Lily History

Tangneys of Killarney Ireland is one of the longest privately owned family tour companies in Ireland, specialising in Incentive, Leisure Groups and Individual Travel. Today the business is operated by Michael Tangney Senior and his children Paul, Laura & Michael Jnr. During the course of our years in the business we have developed several brands under the Tangney’s of Killarney umbrella. These brands include Killarney Jaunting Cars, Lily of Killarney Watercoach, Tangney Tours Ireland & Killarney Sleigh Rides.

From past to present, Michael Senior worked with horses all his life, and his first jaunting car tour was back in 1959 when he took Gloria De Haven (American Actress) on a tour of the National Park. Throughout his tour operating life he has met many people from all walks of life and has built up great long-lasting friendships. In 2011 he was delighted to welcome back one of his dearest friends’ Maureen O’Hara to Killarney, and she shared some fond memories of her time on a Jaunting car with John Wayne in the film “The Quiet Man”

Michael’s children, Paul, Laura & Michael Jnr were with their Dad on a jaunting car from a very young age helping him greet many people from all over the world to Killarney. As the years went on and his children grew up, he showed them the reins and they joined the family business. They wanted to continue and grow the legacy of what had been done by the generations before them.

Both the Company and the Tours have evolved over the years with many innovative ideas. In 1988 The Lily of Killarney Watercoach was introduced to the Lakes of Killarney. Michael Snr and business partners travelled to Amsterdam and purchased a Dutch built canal boat. After just a few short years we took the decision to upgrade and in 1994 the 2^nd Lily of Killarney was custom built in Zaandam in Holland. With various modifications from the previous vessel these included an open area to the rear, higher glass roof, toilet and a larger structure in general. The journey from Zaandam to Killarney took over 2 weeks. Its maiden voyage began on the River Rhine where it cruised down to The Rotterdam Port and the 50 tonne vessel was loaded onto an articulated truck. The journey continued through England and onto Dublin Port where it was transported during the night by road due to its large size and weight before finally arriving at Ross Castle on Lough Léin.

Now to present day we offer a unique collection of engaging and authentic tours where you can combine multi-faceted options. Why not embark on a leisurely style lake cruise or a traditional open boat, or for the adventure seeker looking to hike, bike or kayak through our scenic and rugged terrains. Allow our knowledgeable and expert team to build you a bespoke touring program. From family gatherings to corporate and international tour groups, we cater for numbers both large and small. Ideal also for student tours, or company team building outings, we meet every individual requirement and guarantee a memorable visit to Killarney. We have established an excellent relationship with all our clients, they trust us to provide the highest quality service and we deliver, on time, every time. We are aware that for many people travelling to Ireland it can be a once in a lifetime experience, and we want to ensure that it will be an exceptional one.

We work closely with both Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, along with International Tour Operators in Tour Series, Adhoc, FIT and Incentive Groups.

We are regarded as one of the leading Tour Companies in Killarney with many awards and an enviable reputation within the industry. Our level of repeat business is unsurpassed in the industry, and we take pride in keeping the personal touch of an Irish family run business. Ireland is a country best known and loved for its people so when planning a trip to Ireland, make your first call to a Company known for its people and personal service.

“We base our service on a tradition of excellence. The most important element of our business is that we take pride in what we do and we want you to share in our tradition”

12 Times National Award Winners – Killarney Jaunting Cars – Tangney Tours were awarded the Special Merit Award for Tour Feature at the CIE Tours National Tourism Awards of Excellence.

www.killarneyjauntingcars.com www.lilyofkillarney.com www.killarneysleighrides.com