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Gap of Dunloe

Nature spots ·Killarney
4.73.7K
#3Nature spots in IrelandTravelers' Choice 2026
  • Visit: 2–4 hours
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About

Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass west of Killarney in County Kerry, between two mountain ranges, with five lakes along it.

More photos 11

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Gap of Dunloe — Stone bridge over a stream beside the winding mountain road Matthew Chadwick · CC BY-SA 2.0 · edited
Gap of Dunloe — Stone bridge over a stream beside the winding mountain roadGap of Dunloe — Rocky gorge with a small bridge and road beside the waterGap of Dunloe — Blue lake beneath the mountains at the southern end of the GapGap of Dunloe — Road and stream crossing the narrow mountain valleyGap of Dunloe — Road winding through the broad upper valley between steep slopesGap of Dunloe — Mountain stream flowing toward a lake beneath misty hillsGap of Dunloe — Black Lake framed by green slopes and large rocksGap of Dunloe — Country road approaching the green mountain valleyGap of Dunloe — Open grassy mountain slope with scattered rocks and grazing sheepGap of Dunloe — Vintage postcard view of the stone bridge and mountain streamGap of Dunloe — Sepia stereoview of the rocky valley and its stone bridge

Why go

  • The Wishing Bridge, where wishes made aloud are said to come true
  • The five lakes along the pass, from Coosaun Lough to Black Lough, fed by the Loe river
  • The stone bridges at the north ends of two lakes, used as lookout points

History

A glacier broke through the Head of the Gap during the last ice age, about 25,000 years ago. It carved the U-shaped valley northwards.

  1. 25,000 years agoA glacier breaks through the Head of the Gap and carves the U-shaped valley northwards.
  2. 1914Sidney Olcott shoots the film The Gap of Dunloe in the valley's landscapes.
  3. 1915The film The Gap of Dunloe is released, with Valentine Grant and Pat O'Malley as its stars.

Tips for your visit

  • Start at Kate Kearney's Cottage: the pass runs about 11 km from there down into the Black Valley.
  • The Head of the Gap can be reached by car from the north, past the cottage.
  • Near the Head of the Gap the road is narrow, winding and hard to pass.
  • Steep, winding descents and blind spots can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced cyclists.
  • A 55-kilometre loop through the area is popular with cyclists.
  • Most climbing crags are on the northwest side of the valley.
  • The mountains on either side are common hill walking routes.

Know before you go

  • The road through the valley is public, under the care of Kerry County Council.
  • Some bends are too tight for vehicles larger than a mid-size car to pass in one go.
  • Walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, car drivers, motorhome users and horse carts all use the route.

How to get there

  • 60 minOn footWalk to the Head of the Gap: six kilometres, about an hour.

Shorts

Interesting facts6

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  1. The place name Dunloe goes back to the Irish Dún Lóich, which means stronghold of Lóich.

    Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia

  2. Legend makes Deala Mac Lóich the father of the five Fir Bolg chieftains.

    Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia

  3. Carriage drivers have spread a rumour that the road is not public, to keep tourists from driving it themselves.

    Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia

  4. Its Irish name is Bearna an Choimín.

    Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia
  5. 832 metres

    Purple Mountain, on the valley's east side, rises to 832 metres.

    Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia
  6. 107 rock

    The Old Red Sandstone cliffs have more than 107 rock climbing routes.

    Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia

Sources: Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia · Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia · Gap of Dunloe - Wikipedia · checked 25 Oct 2026

Where
Killarney

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

How long does a visit to the Gap of Dunloe take?

The walk to the Head of the Gap is six kilometres and takes about an hour. The pass itself runs about 11 km from Kate Kearney's Cottage down into the Black Valley.

How do I get to the Gap of Dunloe from Killarney?

The pass lies west of Killarney and starts at Kate Kearney's Cottage. Cars can reach the Head of the Gap from the north, past the cottage.

Can you take a horse-drawn trap ride at the Gap of Dunloe?

Yes. Horse-drawn trap rides with single-axle carriages are offered along the valley.

Is it safe to cycle or drive the Gap of Dunloe road?

Steep, winding descents and blind spots can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced cyclists. Some bends are too tight for vehicles larger than a mid-size car to pass in one go.

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