Killarney Waterbus Tour

What To Expect

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Killarney’s lakes aboard the M.V Pride of the Lakes! Departing from the historic Ross’s Castle, this scenic cruise takes you on a journey across the stunning Lough Leane, the largest and most picturesque lake in Killarney. Step aboard the Waterbus and immerse yourself in the tranquil waters, surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains.

Itinerary

Cruise Killarney’s beautiful lakes with the M.V Pride of the Lakes.  Setting sail from the 15th century Ross Castle, MV Pride of the Lakes offers scenic tours on Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest and most picturesque lake, with heritage attractions including O’Sullivan Cascade and the monastic ruins of Inishfallen Island. This Killarney waterbus tour is an enjoyable Killarney’s lakes and mountains trip to relax and view Killarney lakes and mountains. This Killarney lake tour lasts approximately one hour. 

The meeting point for the Waterbus departure is Ross’s Castle. Walk through the Castle towards the lake and board the ‘MV Pride of the Lakes’ for your journey.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time

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Tour Details:

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Departure Point: Ross Castle (arrive 15 mins early)
  • Journey Highlights: O’Sullivan Cascade, Inisfallen Island, panoramic mountain views
  • Live Commentary: Learn local history and stories during your trip
  • Covered Boat: Comfortable in all weather
  • What to Bring: Booking confirmation (digital or printed), camera, jacket
  • Accessibility: Suitable for all ages, family-friendly
Passengers enjoy scenic views from a boat on Killarney Lake Tour, with lush greenery visible through windows.

Cruising the Lakes of Killarney

We are long established Killarney tour operators providing eco friendly traditional Irish jaunting car & boat tours around the Killarney National Park. We are the premier sightseeing tour of Killarney with a choice of morning and afternoon tours.

Locations

Killarney Lake Tours Map
1

Muckross Park Hotel

2

Cahernane House Hotel

3

Lake Hotel

4

The Gleneagle Hotel & Apartments

5

The Brehon

6

Scotts Hotel

7

The Great Southern Hotel

8

Killarney International Hotel

9

Killarney Plaza Hotel

10

Tourist Office

11

St Mary’s Cathedral

What Visitors Are Saying

RichUsa
27/08/2025
10 of us took an afternoon boat ride. The scenery was fantastic. We enjoyed the peaceful ride thru the lake. I recommend it.
Read more
Serene hour on the Lake
27/08/2025
We enjoyed an hour long cruise on Leane lake this afternoon. The cruise was everything that was advertised – comfortable and weather proof. The captain and host was knowledgeable regarding the lake and its history and geology, as well as the local fauna and flora. In our view the cost for this ride represented a very good value.
Read more
Family E
22/08/2025
A lovely cruise. The tour guide was very good at speaking and explaining the sights. The views were beautiful and it was the perfect length time wise.
Read more
Ines D
20/08/2025
Great trip around the lake. The two gentlemen were really good, knowledgeable and funny! Highly recommended ! Come rain or shine 🥰
Read more
Paul F
19/08/2025
Kids loved the boat, beautiful views and the guide was very educational. I would definitely recommend the tour to anyone.
Read more
Guide59233490162
17/08/2025
Highly informative, and very amusing by captain of vessel…. and warm and welcoming….all you could ask for. Would not pass up the opportunity to enjoy the knowledge, passion and the fun of the trip…excellent all round
Read more
RichUsa
27/08/2025
10 of us took an afternoon boat ride. The scenery was fantastic. We enjoyed the peaceful ride thru the lake. I recommend it.
Read more
Serene hour on the Lake
27/08/2025
We enjoyed an hour long cruise on Leane lake this afternoon. The cruise was everything that was advertised – comfortable and weather proof. The captain and host was knowledgeable regarding the lake and its history and geology, as well as the local fauna and flora. In our view the cost for this ride represented a very good value.
Read more
Family E
22/08/2025
A lovely cruise. The tour guide was very good at speaking and explaining the sights. The views were beautiful and it was the perfect length time wise.
Read more
Ines D
20/08/2025
Great trip around the lake. The two gentlemen were really good, knowledgeable and funny! Highly recommended ! Come rain or shine 🥰
Read more
Paul F
19/08/2025
Kids loved the boat, beautiful views and the guide was very educational. I would definitely recommend the tour to anyone.
Read more
Guide59233490162
17/08/2025
Highly informative, and very amusing by captain of vessel…. and warm and welcoming….all you could ask for. Would not pass up the opportunity to enjoy the knowledge, passion and the fun of the trip…excellent all round
Read more
Inspiration822675
15/08/2025
Our captain Johnny was very informative and great CRAIC!! It was a nice relaxing experience 💯 Thanks Johnny and crew 👏👏 UP TIPP 💙💛 UP KERRY 💚💛
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Marco B
10/08/2025
The trip to the lake was beautiful, Bryan and Frank were very kind and super knowledgeable about anecdotes and information about the lake and Killarney National Park
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Caitlin D
10/08/2025
This was a wonderful way to see the area with a friendly, knowledgable tour guide. We had to reschedule our ride twice due to car trouble and Killarney Lake Tours was extremely accommodating. We highly recommend this ride for both kids and adults!
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Vicki P
07/08/2025
A very peaceful way to spend an hour learn about the lakes the history the countryside. It was wonderful highly recommended.
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Tsupramaher
06/08/2025
Lovely experience that we haven’t tried in all our previous trips to Killarney. Lovely new view of the area and the crew were very informative and friendly. Great views for photos! Boat was very spacious and comfortable.
Read more
De M
06/08/2025
Punctual, safe and good value.Guided tour was informative and well presented.Boat was safe and comfortable.Highly recommend. If purchasing tickets on the boat have cash as no card facilities.
Read more

Stunning Lake Views

Cruise past islands, castles, and mountains.

Stories & Wildlife

Hear local tales and spot native animals.

All-Weather Comfort

Covered boats with heat for year-round trips.

Stunning Lake Views

Cruise past islands, castles, and mountains.

Stories & Wildlife

Hear local tales and spot native animals.

All-Weather Comfort

Covered boats with heat for year-round trips.

Ready To Book?

Secure your spot on the M.V Pride of the Lakes today and experience Killarney from the water. Choose your preferred date and time below, and get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy one of Ireland’s most scenic cruises.

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A joyful woman at the helm of a boat on Killarney Lake, wearing a captain's hat and veil.
Private Events

Looking for a special hen party activity in Killarney?

Enjoy a cruise on Lough Leane, sit back and relax in our covered and heated boat, with full panoramic views. Toast the bride, with scenic views in the background. We offer private sailing options and the tour can also be combined with a jaunting car tour of Killarney National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anything I need to bring with me?

Please bring your booking details, either on your phone or printed on paper.

Yes, children and babies are more than welcome on board. Under 2’s are free. We would ask parents to be very mindful when bringing children and prams on board, and also when on the deck.
The tour takes approximately 50 minutes.
Unfortunately there is no toilet on board. However there is a public toilet within 2 minutes of the boat. It is located near the café at the side of Ross Castle.
Unfortunately we do not have disabled access at the current time. Passengers need to climb a small portable stairs to access the boat.
It is advisable that you prebook on our website to avoid disappointment, especially in peak season.

Yes, there is a sanitiser to the left as you enter the boat.

In harsh conditions the boat will not set sail. The normal conditions on the lake are calm. Seasickness would be very rare.

A Unique Experience for Everyone