your review so thanks again. Mike and Tony, RCBT.
It wasn’t a great weather day, but not bad, and we were the only two on the outing! Michael gave us a great overview of the history of the area and the island. We docked and walked around, it was beautiful and peaceful, we had the whole island to ourselves! The views across the lake and motoring back towards the castle were just beautiful. Absolutely worth it!
Hi Teresa, many thanks for the great review. It is often even more special to visit Innisfallen when the weather is being Irish, as it is much quieter. So happy you enjoyed your time with us. Mike and Tony, RCBT.
We had a great experience with Mike taking us over to Innisfallen Island. The boat ride was smooth, and Mike was very friendly and welcoming from the start. Communication was excellent — he even called us about fifteen minutes before our tour to make sure we knew exactly where to park and how to find him. He shared a lot of interesting information about the island and the surrounding area of the park, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Mike also has a great sense of humor — he reminded us of someone’s ornery uncle who likes to pull your leg in the best way possible. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area!
Hi Jess, thank you for the fab review. We love getting feedback from guests and delighted that you enjoyed the tour and most importantly, had great fun. Thanks again, Mike and Tony, RCBT.
A lovely trip to the island . A short journey across the lake to get to the site of a ruined Abbey. Our skipper Diarmud was very knowledgeable and told us about the history and geology. The island is peaceful and we wandered around and found the herd of deer that live here.
Hi Alison, thank you for taking time to post this lovely review. Diarmaid has incredible knowledge and loves sharing it with our guests. Thanks again, Mike and Tony, RCBT.
Beautiful trip! Tony was awesome! Highly recommend the 7pm tour if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience and a beautiful sunset :)
Good morning Danielle, Thank you for the 5 star review and we agree the evening tour is something special. Guests get a nice quiet boat and they are usually the only people on the island as we are the only company offering the late tours. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Ireland. Mike and Tony, RCBT.
Tony with Ross Castle Boat Tours was a fantastic guide who provided a 10/10 experience. His friendly and easy going manner made the boat trip a great memory. It was fun and he shared informative about Ross Castle and the history of Innisfallen. This is my first trip to Ireland and with this tour to Innisfallen I felt a real connection to Ireland and its past. I would highly recommend a tour with Tony for anyone visiting Killarney and Ross Castle. Thanks to Tony and to the legacy that the McShain family left Ireland.
Wow Kevin, what a great review, Tony is beaming!! As a small family run business, reviews like this are a huge boost so thank you so much for taking time to share your Ross Castle Boat Tours experience with others.
Our guide Charlie was great and very knowledgeable. The lake is small but the boat takes you to a small island that has the ruins if a monastery. The island is also host to several herd of small deer. We were able to hike the island following the shoreline. The hike isn't difficult but may prove challenging for anyone with mobility issues. This is a small open air boat so ve prepared for wind and mist.
Hi Paula, Thanks a million for taking time to share a lovely review. Mike and Tony, RCBT.
The trip was perfect. In the morning 10 o'clock I was all alone on the island. Had enough time to look around in peace. It is a beautiful place with special history.
Anett, vielen Dank für die 5-Sterne-Bewertung. Die 10-Uhr-Tour zur Insel ist eine besondere Zeit für einen Besuch in Innisfallen. Oftmals ist man dann ganz allein auf der Insel und gehört zu den Ersten des Tages, was die Wahrscheinlichkeit erhöht, dass man die wilden Hirsche in der Nähe der Ruinen sieht. Nochmals vielen Dank, Mike und Tony vom RCBT. Anett, many thanks for the 5 star review. The 10am tour to the island is a special time to visit Innisfallen and often means you are alone on the island and the very first to get there on the day, which pretty much promises you will see the wild deer roaming around the ruins. Thanks again, Mike and Tony, RCBT.
The highlight of our hoilday . The fine soft rainy only added to the experience. Innishfallen island is a little treasure.. Our guide, Charlie, brought the history of area to life..
Hi Jessica, we love your enthusiasm around the 'soft rainy day' but fully agree when in Ireland these are things you have to embrace. Thanks a million for the lovely review. Mike and Tony, RCBT.
