Overview
The Gap of Dunloe (Irish: Bearna an Choimín) is a spectacular glacial valley that runs north‑south for about 11 km between two of Ireland’s most dramatic mountain ranges – the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on the west and the Purple Mountain Group on the east. The River Loe threads its way through the valley, linking five crystal‑clear lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough. The road through the Gap begins at the historic 150‑year‑old Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a family‑run restaurant and craft shop that marks the northern entrance, and finishes at Lord Brandon’s Cottage in the Black Valley to the south.
The landscape is a classic Irish postcard: silver‑grey Old Red Sandstone cliffs, free‑roaming sheep, and the occasional rainbow over the water. Because the road is a public thoroughfare, visitors can drive, walk, cycle or ride in a traditional jaunting‑car, each mode offering a slightly different perspective on the scenery.
History & Landscape Formation
The Gap of Dunloe was carved during the last ice age, roughly 25 000 years ago, when a massive glacier from the Black Valley – estimated to be over 500 m deep – broke through the head of the valley and scoured a classic U‑shaped trough. The glacier’s retreat left behind the string of corrie lakes that define the Gap today. The name Dunloe is an anglicisation of the Irish Dún Lóich – “fort of Lóich” – referring to the River Loe and an ancient chieftain mentioned in the Annals of Clonmacnois.
The valley has long been a natural corridor for travel and trade, but it only became a tourist attraction in the 19th century when Kate Kearney opened her cottage to visitors. Today the Gap is a key stop on the Ring of Kerry and a favourite for walkers, climbers, cyclists and photographers.
What to See & Do
Walk the Gap
Two main walking options are popular:
- Short walk (2 km / ~40 min round‑trip) – From the parking lot at Kate Kearney’s Cottage to the stone Wishing Bridge (spanning Coosaun Lough and Black Lake) and back. The route is flat (≈140 ft elevation gain) and suitable for families with young children.
- Full Gap walk (10 km / 4‑5 h) – Starting at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, the paved road follows the valley to the Head of the Gap (the highest point) and then down to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. The walk is moderate to hard, with a total elevation change of about 590 ft. Hikers can choose an out‑and‑back (14 km) or a point‑to‑point version, the latter often combined with a boat transfer.
Jaunting‑Car (Pony & Trap) Ride
Traditional horse‑drawn jaunting‑cars still operate from both ends of the Gap. A typical ride carries up to four passengers and costs around €140 for the whole cart (≈ €35 per person). The carts follow the narrow road, stopping at scenic pull‑outs where the driver may ask passengers to dismount on steep sections.
Boat Trip Across the Lakes
From Ross Castle (near the southern end) a boat can ferry visitors across the three Lakes of Killarney, dropping them at Lord Brandon’s Cottage. The boat fare is €25 per person and must be booked in advance. The journey offers close‑up views of the cliffs, the historic Bricín Bridge and the surrounding woodlands.
Cycling the Gap
Experienced cyclists can rent a bike in Killarney and ride the 11 km stretch. The climb to the Head of the Gap is challenging, but many opt for an electric‑bike plus boat combo (≈ €75) offered by local bike‑rental firms. For the adventurous, a 56 km loop that continues through the Black Valley and up to Molls Gap is a celebrated route among avid cyclists.
Rock Climbing & Bouldering
The western slopes of the Gap host over 100 climbing routes on Old Red Sandstone crags such as Brennan’s Leap, The Main Face and Jigzaw Wall. Grades range from V‑Diff to E5 6b, and the area is listed as one of Ireland’s top five bouldering sites.
Practical Information
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free parking is available beside Kate Kearney’s Cottage (Google Maps: Dunloe Upper, Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Co. Kerry). |
| Public toilet | A single public toilet is located at the parking lot. |
| Opening hours | The road and the lakes are open year‑round; attractions such as Kate Kearney’s Cottage open from 10:30 am (check locally for seasonal variations). |
| Boat cost | €25 per person (pre‑book recommended). |
| Jaunting‑car cost | Approx. €140 per cart (≈ €35 per person). |
| Shuttle services | Killarney Tourist Office → Ross Castle: 9:45 am, 11:45 am, 4:20 pm – €3 per person. Killarney Tourist Office → Gap of Dunloe: 9:00 am – €5 per person. Kate Kearney’s → Killarney/Ross Castle: 4:00 pm – €5 per person. Ross Castle → Killarney: 9:50 am, 11:50 am, 2:40 pm, 4:30 pm – €2 per person. |
| Admission | Free entry to the Gap; fees apply only to optional activities (boat, jaunting‑car, guided tours). |
| Accessibility | The road is narrow and winding; it is unsuitable for large vehicles and can be difficult for wheelchair users. The short walk to the Wishing Bridge is on a paved surface and is the most accessible section. |
Getting There
The Gap is a 15‑minute drive (≈ 12 km) west of Killarney town on the N72. The most convenient entry point is the parking area beside Kate Kearney’s Cottage. There is no regular public transport to the Gap; most visitors arrive by car, join a guided tour, or use the bus‑shuttle‑boat combination offered by local operators.
Safety Notes
The road is a single‑track public road used by walkers, cyclists and jaunting‑cars. During the high season (July‑August) it can become congested, and drivers are advised to give way to pedestrians and horses. Fatalities have been recorded involving cyclists and jaunting‑car passengers, so keep a safe speed and be prepared to stop on steep sections.
Nearby Highlights
While you’re in the area, consider a short drive to Ross Castle (a 15th‑century tower house with guided tours), the Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall, or the broader Killarney National Park. All are within 20‑30 minutes of the Gap and complement a day of outdoor adventure.
Planning Your Visit
- Parking – Free, but fills quickly in summer; arrive early for a space.
- Food – Kate Kearney’s Cottage serves traditional Irish fare; the on‑site coffee truck at Black Lake offers quick snacks.
- Booking – Reserve boat tickets (€25) and jaunting‑car rides (≈ €35 per person) in advance, especially for July‑August.
- Season – The Gap is accessible year‑round, but the best light for photography is early morning or late afternoon when the sun illuminates the cliffs.
With its blend of dramatic geology, mythic history and a menu of ways to explore, the Gap of Dunloe remains a must‑see destination for anyone travelling the southwest of Ireland.