The Gap of Dunloe – A Glacial Valley Between the Reeks and Purple Mountains

Overview

The Gap of Dunloe is one of Ireland’s most photographed landscapes. Nestled in County Kerry, the narrow pass runs north‑south for about 11 km between the towering MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on the west and the Purple Mountain Group on the east. Five glacial lakes – Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough – are linked by the River Loe, which gives the Gap its name. The iconic stone Wishing Bridge spans Coosaun Lough and Black Lake; locals swear that wishes made there are granted.

The journey begins at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150‑year‑old family‑run restaurant and craft shop that marks the northern entrance to the valley. From there the road winds through dramatic cliffs, open pastures dotted with sheep, and past the series of lakes that sparkle in the Irish light.

History & Landscape Formation

During the last ice age, roughly 25,000 years ago, a massive glacier flowed down from the Black Valley, carving a deep U‑shaped trench through the rock. As the ice retreated, melt‑water filled the depressions, creating the chain of lakes that define the Gap today. The name “Dunloe” is thought to derive from the Irish Dún Lóich – “fort of Lóich”, a reference to an ancient chieftain of the Fir Bolg.

The valley has been a tourist magnet since Victorian times, when horse‑drawn jaunting cars first ferried visitors through the pass. Today the same tradition continues, offering a glimpse of 19th‑century travel.

What to See & Do

Highlights

• Wishing Bridge – a stone arch between Coosaun Lough and Black Lake; legend says wishes made here come true.
• Ross Castle – a 15th‑century tower house on the edge of Lough Leane; many boat tours depart from here.
• Sheep‑grazed pastures – the road is flanked by free‑range sheep, adding a quintessential Irish touch.
• Panoramic mountain vistas – the Reeks rise dramatically to 1,039 m (Carrauntoohil) in the distance, while the Purple Mountains frame the eastern side.

Wildlife & Nature

The Gap of Dunloe is a haven for wildlife. Red deer and sika deer often graze the higher slopes, while golden eagles and peregrine falcons can be spotted soaring above the cliffs during the summer months. The lakes support brown trout, making the area popular with anglers (though fishing requires a licence). In spring the valley’s woodlands burst with bluebells and wild garlic, and you may hear the call of the common linnet and meadow pipit.

Seasonal Tips

• Late spring to early autumn (May‑September) offers the most reliable weather and full boat and jaunting‑car services. This is also the peak tourist period, so arrive early to secure parking.
• Winter sees reduced boat schedules and occasional road closures due to ice or snow on higher sections. The landscape is starkly beautiful, but walkers should be equipped for cold, wet conditions.
• July‑August can be busy; consider a sunrise drive (before 7 am) for quieter roads and spectacular light for photography.

Practical Information

Getting There

• By car: The main parking area sits beside Kate Kearney’s Cottage (Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4X7JEic22xTaW1rg7). It is a 15‑minute drive (12.5 km) from Killarney town centre. Parking is free but can fill up in summer, so an early arrival is advisable.
• Public transport: No regular bus service reaches the Gap. Most visitors join a guided tour or arrange a private transfer from Killarney.

Facilities

• Public toilet: Available at the parking lot (Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/rB9ZCBBvGFjUUrZn6).
• Food: Kate Kearney’s Cottage serves traditional Irish fare from 10:30 a.m.; the adjacent Coffee Pot Café offers pastries and coffee for early arrivals.
• Accessibility: The short walk to the Wishing Bridge is paved and suitable for strollers, but the full Gap road is narrow, uneven and shared with cyclists, walkers and jaunting‑car horses, making it challenging for wheelchair users.

Shuttle & Boat Schedule (2024 data)

Boat crossing from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage costs €25 per person and should be booked in advance.

Cycling & Bike Hire

• Killarney Bike Rental offers e‑bikes (€45 per day) and regular bikes (€20 per day). They also run a combined e‑bike + boat package for €75, which includes a morning ride to Ross Castle, a boat transfer, and a return ride through the Gap.

Guided Tours

• GetYourGuide and Viator list highly‑rated full‑day tours that combine a jaunting‑car ride, boat crossing and commentary (prices typically €70‑€120). These tours handle all logistics, including shuttle transfers.

Driving the Gap

• The road is public and legal to drive, but it is single‑track with hairpin bends and heavy pedestrian/jaunting‑car traffic during peak season. Early‑morning drives (before 7 a.m.) are the only realistic way to avoid congestion and to enjoy sunrise views.

Nearby Attractions

• Killarney National Park – just a short drive away; includes Muckross House, Torc Waterfall and the Lakes of Killarney.
• Ross Castle – 15th‑century stronghold with guided tours.
• Moll’s Gap – another spectacular mountain pass a few kilometres south of the Gap.

Coordinates

• Latitude: 52.02161
• Longitude: -9.63676

Quick Reference Table

The Gap of Dunloe offers a flexible adventure: a brief stroll to the Wishing Bridge, a full‑day hike, a historic jaunting‑car ride, or a scenic boat crossing. Whichever option you choose, the combination of glacial lakes, rugged cliffs and sweeping mountain panoramas makes the Gap a highlight on any Kerry itinerary.