Take a jaunt in time honoured tradition when visiting Killarney...

JAUNTING cars are as familiar a sight in Killarney as St Mary’s Cathedral and Fitzgerald Stadium. They add a unique atmosphere to the town and its environs which has been part and parcel of Killarney life for decades.

Tourists from all over the world have left with memories of a jarvey ride through the National Park and lakes as they sample some of the old world charm of Killarney.

There’s a perception that only foreign visitors enjoy a jarvey ride when in actual fact countless Irish visitors also enjoy it. The horse drawn carriage is a great way of seeing the scenery while relaxing, plus you have your own private tour guide as the jarvey driver’s knowledge and experience is second to none.

Mike Sweetman is a Killarney man born and bred and is a jarvey driver for over 20 years having started out with his uncle during the school holidays. Mike explains that jarvey drivers cover all aspects of tourism offering advice on the best places to eat, stay, while also telling tourists tales of the locality’s rich history and folklore.

“Things are very busy at the moment and the weather has been kind to us. I’ve told and heard some stories over the years, all true of course,” Mike laughs. “The jaunting cars are very much part of the scene and people feel they must have a ride in one when visiting Killarney as they add a lovely atmosphere to the town. This time of year there’s a lot of coach tours which lasts up until August when a lot of Irish families visit the town. It’s a year round thing.

“Jarvey drivers give tourists a great insight into the town and we also recommend other parts of the county to visit. We sell the beauty of Killarney and Kerry as we go along,” Mike said.

Michael Fassbender with Mike Sweetman of Sweetman Horse-Drawn Victorian Carriages Killarney.