How to Visit the Gap of Dunloe
Read our travel guide on the Gap of Dunloe in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, things to see and do, how to get there, and when to go.
Without any doubt, Gap of Dunloe is a top attraction not just in County Kerry but the entire island of Ireland.
This scenic drive is pretty much on every Ireland road trip itinerary, regardless of whether you travel around Emerald Isle independently or with a guided tour.
The route passes through the mountains and features some of the finest scenery in this area.
The road is narrow and winding, and as we elaborate later, it's best explored on foot or bike, although other perfect options are available as well.
Due to its easy access, it's often rated as one of the best things to do in Killarney for all ages and abilities.
Furthermore, Gap of Dunloe is part of the iconic Ring of Kerry, one of the best scenic drives in the world that attracts both local and international travelers.
As you can clearly see, there are tons of great reasons to visit Gap of Dunloe when exploring Kerry.
However, there are also many things that are not so great about this place and which can make or break your trip and set the tone for everything, from how you prepare your itinerary to choosing how to get around or when you visit this area.
While it's super easy to visit Gap of Dunloe, the more information you gather about this area, the better your trip will be.
So here's everything you should know about Gap of Dunloe before you go.
Where is the Gap of Dunloe
Situated in County Kerry, this scenic road is nestled between two mountain ranges, MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain.
The nearby town of Killarney is generally considered to be the gateway to the Gap of Dunloe and Killarney National Park in general.
The pass itself is at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level.
History
The U-shaped valley between MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain was carved by the glaciers 25.000 years ago, during Ireland's last Ice Age.
Today River Loe connects the five lakes, Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough, that you will have a chance to see along the way.
The name Dunloe comes from the Irish Dun Loich, meaning a fort or stronghold.
Tourism started in the area in the 1860s after a visit from Queen Victoria. By the way, on her first journey to Ireland, the small town of Cobh was changed to Queenstown in order to honor the visit.
We don't have to mention that today tourism plays a massive role in this area.
How to Visit Gap of Dunloe
The first and most important thing you need to figure out before you go is what is the best way to see the Gap of Dunloe.
In our case, we were deciding whether we should explore the Gap of Dunloe by car or on foot, and for a while, we even considered renting a bike.
As Gap of Dunloe is one of the most visited places in Kerry, we wanted to avoid the regular tourist experience, which often includes the crowds of cyclists, hikers, jaunting cars, and regular cars stuck behind them.
We were not sure really what to expect, but, in the end, we decided to drive through the gap before everyone else arrived to avoid disappointment.
Car
Obviously, the easiest and most convenient way to explore Gap of Dunloe is by car. Yes, Gap of Dunloe is a public road, and you can drive there.
There are two super important things you need to know before you go.
Firstly, even though it's a two-way road, this is basically a single-lane track, and it's very narrow, though it is paved and in good condition.
You might find driving here difficult if you are not the most experienced driver.
Therefore, make sure to read our post that features helpful tips for driving in Ireland.
On top of that, if you follow our second advice, it's not that bad as the road should be almost empty.
Our second piece of advice is the most crucial one.
You need to start super early. Otherwise, driving at Gap of Dunloe is a terrible idea.
In general, it's strongly not advised to visit the Gap of Dunloe by car between 10 AM and 7 PM.
Really, we can't stress enough how crucial it is to arrive here early, even as early as 5 AM or 6 AM (or after 7 PM), to avoid all the walkers, cyclists, and jaunting cars.
We don't need to mention that this strategy is only feasible in the late spring, summer, and early autumn, as there will already be enough daylight.
There is one more important thing to know before you go.
We already mentioned that this is technically a single-lane road meaning that the entire stretch of the road is very narrow.
And if you arrive here in the middle of the day, you will get stuck behind everyone.
Keep in mind that especially the local Jarveys (horsemen) are not fond of drivers and won't often let you pass, which can potentially lead to stressful situations.
Renting a car in Ireland is easy, as there are tons of rental offices scattered around the country (even in Killarney).
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Walk
Another popular way to explore the Gap of Dunloe is on foot.
While you will have more time to enjoy the views when exploring the Gap of Dunloe on foot, you will share the road with other hikers, cyclists, and jaunting cars, especially if you take the tour (as tours don't start early).
Moreover, we can't deny that the scenery was beautiful, but the idea of walking on a road is not how we imagine a day out in the wilderness.
Having said that, walking and biking is still great way to explore the Gap of Dunloe, as you will have plenty of time to admire the scenery and stop whenever you want along the way to take photos.
The starting point for the Gap of Dunloe hike is at Kate Kearney's Cottage, where you will also find free parking.
The walk from Kate Kearney's Cottage to the Head of the Gap of Dunloe is 6 kilometers.
Once you reach the furthest point, you will need to retrace your steps via the same way to get back to your car.
In case you want to hike, you can also consider taking a boat tour to see even more of Killarney National Park. We will talk about this option down below.
Bike
In case you want to stay active, you can consider cycling the 55-kilometer route that starts and ends in Killarney and takes you through the Gap of Dunloe.
Keep in mind that a large portion of this trail leads on N71 and N72, two major roads with lots of traffic.
Alternatively, you might want to consider joining a boat tour that will take you across the lake to Lord Brandon Cottage or Ross Castle.
Obviously, you can rent a bike in Killarney in case you don't bring your own.
Jaunting Cars
One of the main reasons to avoid driving across the pass during the day is the jaunting cars.
Jaunting cars are really not our thing, so that was the activity we aimed to avoid.
However, they still play a big part in the Gap of Dunloe experience, regardless of your mean of transport.
Tours
In case you don't want to worry about transport, you can always consider taking a guided tour from Killarney.
This basic tour includes a bus ride to Kate Kearney's Cottage, a 12-kilometer walk through the gap, and a boat ride from Lord Brandon's Cottage back to Ross Castle.
Here you can reserve a Gap of Dunloe Tour from Killarney.
How to Avoid Crowds
Seeing Gap of Dunloe without crowds is fairly easy, but you need to plan your trip carefully.
In the peak season, having a flexible travel itinerary helps a lot, as it's essential to visit the gap before the crowds flock to the area.
The rule of thumb is to start early.
We have already mentioned that if you go as early as 5 AM or 6 AM, the chances are that you will have the entire road just for yourself, especially outside July and August.
Is Gap of Dunloe Safe?
The Gap of Dunloe is a safe place to visit, but you still need to use your common sense in order to stay safe while there.
As it gets busy, accidents do happen in this area from time to time. If driving, make sure to get there before the crowds arrive or after they leave.
Also, never underestimate the local weather, and always make sure to bring proper rain gear.
Despite its popularity and the superb trail conditions, you're still in the relatively remote mountains.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to Pack
As mentioned above, the weather in Ireland is unpredictable, and you will spend the next several hours hiking in the wilderness.
Always make sure to have a good rain jacket with you, as the weather in this area is very changeable.
A comfortable daypack that can contain a snack, a water bottle, an extra layer, or a rain poncho is a must.
Lastly, make sure to have proper footwear. The path is paved along the way, so regular trail runners should be more than fine on most occasions.
Here are more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
How to Visit the Gap of Dunloe
As mentioned above, we started our day super early. After exploring Beara Peninsula, we stayed in the lovely town of Kenmare overnight.
Therefore, we didn't have to decide whether we should explore the Gap of Dunloe from the north or south, unlike those staying in Killarney.
Here are some of the best stops along the Gap of Dunloe.
Molls Gap
Firstly, we drove to Molls Gap, where we left Ring of Kerry and turned left onto R568. It was so quiet, so peaceful.
We made a quick stop at the parking and observed the unsuccessful attempt of the sun to break through the dark rolling clouds.
After just 750 meters, we left the R568 and turned right onto a narrow single-track road.
There was no traffic, but I had to pay attention as there were sheep on the road from time to time.
After 1.8 kilometers, there was another fork, so we kept right in this section. From this point, it was another 800 meters to the next T junction.
Here we turned right and stayed on this road for another 9 kilometers until we reached the Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley junction.
Lord Brandon's Cottage
Roughly 1.7 kilometers before you reach the junction, there is a turnout to Lord Brandon's Cottage, a 19th-century hunting lodge.
Today, it's a cafe that marks the Gap of Dunloe's southern end and serves as a reference point for hikers who booked the boat trip back to Ross Castle (Killarney).
If you booked the tour that includes the boat trip, mark this point.
Black Valley Junction
By the way, Black Valley is one of the most remote areas in this region and is also home to narrow roads, green pastures, and grazing sheep.
Furthermore, the valley is included in the Kerry Way, a 200-kilometer long-distance hiking trail that circumnavigates the Iveragh Peninsula.
The Gap of Dunloe Road
However, Lord Brandon's Cottage and Black Valley were not on our itinerary today, so once again, we turned right and connected to Gap of Dunloe road, which started with a couple of zig-zags and a steep climb.
Once you reach the top, this is the most scenic part of the route, so make sure to drive slowly.
Head of the Gap of Dunloe
The first stop worth noting is the Head of the Gap of Dunloe, at an elevation of 240 meters, the highest point along the way.
The entire valley opens up from here for the first time, and you can admire the typical landscape with a zig-zagging road.
There is a tiny pullout/parking in case you want to take a few photos from the top.
From the Head of the Gap of Dunloe, it's only eight kilometers to Kate Kearney's Cottage.
Augher Lake
The road slowly descended from the highest point, and we passed a Black Lough (there was also a much larger Black Lake further down the road) and a few picturesque stone bridges.
The next stop was Augher Lake, one of the largest lakes along the route.
Black Lake
The road straightens out as it passes a few farms, and the scenery offers a bit less dramatic views along the way.
It's still very narrow, and the farmlands are fenced off, so the driving part doesn't become much easier.
Just before we reached the bridge, there was a classic view of the Black Lake with the mountains in the backdrop.
Wishing Bridge
Spanning over the pristine River Loe between Black Lough and Coosaun Lough, the Wishing Bridge was the final stop on our Gap of Dunloe trip.
As the name suggests, this lovely stone bridge grants wishes to whoever stands on it (and makes the wish).
If it's true, you need to see for yourself.
Strickeen Mountain
Just before you reach Kearney's Cottage, there is a trailhead to Strickeen Mountain.
If you start at the cottage, this is a relatively steep 7-kilometer out-and-back trail (it's only 5.5 kilometers from the trailhead).
The summit of Strickeen Mountain is 440 meters and offers superb views of Kerry, in case the weather cooperates.
While the hike is rated as family-friendly, the elevation gain of 380 meters makes it a bit harder than you would expect.
By the way, hiking is not the only outdoor activity here, as there are also several rock climbing routes in the Gap of Dunloe area.
Kate Kearney's Cottage
For most, this is the official starting point for the Gap of Dunloe.
As we traveled from the south, the popular cottage marked the end of this journey for us.
Kate Kearney's Cottage is about 12 kilometers from Killarney, so it takes only a few minutes to get there.
In case you start at Kate Kearney's Cottage and drive the Gap of Dunloe from north to south, don't forget to make stops at places such as Ladies' View, Derrycunnihy Nature Reserve, Torc Waterfall, or Muckross House.
Killarney
A main tourist hub in the area, Killarney is the gateway to the nearby Killarney National Park.
The town gets busy, but the upside is that it's packed with great hotels, pubs, and restaurants.
Furthermore, there is plenty of things to do and see in Killarney and its surroundings for all ages and abilities.
When to Go
In general, the best time to visit the Gap of Dunloe is during the summer, especially on a beautiful sunny day.
Spring and autumn should be better options if you want to avoid crowds.
We visited the Gap of Dunloe at the beginning of May, and as we headed there early, there were no people around.
Locals often consider winter to be the best time to visit the Gap of Dunloe as there are no jaunting cars in this area during this period and very little traffic.
For more information on this topic, don't forget to read our guide on when to visit Ireland.
How to Get There
As mentioned earlier, the easiest way to get to Gap of Dunloe is by car, bike, or guided tour.
Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus that runs daily between the main station (there is also a stop at the tourist office) in Killarney and Kate Kearney's Cottage.
You could also take a taxi to the cottage and return via the same way or take the boat from Lord Brandon's Cottage back to Killarney.
The nearest town is Killarney, about 12 kilometers from Kate Kearney's Cottage.
The Gap of Dunloe is about 100 kilometers west of Cork via N22, and the journey takes less than two hours.
The drive from Limerick is about 120 kilometers via N21, and it takes about two and a half hours to get there.
Dublin is about 320 from Gap of Dunloe. Galway is a three-hour drive from here.
Where to Stay
The Gap of Dunloe is part of the Ring of Kerry, and you have multiple options for where to spend the night when exploring this area.
Known as a gateway to the Gap of Dunloe, Ring of Kerry, and Killarney National Park, the town of Killarney has a firm foothold as one of Ireland's primary tourist destinations.
From luxury hotels to campgrounds, Killarney offers a wide range of accommodations, and it is the most obvious choice for most travelers.
Kenmare is a popular alternative for those willing to travel further out so they can spend a little less on accommodation.
Alternatively, you should consider staying in Tralee, from where you can continue your trip to Dingle Peninsula.
Killarney | Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa - With its central location, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa is a perfect accommodation for staying overnight after a long day on the road. The hotel features charming rooms, an indoor pool, a spa, free parking, and a gourmet restaurant.
Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel - Situated in a quiet location in Kenmare, Brook Lane is a charming boutique hotel that features stylish rooms with floor heating and large and comfortable beds, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
Tralee | The Ashe Hotel - Situated in the heart of Tralee, the Ashe Hotel offers a charming combination of eclectic and contemporary. This boutique hotel has beautiful decor, spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and an on-site restaurant that serves fabulous breakfast.
Is Gap of Dunloe Worth Visiting?
All things considered, the Gap of Dunloe is a beautiful place worth seeing, especially when visiting Ireland on a budget.
However, setting your expectations right and planning your trip carefully is essential.
Admittedly, we found Gap of Dunloe overrated and still can't wrap our heads around its popularity.
The scenic drive is nice, but it's fairly short. And even though the scenery is beautiful, it's not difficult to find a fairly similar drive in Ireland without the crowds.
For instance, we loved Healy Pass, Priest's Leap, and even Old Military Road.
And there are many more scenic drives and detours along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Similarly, we love hiking, but not exactly on the sealed road trail you share with other walkers, cyclists, jaunting cars, and regular vehicles. Don't get us wrong.
The route across the Gap of Dunloe is fine; it's just that we would avoid visiting this area during the day, at least in the peak season.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
