GAP OF DUNLOE
Killarney, County Kerry


Kate Kearney's Cottage

The car park for visitors to the Gap is at Kate Kearney's Cottage. Kate was the local beauty who once lived in this house. She also ran an illegal drinking house for travelers in the 19th century! Today the house is open to the public as a pub and gift shop. Jaunting cars for hire can be found just behind the house at the entrance to the Gap.

For hikers or those into walking, this path comes out in the Black Valley, that part of the valley that can be seen from Ladies' View on the southern road from Killarney.

Situated between Macgillicuddy Reeks (below, right of photo) and the Purple Mountains (below, left of photo) you will find the Gap of Dunloe. This is a path between the mountains of about 4 miles long. Visitors to the area will be surrounded in natural beauty from saffire blue lakes, the purple hue of the Purple Mountains, yellow lillies in the lakes, lush green grass, yellow gorse (when in season) and dozens of fluffy white sheep that roam freely around the hills.

This path through the mountains is unpaved and it's highly unadvised to drive. In fact, the locals discourage it. However there are jaunting cars available that can be hired to take you half way up to the pub situated on the first lake. This is also a lovely walk for visitors that have the time. About half way to the pub you will cross a stone bridge and will get one of the best views of the gap.


Gap of Dunloe, view of first/lower lake