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Killarney Jaunting Cars Tangney Tours

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Killarney Jaunting Cars Tangney Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Killarney Jaunting Cars Tangney Tours

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Gilhuys 10 B Muckcross Close

Muckross Road

Killarney, Co. Kerry

Republic of Ireland

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It's a nice change of pace to ride in a horse drawn cart when touring a country or city. Relaxed, slower paced and you get a chance to see and enjoy more up close. The carriage drivers handled the horse and carriage well, and it was clean and comfortable.

My family and I did the Gap of Dunloe adventure and lakes of Killarney day tour. This was by far our favorite part of our trip. Pat and Skip (the horse) were great guides and made our journey even better. Highly recommend if you want to see one of the best parts of Ireland while making great memories with family.

Pat and Skip (the horse).

We didn't have reservations but we walked to the jaunting car stand and took a chance. All the cars were booked so we decided to try again later. As we were walking away one of the drivers asked if we wanted to go on the tour because he had a lady wanting to share a car with someone. We were thrilled to accept. The nice lady was from Texas and we had a lovely tour with great conversation. Our driver, Damien, was fabulous and full of great information. We were able to see many beautiful areas of the Killarney Park. This is a must do when visiting Killarney!

See all photos from Terri H. for Killarney Jaunting Cars Tangney Tours

This company is also known as Jaunting Cars. The carriage picked us up at our hotel and took us to the entrance of Killarney national park. It was a beautiful experience especially in the morning on a great day with no rain which is unfortunately unpredictable in Ireland. The gentlemen was great at explaining a decent amount of history on the ride throughout the park. Passed some great scenery on the way through the park. Because I was on a tour we paid individually 15 euros which I thought was still a little too expensive for how long the tour was which was about 20mins long through the park. They dropped us off at Ross Castle which was a great preserved area of a desolate castle grounds.

Ross castle that you get to explore at the end of the tour.

One area of the lake you get to pass during the carriage ride.

We were on a guided tour with a large group. We paid extra for the jaunting car ride. I don't recall the price because it was an all in one deal. Our driver was Raymond and I think our horses name was Rose or Rosey. Raymond was kind and accomodating. He stopped many times so we could photograph deer and beautiful spots. He put up with a light amount of cheeky teasing by our almost all female group. We saw Ross Castle and it's much bigger than you think when you get close up. The park was much bigger than I thought and was quite lovely and picturesque. We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel front drive. We felt safe and informed. Keep in mind, if you ride in the front of the jaunting car very near to the horses behind...you could get a face full of flatulence. Just saying....if you don't mind a little bit of manure smell then this ride is certainly worth your while.

Great tour. Paul was our driver and Bobby was the horse. You begin by taking a drive through the National Park, seeing creeks, lakes, deer, and more. You then end up at Ross Castle. You walk around the castle for 10-15 minutes then ride back to town. They will even pick you up at your hotel if you pre-arrange it.

I think it is actually called Killarney Jaunting Cars, but Paul Tangney owns it. I happened to be wandering around Killarney with no plan in mind when I was walking by one of the jaunting cars and one of the jarveys (the driver) asked me if I would like to go on a tour. I was by myself and wasn't sure how much he was going to charge me, but he said €30 and I had never done it before in my previous trips to Killarney, so I said sure. The nice thing was that I did not feel at all pressured and they did not pull the 'pushy salesman bit'. I discovered that Paul, the owner was my jarvey. We had a wonderful chat during the tour and I learned quite a bit about the park and Killarney itself... which I did add to the Ring of Kerry tour that I do for my students. He also gave me his card so I could refer students and he offered a small student discount for them if they mentioned our particular college. And he also stopped whenever I pulled out my camera to take a pictures... a sign of a good tour guide as they understand you want a good, clear picture. I am really glad that I went on the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone... solo traveller or in a group! My trip around the national park was about an hour long, but it didn't even seem like an hour because it was so enjoyable! You cannot go to Killarney and not go on a jaunting car tour, and when you do, tell Paul I send my regards!

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Welcome To Killarney

Killarney is one of Ireland’s top travel destinations offering a treasure trove of unique experiences. 

16 Times CIE National Award Winners

For many years, our award-winning team of experts have been partnering with the county’s most experienced and entertaining drivers and tour guides to create memorable events and experiences for corporate businesses from all over the world.

We offer the most extensive portfolio of tour options and activities in Killarney to Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Cruise Companies and Incentive Companies as well as the Individual Traveller.

We specialise in the business of Tours Series to Special Interest Groups and have a wide selection of itineraries and ideas featuring the best of Killarney National Parklands, Lakes & surrounds.

Our Signature Tours

From park to castle tour, lily of killarney lake cruise, jaunting car & lake cruise combo.

Experience the best of both worlds with our traditional Jaunting Car and Lake Cruise Combination Tour.

Gap of Dunloe Adventure Tour

Experience one of the oldest trips in Ireland with a traditional Pony and Trap Ride at the scenic Gap of Dunloe, before embarking on an open-top boat adventure through the Lakes of Killarney.

Our Taste Of Killarney Tours

Best of killarney brews & views.

Take in the sights and sounds of Killarney National Park and Ross Castle, followed by a trip to the renowned Killarney Brewery to sample some of Killarney’s finest craft beers. 

Killarney Jaunt & Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a leisurely jaunt through Killarney’s most celebrated beauty spots, followed by the time-honoured tradition of Afternoon Tea at the historic Great Southern Hotel.

Whiskey & Wonders In Killarney

Journey through the wonders of Killarney National Park on a traditional Jaunting Car Ride with iconic stop offs like Ross Castle, before a visit to O’Donoghue’s Public House for an authentic Irish Whiskey Tasting Experience.

Meet Our Team Of Travel Experts

Laura Tangney

Corporate Director

Laura is 5th generation of the Tangney Family Dynasty and has grown up with travel and tourism in her blood.

Today, Laura looks after the curation and promotion of the Tangney’s Of Killarney Tours for the corporate and incentive industry and has been instrumental in the growth of the company’s tour portfolio with the innovation of engaging and authentic tours with muti-faceted options.

Laura works directly with her client base and takes pride in providing a personal touch which can be seen and felt throughout all aspects of every experience.

Michael Tangney

Operations Director

Like Laura, Michael grew up with a natural affinity for the family business, giving him a solid grounding for the tourism industry.

Michael takes a hands-on approach to his work and can often be seen on the ground greeting guests and working with the Tangney Team to ensure seamless operations at all touch-points of the experience.

He has a wealth of experience in creating bespoke tours for the corporate industry as well as the individual traveller and relishes the opportunity his work gives him to meet people from all over the world.

He too, continually strives to innovate and push the boundaries of the company’s offering to bring you the very best of Killarney.

Industry Reviews

As a family-run business, we have the flexibility and capacity to meet your specific requirements and can create a bespoke package tailor-made for you.

We are dedicated to delivering the very best of authentic Irish adventures for corporate and international tour groups and pride ourselves on providing carefully planned itineraries and excursions with a personal touch.

New Website Coming Soon…

We are excited to announce that we will soon be launching a new website dedicated to Tangney’s Of Killarney and all your touring needs. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about our tours, you can visit Killarney Jaunting Cars or contact us directly.

Office Address

Gihuys, 10B Muckross Close, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

[email protected]

00353 64 66 33358

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A Journey of Tradition

Connect with us, the history of the killarney jaunting cars, 1815 -the bianconi coaches.

The age-old tradition of the Horse-Drawn Carriage as a method of public transport was first introduced to Ireland in 1815 by an Italian Irish Entrepreneur named Charles Bianconi.

The Bianconi Coaches, as they were known, served as the very first regular public transport service to Ireland, preceding railways services. The very first route from Clonmel to Cahir took passengers two hours to complete compared with a previous eight-hour boat ride and cost one penny farthing a mile. The services ran until the 1850’s and later, by which time there were a number of railways routes available nationwide.

Mr. Bianconi also owned a series of Inns, some of which are still in survival today, including one in Killorglin, Co. Kerry.

Image origin: https://www.theirishstory.com/2010/07/06/today-in-irish-history-bianconis-first-coach-service-6-july/#.XeTbEOj7TIU

1861 – Queen Victoria Puts Killarney On The Map

1861 is a year that will be forever famous in the town of Killarney as it is widely remembered as the year that Queen Victoria came to visit. Although the Queen and her royal gentry arrived in Killarney by train from Dublin, it was by a private Horse and Carriage that she visited Killarney’s most renowned beauty spots including Muckross Estate, (where she was a guest of the Herbert Family), Dinis Cottage, Muckross Abbey and of course Ross Castle and the Lakes of Killarney. There was no expense spared for this Royal visit with even a special boat, ‘The Royal Barge’ being purchased in London for the Royal’s Tour on the Lakes of Killarney.

Following the Queen’s visit, Killarney became a popular tourist destination owing to its well documented record of the royal stay in Irish & English newspapers as well as other leading publishing houses overseas.

Tourists from all over the world began to flock to the picturesque town, keen to experience the unique scenery of the location.

Image origin: http://www. muckrosshouseresearchlibrary. ie/Queen-Victoria.php

1865- The Dynasty Of The Tangney Family Begins

By the mid 1860’s, the horse drawn carriage was a popular method of transport in Killarney, and fast becoming a commercial entity in its own right, with the locals ferrying tourists to and from the destination’s most loved scenic locations. The Tangney Family were on the “band wagon”, they were at the grass roots of the Jaunting Car business beginning in Killarney.

In the high valleys of the Gap of Dunloe, the Pony Men operated the lighter Pony & Trap, a Tub Trap while on the lower lying grounds of Killarney Town and the National Park, the Jarveys drove the Jaunting Car or Side Car, traditions and terminology that are still highly regarded to this very day.

The traditional Jaunting Car consisted of two seats for two people on either side, the drivers box seat, and a seat behind him with a view to the road behind. The well, a deep space in the middle of the car, stored the oats bag. When the Jarvey had no passengers, the two hinged seats would be drawn up.

1900- Killarney National Park entwined with the Tangney Family Heritage.

The history of the Park runs deep within the family tree, first starting with Eugene Tangney who was employed as Head Game Keeper in the Muckross Estate.

At the time, Muckross House & Estate was purchased for £50,000 by William Bowers Bourn II family, an American multi-millionaire whose wealth source came from ownership of the Empire Gold Mine, Grass Valley, California as well as ownership of the Spring Valley Water Company which controlled the water supply to the city of San Francisco. He purchased it as a wedding gift for his daughter and her husband, Maud Bourn & Vincent Arthur.

An expert Fisherman & Hunter, Eugene was also given the job of driving the estate’s Horse and Carriage for its many guests. To this day, Eugene’s portrait hangs in Muckross House which is visited by thousands of visitors to Killarney each year.

1920 – The Tangney Family Reinforce Their Foothold Within the Jaunting Car Trade

Dan Tangney was next in the long line of Tangneys to grow the family’s foundation within the Jaunting Car trade.

Born in 1908,  he married Sheila Casey of the Black Valley and had 8 children. His main employment like Eugene was as a Game Keeper with the National Park, based in Kenmare Estate, then owned by The Grosvenor family.

As Head Gamekeeper, he was given a residence within the National Park in Reen house (built in 1839), where the future Michael Tangney Senior would grow up. As part of his Game Keeper duties, he welcomed many guests to the estate, driving them by Jaunting Car around the estate as well as hosting them on various hunting and fishing expeditions. In 1957 he had a working shooting accident and was unable to carry out his Game Keeper duties. It was around this time that he turned to the Jaunting Car business as his sole vocation.

1960’s – The Radio Train Pulls Into Town

This era marked the influx of the Radio Trains which saw both national & international visitors flock to Killarney in their droves from the capital city of Dublin. These day return excursions, which initially arrived once a week, soon began arriving to Killarney three times a week due to their ever growing popularity and demand, with the trips taking place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during the high season.

The genius concept, which coupled live radio shows on the train with a unique sight-seeing trip to the South West’s most alluring scenic destination, brought an increase of business to the town, which by now was well underway to becoming Ireland’s biggest tourism success story.

This decade also saw Michael Tangney Senior, son of Dan Tangney, purchase his first commercial Jaunting Car for £45.00 along with his 4 year old pony, Tom.  As well as the Radio Train, Michael’s main source of business was working closely with the local hotels by offering their guests a Jaunting Car pick-up service. Michael and his loyal pony, Tom were on hand to welcome the visitors and showcase the wonderful sights and sounds of Killarney on board his Jaunting Car. As business developed the routes began to change to cater for the increasing numbers, the most popular journey being Muckross & Dinis Cottage as well as the famous Ross Castle.

Image origin: www.pamlecky.com

1970’s – The Jarvey, A Storyteller, A Comedian, A Companion And A Rogue

With the commerciality of the Jaunting Cars in Killarney continuing to thrive through the 1970’s and into the 1980’s, the popularity of the experience had proven itself as much part of the town’s present and future as it’s past.

Along with the well-trained horses, some of whom would even stop for a photo and move on after the click of the camera, many considered the Jarvey’s themselves the business’ secret ingredient for success. It was in this decade that many famous Jarveys such the late Whitty O’Sullivan, (the Singing Jarvey) came to the fore and served to highlight the fun-loving persona of the Jarvey, cementing their unique charm and character worldwide.  Jarvey’s today are known for their quick wit and vast array of local knowledge, their keen story-telling capabilities and charm, and of course their ability to captivate their next passenger at a drop of their peak cap.

1980’s – The Evolution Of The Traditional Jaunting Car

During this period, the traditional Jaunting Car, as it was known, underwent a complete transformation with the addition of two more wheels to allow the seating of extra passengers. The subsequent evolution of the customary two- wheel vehicle was motivated by greater demand in the tourism industry in Killarney, fueled by the growing influx of globetrotters to the town.

1985- The Next Generation Start To Take The Reins

From a very early age, Paul, who was the eldest of Michael Tangney’s three children, was given a set of reins and encouraged to learn his father’s traits. Over the next few years Michael Senior and his son Paul would navigate the business and catapult it from a singular vehicle operation to an entire fleet of their own Jaunting Cars. The nature of the industry was changing rapidly and with the arrival of the English Coach Bus and international travellers, was now becoming a volume business.

2000’s-Killarney Jaunting Cars, A Journey of Tradition, A Tradition of Excellence

Laura, Michael’s only daughter also grew up in the business, working alongside her father and learning as she went along. On completion of her education, Laura returned back into the family business. Now that Michael Senior & Paul had provided a strong and firm foundation to the business, Laura brought a different aspect and approach which would help to take it to the next level. Michael Junior was soon to join the family enterprise and his new generation ideas and work ethic too enhanced the overall product offering. The company and the product began to evolve.

In 2010, the Jaunting Car, underwent a further progression when a roof was added to the carriage to protect passengers from the elements and thus improve the overall experience. Now the tour became a weather-proof trip, allowing the seasonality of the business to be extended.   Killarney Jaunting Cars had become an all year-round attraction.

2021 – Killarney Jaunting Cars Today

From its inception, Killarney Jaunting Cars Ltd. is now fully operated by the younger generation, Laura, Paul and Michael Tangney Junior. Hospitality is in their veins.

Over the years, the company have expanded considerably to offer not only Jaunts to Killarney’s favourite locations but also additional experiences such as a traditional Pony & Tray Ride to the Gap of Dunloe, a Lake Cruise on the Lakes of Killarney, and a firm family favourite, the Killarney Christmas Sleighs, amongst others.

The Tangney Family aim to provide their guests with traditional and authentic Irish experiences, coupled with a unique and informative insight into Killarney and its famous National Park. Killarney Jaunting Cars is regarded as one of the leading Tour Companies in Ireland.  The Tangney Family take pride in keeping the personal touch of an Irish family run business.

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• Gilhuys, 10B Muckross Close Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

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The search for a jarvey in Killarney

David and denise king of pittsfield, massachusetts, were so taken by their horse and cart driver that they asked a tour guide to track him down..

When David and Denise King of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, visited Ireland for the first time in the spring of 2014, they took in many wondrous sights. However, the picturesque town of Killarney, nestled amongst its famous lakes, native woodlands, and high-stacked mountains, took the grand prize.

While there, the Kings hopped on a horse-drawn jaunting car that takes visitors through the National Park to Ross Castle.

Their jarvey (driver) was a charming elderly man who had them in stitches throughout their five-mile, 45-minute trip. They were so taken by his kindly ways that David, a skilled artist, took a photo of the amiable man with plans to paint his portrait on their return home.

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The following year, David heard that I was leading a group to Ireland which included Killarney, and asked if I would try and locate the anonymous jarvey and, if successful, give him a print of his finished artwork. I gladly obliged.

That September, after our group had settled in at The Malton Hotel, four of us went searching the town for this unnamed horseman. We started at Hannigans Bar, where a scrum of jarveys had parked their horses and carts along the curbside.

Now I figured this tight fraternity would certainly know the jarvey in question, but I also knew they wouldn't let on without some fun and games. Holding up the framed print, we approached the pack tentatively.

"Excuse us, sirs, but would you know the man in this picture?"

"I've never seen that fella in me puff," replied one gangly jobber before his snickering cronies. "But I'm great pals with his horse there, Lightning. Find Lightning and I dare say you'll find your man."

After a few more bouts of malarkey, we finally hit the jackpot. "Why, that's my dad, Michael Tangney!" exclaimed his son Paul, a fellow jarvey in his 30s. When I explained our mission to him, Paul told us that Dad was currently out on a run, but promised to have him at our hotel by 6 o'clock, without spoiling our little surprise.

In The Malton bar that evening, our contingent of 40-strong let out a rousing cheer when an unsuspecting Michael Tangney entered the room, accompanied by his son, Paul. After I briefly explained the back story, we presented Michael with David King’s handsome portrait. He stared at it in fascination for a long moment, before blurting, "This painting will be hanging in my sitting room by night's end!"

With a frothy pint in hand, Michael gave us a sketch of his storied life. "My own dad, Thomas Tangney, was born in the Black Valley, tucked beneath the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. So remote a spot, it didn't have electricity until 1976. As a young man, he moved to this town and was hired as a gamekeeper at The Killarney House, a glorious estate of 8,000 wooded acres. Imagine, my father a gamekeeper," he chuckled, "and he the biggest poacher of them all!

"Growing up, I'd often run messages for Gloria DeHaven, the American actress who resided there. She always made a fuss of my curly red hair and surprised me with a roan pony named Harry on my 12th birthday. When school let out, I tacked up Harry to an old jaunting car and started taking visitors around the Lakes. And that's what I've been doing for these last 55 years."

 "Wow, 55 years!" our group collectively gasped. "How many miles do you think you've traveled during that time?"

 “I’ve averaged about 4,000 miles a year. Times that by 55 and we're talking over 200,000 miles."

 "Have you had any famous passengers?"

 "Oh, quite a few," answered the soft-spoken man. "But my favorite was Maureen O'Hara who, you may know, played alongside John Wayne in The Quiet Man. Never did I meet a woman so kind, so generous, so down to earth as herself. Over the years we became close friends, and she'd often invite my wife Beppie and I to her lovely home in Glengarriff, West Cork.”

  Paul shortly called our group to attention. "Now here’s a few things my father didn’t tell you about. For starters, he's been a great ambassador in keeping the tradition of jaunting cars alive here in Killarney. A tradition that goes back some 220 years. Dad also began his own successful jaunting car business; an enterprise that my brother Mike, sister Laura, and I will carry on proudly for years to come. 

"But here's the topper. It's remarkable how you folks happened to show up on this particular day with my dad's beautiful portrait, and then invite us here to this warm gathering. Now one might call it coincidence or serendipity, but I'm delighted to tell you that my dear father just retired one hour ago!"

Hearing that astonishing news, our troops let out a rollicking cheer, as Paul saluted his father with a heartfelt lift of a glass. A simple gesture that catapulted our evening into a splendid night of unbridled merriment.

Kevin O’Hara is a longtime columnist for The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where this story first appeared on St. Patrick’s Day, 2019. Kevin is also the author of “Last of the Donkey Pilgrims,” which chronicles his 1,800-mile journey around the coast of Ireland with a donkey and cart in 1979.  Visit his website at thedonkeyman.com  

* David King is a Pittsfield, MA native who has been painting for most of his life, inspired by the Berkshires Hills and the coastal shorelines of Maine. He enjoys working on landscapes, seascapes, and portraits in both oil and watercolor. David also does commission work and recently illustrated “A Christmas Journey” by noted author, Kevin O’Hara. Contact him at [email protected] or by mobile phone: (413) 281-6586.

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