Walking The Stunningly Beautiful Gap Of Dunloe In County Kerry Ireland
The Gap of Dunloe has long been on my list to see in County Kerry Ireland.
It’s often thought of as part of Killarney National Park.
But technically it’s just outside of the park boundaries to the west.
However, it makes a great addition to your time in the Killarney National Park area.
Let’s first place the Gap of Dunloe on the map and talk a wee bit about its historical significance.
Where is the Gap of Dunloe and what exactly is it?
As I mentioned above, the Gap of Dunloe is west of Killarney National Park.
It’s a valley or pass that runs between Ireland’s highest peaks — the McGillicuddy Reeks to the west — and the Purple and Tomies mountains of Killarney which are not as high.
Dunloe comes from the Irish Gaelic Dún Loich which means the fort of Loich.
Loich was the first leader (chieftain) of an ancient tribe called the Fir Bolg who lived in the area.
The Gap of Dunloe became a fashionable place to visit during Victorian times thanks to Queen Victoria’s visit in the 1860’s.
And, of course, there are stories and legends that abound in a place like this.
But…onto the road, ways to tackle it and all the beauty around it.
There is a road through the Gap of Dunloe
So,yes, you can drive the Gap of Dunloe.
It’s a paved road.
However, I wouldn’t recommend this method of travel as the road is narrow and you’ll be sharing the road with the jaunting cars (horse and buggy) as well as cyclists and walkers.
The road makes walking or cycling the Gap of Dunloe easier than if it were a rocky path.
And it’s really a nice walk.
With the road going through the gap north to south or south to north, this leads to a question…
Which direction should I do this walk (or cycle) in?
Most people start at the north end near the iconic Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
This is the end closer to Killarney Town — of which I am NOT a fan.
I chose to start at the south end since I was staying in Kenmare.
Plus, I got to drive through some of the Black Valley (adjacent to Killarney National Park) which is gorgeous!
The downfall is I had to park a good mile or so away from where the Gap of Dunloe begins — because this valley/pass is a few miles long.
But I was rewarded with some amazing views of the Black Valley and the McGillicuddy Reeks as I walked up the hill.
Just magnificent!
I think there are a couple of advantages to walking south to north.
One is that you aren’t going to be with everyone as you start off so you’ll be mostly by yourself.
Secondly is that when you hit what they call the Head of the Gap of Dunloe you have these incredible views of what’s to come.
It was breathtaking.
And you won’t get that “Wow!” moment if you walk north to south.
I do think walking from north to south can be a good idea for those who want a shorter walk as there is more parking at the north end.
But for more adventurous souls who are okay with walking on a road for 9-10 miles, I highly recommend the south to north direction.
Tip: I parked at Our Lady of the Valley church.
What are some of the features and highlights of the Gap of Dunloe?
The south end was the best for me.
The Gap of Dunloe is narrower here, more a V shaped valley than a U shaped one.
So it’s much more dramatic.
The stream runs by the road and then leads to the first lake, Lough Augher.
It’s at Lough Augher that the valley begins to open up more.
So between the Head of the Gap of Dunloe and Lough Augher, well, that’s the best part, in my opinion.
You’ll hit one of 2 “Wishing Bridges” at that narrower end.
And you’ll be walking downhill, taking in the incredible artwork that time and the elements created as they have carved out this impressive valley.
As you come down to Augher Lake the road begins to level out.
There are some nice photo ops at Lough Augher so stop and take some snaps or even find a rock to take a break and have a snack.
It’s around here that you’ll see some houses and some sheep farms.
The baby lambs at this time of year are a treat.
Sooooo cute!!!
There are more lakes as you head north — Cushvalley then Black Lake where you’ll come to the second Wishing Bridge.
This is a beautiful spot with some fabulous views to the south of the Black Lake and the mountains in the upper or narrow part of the gap.
Admittedly, this is where I decided to turn around and head back.
I had about another kilometer to go to hit the end of the gap, but I was getting tired.
Plus, I felt as though I had experienced the most amazing part of the Gap of Dunloe.
If I was wrong, then someone please enlighten me!
Of course, I had to then walk back uphill to the Head of the Gap of Dunloe.
But it was all good because of the fabulous scenery.
Then it was downhill to where I parked near the church called Our Lady of the Valley.
The sun popped out and I had more awesome views of Black Valley and the mountains.
*Sigh*
It was a fantastic day!
Final thoughts on the Gap of Dunloe
I had seen images of this valley over the years and kept telling myself that I needed to get to and see it.
And I knew it could be walked.
It was worth the wait as the Gap of Dunloe is just magnificent.
Again, in my opinion I walked it in the direction that affords the most wow factor.
It was longer but the walk — because it’s all on a paved road — is not difficult.
I highly recommend seeing this piece of County Kerry.
Certainly, take a jaunting car if you are not in a position to walk or cycle it.
But if you are able, walk or cycle it.
And enjoy the gorgeousness of this special part of Ireland.
A few logistics for visiting the Gap of Dunloe
There is free parking near Kate Kearney’s Cottage on the north end of the road.
If you choose to start at the south end like I did, I might recommend parking in front of the church, Our Lady of the Valley, as at the time of this writing there were no signs indicating you could not park there.
There were a few larger pull off places (that did not have no parking signs) up the road further toward the Head of the Gap that could accommodate a couple of cars. So parking a bit closer may be possible.
Be prepared for the weather to change. You are in the mountains and you are in Ireland! So please take your rain jacket as well as some extra layers.
Stay aware as you are walking or cycling for cars and the jaunting cars. Please leave room for both!
Take your camera or phone so you can take pics. It’s stunning!
Have you been to the Gap of Dunloe?
Let me know in the comments below.
Or email me at Lynne@WanderYourWay.
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