A GAP IN THE MOUNTAINS YOU’LL WANT TO SEE
The Gap of Dunloe, also known in Gaelic as Bearna an Choimín, is a mountain pass in County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. Here you’ll find the River Loe, running along the gap, which gave its name to the pass.
Running north to south for approximately 6.8 mi (11 km), this narrow gap was carved out by glacial flows some 25,000 years ago. The glacier separated MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range and the Purple Mountain Group.
From the north, the gap starts at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. At this point, there is a nice walk that leads to an old bridge, known locally as the ‘Wishing Bridge’.
The most popular way to see the gap is on a ‘pony and trap’ (horse and carriage) tour, which departs from the cottage. You’ll travel along the road of the gap that winds its way through the mountains and descends into the Black Valley. Along the way, you can admire the mountains high above and the five lakes you’ll pass along the way.
It is also possible to cycle and hike the gap, for the more adventurous souls. You can then take a boat back to Killarney from the end of the road at Lord Brandon’s Cottage.
View County Cork and County Kerry
