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Trail · Killarney, Kerry
Gap of Dunloe
Gorge of about 11 km between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains and the Purple Mountain, with five lakes, stone bridges and a narrow road traversed on foot, by bicycle or by carriage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a glacially carved gorge between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountains, and the Purple Mountain massif, about 10 km west of Killarney. A narrow road of roughly 11 km crosses the valley from north to south, passing five lakes in sequence and stone bridges, between rock walls and heather-clad slopes.
The route starts at Kate Kearney's Cottage, a 19th-century coaching inn that is now a pub and restaurant, where parking and the carriages are located. From there the road climbs gently through the valley, passes the Wishing Bridge and reaches the highest point, around 240 metres, with views on both sides. The descent continues to the Black Valley and Lord Brandon's Cottage, on the edge of the Upper Lake.
Car traffic is discouraged on the road, and the route is mainly done on foot, by bicycle or in charrettes pulled by local jarveys. In season, usually from April to October, boats depart from Lord Brandon's Cottage and traverse the three Killarney lakes to Ross Castle, completing the circuit.
The most common way to do the trip is to buy in Killarney a package that includes a bus to Kate Kearney's Cottage, cross the Gap independently and take the return boat. Cyclists often do the route in the opposite direction, taking the boat first to ride downhill through the gorge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
3 to 4 hours on foot for the crossing alone; a full day if returning by boat through the lakes.
Best time
From April to October, when the boats operate. Early in the morning there are fewer people and fewer carriages on the road. In low cloud the mountains may disappear, but the valley remains beautiful.
How to get there
Kate Kearney's Cottage, at the start of the Gap, is about 11 km west of Killarney town centre via the Beaufort road. There is parking and tour buses in season. City-centre agencies sell a package with bus, crossing and boat.
Tip
Do the full circuit: bus to Kate Kearney's Cottage, cross on foot or by bicycle and return by boat across the lakes to Ross Castle. Bring a raincoat, snacks and comfortable footwear; there are few services in the middle of the valley.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gap of Dunloe
Can you drive across the Gap of Dunloe?
The road is narrow and car traffic is discouraged, especially in summer. The route is done on foot, by bicycle or by jaunting car.
How long does the crossing on foot take?
About 3 to 4 hours for the roughly 11 km, with gentle climbs. With the boat back, the trip takes the whole day.
How does the return boat work?
In season, boats leave from Lord Brandon's Cottage at the end of the Gap and travel along the three lakes to Ross Castle. Timetables depend on water levels; buy tickets in Killarney.