Bus Hire in Killarney

Killarney is Ireland's premier leisure coach hire destination, sitting at the heart of County Kerry and the gateway to the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Beara Peninsula. Killarney National Park (the first national park established in Ireland, in 1932) covers 26,000 acres and includes three lakes, a 15th-century tower house (Ross Castle), and the 19th-century Muckross House mansion. The town itself has an established tourism infrastructure with hotels, restaurants, and coach operators serving domestic and international group tours year-round.

Kerry Airport (KIR), 15 kilometres north-west of Killarney via the N22, serves Ryanair routes from London Stansted and Frankfurt. Cork Airport (ORK), 87 kilometres north-east via the N22, is the more commonly used arrival airport for Killarney-based tours. Dublin Airport (DUB), 290 kilometres north via the M8 and N21/N22, is a 3-hour coach transfer.

Ring of Kerry Coach Circuit

The Ring of Kerry (N70 coastal circuit from Killarney, approximately 180 kilometres, 4 to 5 hours by coach with stops) is Ireland's most famous scenic road and the most-booked full-day coach circuit in the country. The route is driven anticlockwise by convention to avoid coaches meeting head-on on the narrow sections between Sneem and Waterville. Key stops are Moll's Gap (panoramic mountain viewpoint, 12 kilometres south of Killarney), Kenmare (15th-century market town, 34 kilometres), Sneem village (66 kilometres), Waterville Atlantic coast (88 kilometres), Cahersiveen (106 kilometres), Portmagee and the Skellig Ring (a diversionary loop to the Skellig coast where Skellig Michael is visible offshore), and Glenbeigh (140 kilometres).

Killarney National Park: Muckross House and Jaunting Cars

Killarney National Park (26,000 acres south of Killarney town) is the primary visitor attraction. Coaches can reach Muckross House (a 19th-century Victorian mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake, 5 kilometres south of Killarney via the N71) via the N71 main road; there is a dedicated coach car park at the Muckross estate entrance. Within the national park, most internal circuits are driven by jaunting cars (horse-drawn carriages) along tracks that motor vehicles cannot use. The Ross Castle car park (3 kilometres from Killarney town via the Lough Leane shore road) is accessible by full-size coach.

Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley

The Gap of Dunloe (8 kilometres west of Killarney via the R562) is a narrow glacial pass through the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. The road through the Gap is too narrow for full-size coaches; the standard arrangement is for coaches to drop groups at Kate Kearney's Cottage (the last point accessible by coach), from where they walk or travel by jaunting car through the 11-kilometre pass. Coaches travel south via the N72 to meet groups at the Black Valley or at Moll's Gap on the other side.

What Bus Hire Costs in Killarney

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Killarney runs around 270 to 510 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 450 to 860 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 680 to 1,280 EUR per day. Killarney carries a scenic route premium: the Ring of Kerry and Gap of Dunloe circuits involve narrow road sections and longer daily hire times, which is reflected in the rate. June to August is the peak period; St Patrick's Day weekend is also very busy. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Killarney