The Gap of Dunloe, situated in County Kerry between the McGillicuddy Reeks Mountain range and the Purple Mountain Range is an area of outstanding beauty adjacent to Killarney National Park.
The Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass which rises to 791 feet, and it connects the area of Beaufort to its north with the Black Valley to its south. The road itself is in fact a public road, but is not suitable for excessive traffic, in particular during daytime in the summer months when local Jarvey’s are conducting tours through this road by horse transport.
At the northern end of the Gap of Dunloe lies Kate Kearneys Pub, a traditional Irish pub which serves good food and drink. The pub itself has a very lively atmosphere and in the evening generally has good music sessions. Travelling 7 miles from Kate Kearney’s south through the Gap, the visitor will come to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. This is the departure point for boats through The Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle in Killarney.
The Gap of Dunloe offers visitors to Ireland and in particular County Kerry, an area of natural stunnng scenery unequaled in any other European country. It is a very special place and it will afford the visitor an experience which will be hard to find in any other part of the island of Ireland.
Access to this outstanding area can be by –
(1) Walking – for the fit and agile it offers a marvelous day out. There is a steep climb to the top of the Gap.
(2) Boat – a day not to forget – take the boat through Killarney’s Lakes from Ross Castle, Killarney and after 90 minutes you arrive at Lord Brandon’s Cottage. From here you can either walk through the Gap to Kate Kearney’s or travel by pony on the same route. This trip can also be done in reverse.
(3) Pony and Trap – hire a Jarvey either at Kate Kearney’s Cottage or Lord Brandon’s Cottage for a trip through the Gap. An unforgettable experience.
For those wishing to experience this very special place for even longer you could consider staying overnight at the Black Valley Hostel, a superb and very professionally run accommodation outlet right in the centre of the Black Valley or at some of the B&B establishments in this area.
If you are touring in County Kerry, do not leave the county without experiencing this this area, the Jewel in the Crown of scenic areas Kerry has within its boundaries.
Classic Ireland Guided Tours arrange tours through the Gap of Dunloe as part of local tours in the Killarney area. Groups of all sizes can be catered for. However, because of local traffic conditions, tour vehicles do not drive through the Gap. For more information email: classicirelandguidedtours@gmail.com
