Ross Castle Boat Tours is a family-run business offering traditional boat tours on the stunning Lakes of Killarney. Established in 1896, the Fleming family has welcomed generations of visitors to experience the natural beauty of Killarney National Park. Today, the tours are designed to be accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users and neurodiverse guests, ensuring all visitors can enjoy an inclusive and memorable journey on the lakes.

 

A Multi-Generational Legacy

Many of Kerry’s tourism businesses are intergenerational, leaving legacies that are felt by both locals and visitors. Ross Castle Boat Tours is a perfect example. When the current generation of the Fleming family lost their father, Charlie, fellow boatmen lined Ross Pier in an unprecedented guard of honour—a touching tribute to a man who gave so much to the local community and to visitors alike.

This legacy has inspired Charlie’s children to continue his mission: creating experiences that welcome everyone to the lakes, regardless of mobility or special needs. Visitors to Kerry can feel this rich sense of history and continuity through their boatmen, jaunting car drivers, and guides—it’s an authentic part of the experience that makes the county’s tourism unique.

A New Chapter: Introducing ‘An Cathal’

In late 2024, the Fleming brothers, who own and operate Ross Castle Boat Tours, began exploring ways to make the Lakes of Killarney more accessible for all. Inspired by their father Charlie, and recognizing the limited opportunities for visitors with additional needs, they created ‘An Cathal’ (The Charlie), a mobility-friendly boat designed for:

  • Wheelchair users

  • Guests with limited mobility (back, knee, hip, or ankle injuries)

  • Neurodiverse visitors

Working closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Fleming family designed a boat that preserves traditional styling while incorporating modern accessibility features. Measuring 30.5 feet long and 7 feet wide, ‘An Cathal’ includes a fixed stairway, strengthened floor beams, and railings for easy and safe movement throughout the vessel.

 

Accessibility Meets Comfort

‘An Cathal’ is equipped with features to ensure every guest enjoys a safe and comfortable journey:

  • A fixed stairway with compliant steps and a sturdy handrail

  • Railings along both sides of the floor for safety

  • Seat fasteners to secure wheelchair users

  • A sensory box for neurodiverse guests

  • Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed onboard

All staff have completed ‘AsIAm’ online training to better support guests with neurodiverse needs. Quiet tours, early morning, or late evening tours are available on request.

Ross Castle Failte Ireland Content Pool

A National Park For All

Since the launch of ‘An Cathal’ in April 2025, Ross Castle Boat Tours has welcomed countless guests with accessibility needs. Collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service continues to improve accessibility, including:

 

  • Installation of a hydraulic hoist at Reen Pier

  • Plans for accessible toilets at Reen Pier

  • Development of a Visual Guide for guests with neurodiverse needs

 

Ross Castle Boat Tours is recognised as a Business Champion with Autism Friendly Killarney, reflecting their commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

For the Fleming family, seeing the joy on guests’ faces has been immensely rewarding.

“It’s heartening to witness how much of a difference this service makes,” they shared.

Ross Castle Boat Tours is proud to continue Charlie’s legacy, ensuring that Killarney National Park and the Lakes of Killarney are inclusive spaces where everyone can enjoy the natural beauty and heritage of this iconic destination.

 

Plan Your Accessible Killarney Adventure

Killarney is a destination for all, offering accessible paths, visitor centres, and attractions that make this iconic National Park inclusive for people of all abilities. Explore, experience, and enjoy Kerry—the Lakes of Killarney truly welcome everyone.