Walk the Gap (Short)
A 2 km (40-minute) return stroll from Kate Kearney's Cottage to the Wishing Bridge. Flat, easy, and perfect for a quick taste of the valley. Make a wish from the old stone bridge — legend says it'll come true.
Gap of Dunloe
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About
An 11 km glacial ravine slicing between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain — walk, cycle, or ride a jaunting car through one of Kerry's most dramatic mountain passes, then boat back across the Lakes of Killarney.
Things to Do
Walk the Gap (Full)
The 11 km one-way hike from Kate Kearney's Cottage to Lord Brandon's Cottage takes 2.5–3 hours on a paved single-track road. You'll pass five corrie lakes — Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough — before reaching the Head of the Gap, the highest and most dramatic point.
Jaunting Car Ride
A traditional horse-drawn wooden carriage takes you through the pass. Jaunting cars seat up to 4 people and cost around €35 per person (~€140 total). You can hire one at Kate Kearney's Cottage or at the Head of the Gap. Expect to hop out on the steepest sections.
Boat & Walk Combo Tour
The classic full-day circuit: coach from Killarney to Kate Kearney's, walk (or ride) through the Gap, then boat across the three Lakes of Killarney from Lord Brandon's Cottage to Ross Castle. The boat leg takes about an hour and passes scenery unreachable by road. Tours start from around €35–40.
Cycle the Gap
Rent a bike in Killarney and ride the 11 km pass. The road is paved but climbs steeply to the Head of the Gap. You can load your bike onto the boat at Lord Brandon's Cottage for the return trip. A longer 56 km loop via Black Valley and Moll's Gap is popular with experienced cyclists.
Drive the Gap (Early Only)
The Gap is a public road, but it's a single-lane track shared with walkers, cyclists, and jaunting cars. Driving is only sensible before 10am or after 7pm when crowds thin out. The 15-minute drive from Kate Kearney's to the Head of the Gap offers jaw-dropping views with limited pull-over spots.
Eat & Drink at Kate Kearney's Cottage
A 170-year-old family-run pub at the northern entrance. Serves hearty pub classics — Irish stew, steak, burgers — from noon daily in season. Live traditional music in the evenings. Also has a souvenir shop and toilets. Call ahead off-season to confirm kitchen hours.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: The Gap itself is a public road — always open. Kate Kearney's Cottage serves food daily from noon in season; call ahead off-season. Lord Brandon's Cottage café is summer only.
- Admission: Free — no entrance fee to the Gap of Dunloe.
- Parking: Free car park at Kate Kearney's Cottage (northern entrance). Large but fills by 11am in summer. Arrive before 10am to secure a spot.
- Food: Kate Kearney's Cottage serves pub food (Irish stew, steaks, burgers, kids' menu) from noon daily in season. Lord Brandon's Cottage has a basic café in summer. For more choice, Killarney town is a 15-minute drive away.
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