Gap of Dunloe

4.9 (176)

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About

A glacier-carved mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain, best seen on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn jaunting car, then by boat back across the Lakes of Killarney.

Things to Do

Ride a jaunting car

Horse-drawn cars cover the 12 km in 1.5–2 hours, leaving from Kate Kearney's Cottage or Lord Brandon's Cottage. They cost €140 per cart (up to 4 people) or €35 per person, paid in cash on the day.

Walk the Gap

The classic route runs about 11 km (2.5–3 hours) from Kate Kearney's Cottage to Lord Brandon's Cottage on the Upper Lake. Casual visitors can do the flat 2 km to the Wishing Bridge and back.

Boat across the Lakes of Killarney

From Lord Brandon's Cottage an open boat crosses the Upper Lake, the Long Range channel and the three lakes to Ross Castle, about 90 minutes through scenery no road reaches.

Cycle the Gap

The 11 km pass takes about an hour by bike with the climbs, and bikes can be loaded onto the boat at Lord Brandon's. Regular and electric bike hire is available in Killarney town.

Guided bus and boat tours from Killarney

A daily package checks in at 10:00 at O'Connor's Traditional Pub, High Street, Killarney, and includes transport to the Gap; self-guided walker and cyclist boats leave Reen Pier at 11:00. Book ahead in peak season.

Glacial lakes, bridges and wildlife

Five small glacial 'pater noster' lakes, old stone bridges and ruined Famine-era walls line the valley floor. Watch for red deer and white-tailed eagles.

Driving the Gap (go early)

The Gap is a public single-track road, so driving it is legal, but it is strongly discouraged during the day when walkers, cyclists and jaunting cars fill the carriageway. If you drive, go at dawn.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Open year-round; the road has no gates and no set visiting hours. Guided tours run daily (10:00 check-in; boats depart at 11:00).
Admission: Free to walk the Gap; jaunting car €35 per person; boat €15–20 per person.
Parking: Free large car park at Kate Kearney's Cottage, the main start point; it fills by around 11:00 in summer, so arrive early. Tour guests can also use a private car park behind O'Connor's pub in Killarney town.
Food: Cafés at both Kate Kearney's Cottage (pub-restaurant) and Lord Brandon's Cottage (basic, cash only, summer only).

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