At the foot of the mountains of Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe is a narrow pass carved by ice, where an asphalt road winds between sandstone cliffs, lakes and boglands. The site attracts hikers, cyclists and climbers, as well as visitors who take pony traps from Kate Kearney's Cottage.

Why visit Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe condenses in a few kilometres what southwest Ireland has to offer at its most characteristic: spectacular glacial relief, a chain of small lakes linked by the River Loe, and direct access to Black Valley and then Upper Lake. The pass can be traversed on foot, by bike, by pony trap, and extends by boat to Killarney, making for a complete day without having to return to your car.

Unlike the Cliffs of Moher or the Ring of Kerry, the site remains relatively intimate: the road is closed to motor traffic in high season, preserving the quiet atmosphere of the pass.

History and origin of the name

The pass was carved during the Pleistocene by glacial flows that worked their way between Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks chain, over a period spanning several hundred thousand years.

The name Dunloe has its root in the Irish Gaelic expression Dún Loich, which translates to "stronghold of Lóich". In Irish Celtic mythology, Lóich was the first chieftain of the tribe of the Fir Bolg, or "men of bags", the third invaders of Ireland according to the Lebor Gabála Érenn, the medieval Book of Invasions.

The pass became a fashionable tourist site in the 1860s, popularised by a visit from Queen Victoria. In the early 20th century, Gap served as a backdrop for several film shoots, including The Colleen Bawn, and Killarney agencies began organising guided pony trap excursions.

What to see and do

Hiking through the pass

The classic route starts from Kate Kearney's Cottage and climbs to the Head of the Gap: roughly 6 km, expect nearly an hour for regular walkers. The trail follows the road, with no technical difficulty, but sustained elevation gain towards the pass summit. Along the way, the Wishing Bridge, a small stone bridge, opens views onto Coosaun Lough and Black Lake.

Climbing

The red sandstone walls lining the pass offer several climbing sites, less crowded than Fair Head or Dalkey Quarry:

• the rocks of Céim and Bothán, on the eastern slope;
• Main Face and Jigsaw Wall, two short and demanding sectors near Brennan's cliff, to the northwest.

Cruise return to Killarney

At the far end of the pass, Lord Brandon's Cottage houses a café and marks the departure point for the lake crossing. Boats skirt the Upper Lake, pass under the narrow Brickeen Bridge and dock at the foot of Ross Castle, in the immediate vicinity of Lough Leane. This is the most common way to traverse the pass in a loop without retracing your steps.

Killarney National Park

The pass provides access to Killarney National Park, which covers 10,236 hectares and is home to Ireland's last oakwood forest, as well as a population of red deer. Two main entrances:

• the Golden Gates, via Ross Road, lead to Ross Castle and the embarkation point for Innisfallen Island;
• the main entrance via Muckross House, which houses the visitor centre, about 5 km southwest of Killarney via the N71.

Practical information

• Starting point: Kate Kearney's Cottage, at Beaufort, about 12 km from Killarney. Dating from the 19th century, it houses a café-pub and offers pony trap rental. Large car park opposite.
• Duration: allow half a day to traverse on foot or by pony trap, a full day if you include the cruise return to Killarney.
• Fees: free entry to the pass. Pony traps, cruises and combined tours are operated by private providers, at varying rates depending on the package.
• Equipment: hiking shoes, waterproof and windproof clothing, as Kerry's climate is one of the wettest in Ireland.

When to go

The season runs from May to September, when cruises and pony traps operate at full capacity, and when the road is generally closed to motor traffic. May-June and September offer the best compromise between moderate crowds and passable weather. July and August remain the busiest months.

Kerry's climate is very changeable: frequent showers, possible fog on the ridges, cool temperatures even in summer. Check the forecast first thing in the morning and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

How to get there

From Killarney, take the N72 towards Killorglin for about 5 km, then turn left onto the Gap Road following signs for Kate Kearney's Cottage and Gap of Dunloe. The drive takes about twenty minutes.

Killarney is connected by train and bus to Dublin, Cork, Tralee and Kenmare. From Killarney station, seasonal tourist shuttles serve Kate Kearney's Cottage, and many local agencies offer the complete pass + boat package.

Nearby attractions

• Killarney: ideal base town, about a dozen kilometres away, with St Mary's Cathedral and its historic centre.
• Lough Leane: the largest of Killarney's three lakes, accessible from Ross Castle, with boat excursions to Innisfallen Island and its medieval monastery.
• Muckross House and gardens: Victorian manor and national park visitor centre, 5 km south of Killarney.
• Ring of Kerry: the pass naturally extends into this panoramic 180 km route around the Iveragh Peninsula.

FAQ

Include Gap of Dunloe in your trip

Gap of Dunloe naturally fits into a tour of southwest Ireland, around the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and Killarney National Park. To build a bespoke itinerary, consult our Ireland travel suggestions.