Gap of Dunloe

Not far from the Killarney National Park in County Kerry in Ireland is the Gap of Dunloe located. It is a narrow pass between Macgillycuddy's Reeks in the west and Purple Mountain in the east. The winding pass road passes five smaller lakes, all connected by the River Loe.

There are many ways to visit the valley, starting at Kate Kearney's Cottage, a family owned pub with a good restaurant and souvenir shop for over 150 years. There you will also find the Gap Ponymen, who try to convince you that their carriages are the only way to visit the pass. Some of them are right about this, because it is a special experience to hear the stories of the coachmen on this former conventional Irish means of transport and to enjoy the wonderful nature at the same time. Another alternative would be to explore the canyon on your own by foot or with the bicycle. In addition, a complete package is offered with bus transfer including return trip by boat over the Upper, Middle and Lower Lakes to the historic Ross Castle in Killarney.

Since it is a public street, it is also possible to drive through the passport with the rental car. During the high season from mid April to mid September this is not recommended as the road is very winding, single lane and narrow.

To reach the starting point of the pass road you drive from direction Killarney on the N72. After about 8 kilometres turn right onto Beaufort Bridge and continue straight on to Kate Kearney's Cottage. Parking spaces are also available there.