Overview
The Gap of Dunloe is one of the most dramatic natural landmarks in Ireland, a narrow glacial mountain pass carved out roughly 25,000 years ago during the last ice age. The pass runs approximately 11km north to south between two of Ireland's most striking mountain ranges: the Macgillycuddy's Reeks to the west and Purple Mountain to the east.
A single-lane public road threads through the valley, passing five glacial lakes connected by the River Loe, jagged rock outcrops, stone bridges, and the open mountain landscape that has drawn visitors here for centuries. The Gap sits roughly 12km west of Killarney town and is entirely outside the boundary of Killarney National Park, though it is almost always visited as part of the same trip.
Most visitors experience the Gap either on foot, by bike, or by traditional horse-drawn jaunting car, with many pairing the pass with a boat ride across the Lakes of Killarney to form one of the most famous full-day outings in Ireland.
Book the Bus, Boat & Jaunting Tour here.
Book a Gap of Dunloe tour here.
What You'll See
The northern entrance at Kate Kearney's Cottage is the most popular starting point. The road climbs steadily between walls of glacially sculpted rock, passing Coosaun Lough, Black Lough, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lake, with ruined stone cottages, the Wishing Bridge, and the Head of the Gap along the way.
From the summit, the road descends into the remote Black Valley, one of the last places in Ireland to receive electricity. At the southern end sits Lord Brandon's Cottage, a 19th-century hunting lodge on the shore of the Upper Lake, from where traditional open-top boats run across the three Lakes of Killarney - Upper Lake, Muckross Lake, and Lough Leane - to return to Ross Castle. Wooly sheep, red deer, and grazing cattle roam across the hillsides.
Visitor Essentials
The most popular access point is Kate Kearney's Cottage, a family-run pub with parking, food, restrooms, and the main pickup point for jaunting cars. From Killarney town center, it's approximately a 15-minute drive via the R562.
The Gap itself is a public road, free to access, and open year-round. Jaunting car rides through the Gap typically operate from spring through autumn and are paid in cash at Kate Kearney's or pre-booked as part of a combined tour.
The popular full-day Gap of Dunloe tour - boat across the Lakes of Killarney from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon's Cottage, jaunting car up through the Gap to Kate Kearney's, then transfer back to Killarney - typically runs 5 to 6 hours.
Tips
Do not attempt to drive through the Gap unless you have no other option - the road is narrow, winding, and heavily used by walkers, cyclists, horses, and jaunting cars. Driving through is technically legal but is strongly discouraged by local operators and often results in long delays behind jaunting cars, and can spook the horses.
We drove the Gap during our visit but timed our drive just before sunset after the jaunting cars had cleared out and tourist traffic through the area was at a minimum. Nonetheless, the drive requires extreme car and be prepared to reverse if you encounter a vehicle from the opposite direction.
The best way to experience the Gap is either on foot, by bike, or on a jaunting car. For the classic full-day experience, book the combined boat and jaunting car tour in advance, particularly during peak season. Wear weatherproof layers regardless of forecast - the Gap sits at elevation and weather can change quickly, with rain common even on otherwise clear days.
Bring cash for jaunting car rides and for lunch at Lord Brandon's Cottage. Combine naturally with Killarney National Park, Ross Castle, Muckross House, and Torc Waterfall for a complete Killarney day or weekend.
