Gap of Dunloe - Image 1
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Gap of Dunloe

4.9
·557 reviews·Gap of Dunloe, Ireland

A dramatic glacial valley in County Kerry, Ireland, offering stunning mountain scenery, winding roads, and traditional transport options.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Gap of Dunloe - Image 1

Gap of Dunloe

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic glacial valley in County Kerry, Ireland, offering stunning mountain scenery, winding roads, and traditional transport options.

4.9
(557 reviews)

"Breathtaking scenery - a must-do when in Kerry."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution!

Roads are very narrow. Be prepared for oncoming traffic, cyclists, and horses. Off-season is best for driving.

🐴 Jaunting Car Magic

Rent a pony trap at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a stress-free experience. Worth the cost!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Gap of Dunloe

The Iconic Gap of Dunloe

The main pass

A dramatic glacial valley with towering cliffs and a winding road. Breathtaking scenery awaits!

Jaunting Car Ride

Jaunting Car Ride

Kate Kearney's Cottage

Experience the Gap in a traditional pony and trap. Relax and enjoy the views without the driving stress.

Lord Brandon's Cottage

Lord Brandon's Cottage

Southern end of the Gap

A charming spot for a break, often the endpoint for boat tours from Ross Castle.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Narrow Pass

The Gap of Dunloe's roads are famously narrow and winding. Driving is possible but challenging, especially with oncoming traffic, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts. Many visitors opt for hiking, cycling, or the traditional 'jaunting car' (pony and trap) for a safer and more immersive experience. Consider parking at Kate Kearney's Cottage.

Best Way to Experience the Gap

While driving is an option, it's often stressful. For a truly memorable visit, consider a Gap of Dunloe hike or a jaunting car ride from Kate Kearney's Cottage. Many recommend the Gap of Dunloe bike and boat tour for a comprehensive adventure, combining cycling with a scenic boat trip.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Advice for 1 day gap of dunloe / ring Kerry options

🚗 Drive with Caution!

Roads are very narrow. Be prepared for oncoming traffic, cyclists, and horses. Off-season is best for driving. Reddit

🐴 Jaunting Car Magic

Rent a pony trap at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a stress-free experience. Worth the cost! Reddit

reddit.com

Best way to see gap of dunloe?

reddit.com

Gap of Dunloe, relaxed

🚶‍♀️ Hike the Gap

A fantastic way to see the scenery up close. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Reddit

🚲 Bike & Boat Adventure

Combine cycling with a boat trip for a full day's adventure. Highly recommended! TikTok

reddit.com

Gap of Dunloe - Should we arrange a tour?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution!

Roads are very narrow. Be prepared for oncoming traffic, cyclists, and horses. Off-season is best for driving. Reddit

🐴 Jaunting Car Magic

Rent a pony trap at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a stress-free experience. Worth the cost! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hike the Gap

A fantastic way to see the scenery up close. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Reddit

🚲 Bike & Boat Adventure

Combine cycling with a boat trip for a full day's adventure. Highly recommended! TikTok

☕ Coffee Break Costs

Enjoy a coffee at the top, but be aware prices can be a bit high. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(557 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking, dramatic scenery of the Gap of Dunloe, calling it a must-do in Kerry. The narrow, winding roads are a challenge for drivers, leading many to recommend hiking, cycling, or taking a traditional jaunting car for a more enjoyable experience. While beautiful, some find the prices for refreshments a bit steep.

"Amazing landscape!! Absolutely not recommended by car!! Go hiking or take a jaunting car.
If you still want to take the car it is possible, but only for experienced drivers without fear of extremely narrow roads (with lots of people, horses, and rocks). Drive ONLY during off-season."

Super Radio

"You can drive the Gap of Dunloe, but I strongly recommend you walk if you can. Because of the many walkers and horses, it is difficult to drive the narrow road. We parked at Kate Kearney Cottage, which is free and has public toilets, shops, and restaurants."

Dierk Benecke

"Tricky drive, definitely need to be cautious of oncoming traffic (people, horses, cars, cyclists). Beautiful scenery and nice spot to stop for coffee on the north side of it (although a little expensive)."

Ash Don

What People Like

Breathtaking scenery
Unique jaunting car rides
Peaceful lakes and mountains

What People Dislike

Narrow and challenging roads
Expensive refreshments

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Killarney, you can drive to Kate Kearney's Cottage, the starting point for many adventures. Alternatively, many tours from Killarney include transport to the Gap. For a unique experience, consider the Gap of Dunloe bike and boat tour which often includes transport. TikTok

Yes, you can drive the Gap of Dunloe pass, but it's not recommended for inexperienced drivers. The roads are extremely narrow, with sharp turns and frequent encounters with walkers, cyclists, and pony traps. Driving is best avoided during peak season. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at Kate Kearney's Cottage, which is free and has facilities like toilets and shops. This is a popular starting point for hikes and jaunting cars. Reddit

Lord Brandon's Cottage is typically accessed via a boat trip from Ross Castle or as the endpoint of a journey through the Gap of Dunloe. You can also arrange transport from the southern end of the Gap. TikTok

While direct public buses are limited, many tour operators from Killarney offer bus services as part of their Gap of Dunloe tours. These are often the most convenient way to reach the Gap without driving. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Gap of Dunloe itself is free. However, you will need to pay for services like jaunting cars, bike rentals, or boat tours if you choose to use them. Reddit

The Gap of Dunloe is an open natural landscape and does not have set opening hours. However, services like jaunting cars and cafes operate during daylight hours, typically from morning to late afternoon. Reddit

The cost of a jaunting car ride can vary, but expect to pay around €40-€60 for a one-way trip. It's a popular option, and many travelers find it worth the expense for the experience. Reddit

Dunloe Castle is a ruin and generally accessible without a fee. Dunloe House and Gardens may have separate admission fees, so it's best to check their official website for current pricing and opening times. TikTok

You can book best Gap of Dunloe tours online in advance through various tour operators or upon arrival in Killarney. Booking a Gap of Dunloe bike and boat tour is highly recommended for a full experience. TikTok

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

The best way to see the Gap of Dunloe is a combination of activities. Many recommend hiking or cycling through the main pass and then taking a boat trip from Lord Brandon's Cottage back to Ross Castle. A jaunting car is also a classic choice. Reddit

A Gap of Dunloe hike through the main pass typically takes about 2-3 hours one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views. If you do a round trip, it will take longer. Reddit

Yes, cycling the Gap of Dunloe is a popular activity. The road is paved but narrow and winding, so cyclists need to be aware of other traffic. Many rent bikes in Killarney or at Kate Kearney's Cottage. TikTok

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Layers are recommended as the weather can change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket, especially if you plan on a boat trip. Reddit

Facilities are mainly concentrated at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the northern end, offering toilets, shops, and food. Lord Brandon's Cottage at the southern end also offers refreshments. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Kate Kearney's Cottage at the start of the Gap offers traditional Irish food and drinks. Lord Brandon's Cottage also provides refreshments. For more options, head back to Killarney. Reddit

The primary dining options are at Kate Kearney's Cottage and Lord Brandon's Cottage. These offer a convenient place to refuel during your visit. Reddit

Kate Kearney's Cottage typically serves hearty, traditional Irish fare, including stews, soups, and local specialties. It's a good spot for a warming meal after a hike or bike ride. Reddit

Prices at the cafes and restaurants within the Gap, particularly at the northern end, can be a bit higher than average due to their remote location. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is a great idea, especially if you plan on hiking or cycling for an extended period. There are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy a picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Every turn offers a stunning vista! Key spots include the narrowest parts of the pass, the bridges over the river, and panoramic views from higher points. The reflections in the lakes are also magical. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon light creates the most dramatic and beautiful photographs, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the landscape. TikTok

No, a smartphone camera is perfectly capable of capturing the beauty of the Gap. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive scenery. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions on photography within the natural landscape of the Gap of Dunloe. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any private property. TikTok

The dramatic mountain scenery, the winding road, the traditional jaunting cars, the lakes, and the old stone bridges are all incredibly photogenic. Don't forget to capture the local wildlife if you see any! TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gap of Dunloe offers a memorable adventure for families. While driving is not recommended, a jaunting car ride is a fantastic and exciting option for children, allowing them to enjoy the scenery without the fatigue of walking. Alternatively, a shorter Gap of Dunloe walk along the flatter sections near Kate Kearney's Cottage can be enjoyable. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure children wear comfortable shoes. The boat trip back from Lord Brandon's Cottage is also a hit with younger visitors. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the most economical way to experience the Gap of Dunloe is by hiking the Gap of Dunloe or biking the Gap of Dunloe. Parking at Kate Kearney's Cottage is free, and the natural beauty of the pass is accessible to all. While jaunting cars and organized tours have costs, a self-guided walk or cycle allows you to control your spending. Consider packing a picnic to save on food expenses. Reddit

💑 Couples

The Gap of Dunloe provides a wonderfully romantic backdrop for couples. A hike through the Gap of Dunloe hand-in-hand, or a leisurely jaunting car ride with stunning views, creates a memorable experience. Consider combining a scenic drive (if you're an experienced driver) with a short walk to a secluded viewpoint. The boat trip back offers a tranquil end to a day of exploration. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Jaunting Car Experience

The Gap of Dunloe jaunting car is a quintessential Irish experience. These traditional pony and trap rides offer a unique and leisurely way to explore the dramatic glacial valley. Visitors can hire a jaunting car from Kate Kearney's Cottage at the northern end of the Gap. The drivers, often locals with deep knowledge of the area, provide commentary and ensure a smooth journey through the narrow, winding roads.

While not the cheapest option, many travelers find the Gap of Dunloe carriage ride to be a highlight of their trip. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery without the stress of navigating the challenging terrain yourself. It's particularly recommended for those who prefer not to walk long distances or cycle. Reddit

Hiking and Cycling the Gap

For the active traveler, a Gap of Dunloe hike or cycling the Gap of Dunloe offers an intimate connection with the landscape. The main pass is approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) long, and walking or biking allows you to stop at your leisure, take photos, and truly appreciate the scale of the mountains and the tranquility of the lakes. The road is paved but very narrow, so cyclists must remain vigilant for oncoming traffic, including cars, horses, and other cyclists.

Many visitors opt for a one-way journey, either hiking or cycling from Kate Kearney's Cottage towards Lord Brandon's Cottage, and then taking a boat trip back to Ross Castle. This Gap of Dunloe walk or bike ride provides a fantastic sense of accomplishment and allows for a diverse experience of the region. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and carry water and snacks. Reddit

The Gap of Dunloe Boat Tours

The Gap of Dunloe boat tours offer a magical conclusion to a day of exploration. Typically, these tours depart from Lord Brandon's Cottage, located at the southern end of the Gap, and travel across the lakes (Coomn Lough, Cushnet Lough, and the Upper Lake) towards Ross Castle in Killarney. This scenic journey provides a different perspective of the surrounding mountains and the rugged beauty of the Kerry landscape.

These boat trips are often combined with a hike or cycle through the Gap, creating a popular Gap of Dunloe bike and boat tour. It's a fantastic way to experience the area without needing to retrace your steps. The boat ride itself is a relaxing way to soak in the views, and it’s a convenient way to return to Killarney. TikTok

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