Explore the Best Places to Visit in Killarney
See Killarney like never before on the Big Red Bus. Our hop-on/hop-off tour takes in all of Killarney’s most treasured landmarks: from the Iconic 15th century Ross Castle on the banks of Lough Leane, to the glorious waterfall at Torc, visit the world renowned Muckross House and gardens. Take a step back into the past at Muckross Traditional Farms and experience how people lived in Ireland during the 1930s and 1940s. Enjoy the numerous walking and hiking trails in the 26,000 acre park and everything in between.
Hop-off and absorb at your leisure the wonders Killarney has to offer. Rejoin the tour when we come back around.
Our professional guides, Killarney natives all, have a wealth of local knowledge and entertaining folklore to share. Join us for a Tour and discover why the Big Red Bus is the best way to see the most beautiful town in the world.
(** The FREE TRAVEL PASS is accepted onboard the Hop On Hop Off bus)
Killarney Bus Tour Stops & Highlights
Killarney (Gaelic: Cill Airne – ‘The Church of the Sloes’) is a small town in the southwest of Ireland and has been a hugely popular Tourist destination for over 250 years. Our Tour is full to the brim with history, culture, story-telling and, of course, the world class hospitality for
which our town is renowned.
Built in the 15th century by one of the O’Donoghue-Ross chieftains, Ross Castle was the last stronghold in Munster to hold out against Oliver Cromwell. It was eventually taken by General Ludlow in 1652. Also there are the remains of one of Europe’s oldest copper mines which date back to 2400BC. Take a walk around the island and see stunning views of Torc and Tomies mountains and the lakes. There are also great walks and trails in all directions through the National Park.
Torc Waterfall is undoubtedly one of Killarney’s most awe-inspiring landmarks. In addition to the waterfall itself there are countless great trails in all directions and if you follow the steps up from Torc Waterfall you’ll get the most magnificent views of the lakes. The waterfall is a 25 minute walk to Muckross House.
This dignified 19th century manor is surrounded by beautiful gardens and now serves as a museum (pre-booking required). Situated in Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens are amongst the most popular visitor attractions in Ireland. Many of the rooms in this magnificent mansion have been restored to their original Victorian splendour. There are plenty of great walkways through the park or, if you prefer, you can take a boat ride out across Muckross Lake.
Muckross Traditional Farms: Step back into the past on Muckross Traditional Farms and visit a very different Ireland – the Ireland of the 1930s and 1940s. Then, a trip to the well was still a daily chore for the housewife and electricity had yet to be introduced to the countryside. Visit three separate working farms (small, medium and large), each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. The farm dwellings are furnished in traditional style, complete with dressers, settlebeds and mealbins. There is also a Labourer's Cottage, a Carpenter's Workshop and a Blacksmith's Forge.
Killarney Bus Tour Timetable
Operating 7 days per week (Monday to Sunday) between mid-February until mid-December 2025
* Tickets are valid all day on any of our tour times *
A = Arrives.
Killarney Bus Tour Tour Prices
** The FREE TRAVEL PASS is accepted on board
Explore Our Partner Tours
New for 2025 - Park Explorer (Half Day) Tour
We've introduced the 'Park Explorer half day tour' as a new option for 2025 with Killarney Day Tours! Our half day tour includes a visit to Innisfallen island to see the 7th century monastic ruins, a spot of Eagle watching and drop off at the wonderful café at Dinis Cottage. From here, guests can walk to Muckross House for collection by the Killarney Big Red Bus (Hop on Hop off bus service).
Our tour starts at the bus stop on Mission Road in Killarney. The Big Red Bus leaves from here at 9.30am and begins the 10 minute trip to Ross Castle.
The boats depart at 10.30am from the front of Ross Castle. The first stop is Innisfallen Island where guests will have time to view the 7th Century Monastic ruins.
After departing Innisfallen, the boats will head towards the nearby mountain shore where our White Tailed Eagles have nested each year since their reintroduction in 2007. These Eagles are the biggest birds of prey in Europe and are an awesome sight to see in the wild.
Once the boats have departed the Lower Lake via Brickeen Bridge, it'll be on to the Muckross Lake and drop off at the wonderful café at Dinis Cottage.
The walk from Dinis Cottage to Muckross House is 5km or 3 miles and will take around 1hr 15mins to complete. The walk is mostly flat on a sealed road so no hiking boots required!
From Muckross House, the Big Red Bus leaves at regular intervals from the coach park next to the public toilets (1.02pm, 2.02pm, 3.02pm, 4.40pm, 5.30pm). Guests will have plenty of time to explore the area, do a tour of the House and have a bite to eat or a coffee at the beautiful Garden Restaurant.



