The Gap of Dunloe is an 11 km mountain pass that cuts through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks — Ireland's highest mountain range — via a narrow glacial valley. The Gap runs between Kate Kearney's Cottage at the north end (accessible by car) and the Black Valley at the south, from which a boat across the lakes returns to Killarney. The pass itself is not driveable by visitors — it's a pedestrian and jaunting car route.
The landscape is severe and genuinely wild: five small mountain lakes sit in the bottom of the valley, the road climbs through a succession of rock faces and bog, and the scale of the mountains on either side closes in as you move deeper into the pass. The highest point of the pass is at about 245 metres. The whole walk takes 2.5–3.5 hours one way; cycling is popular and takes about 1.5 hours. Horse-drawn jaunting cars from Kate Kearney's Cottage take about 2.5 hours and can be booked from Killarney operators.
The classic Gap of Dunloe experience is: drive or take a coach to Kate Kearney's Cottage, walk or cycle the 11 km through the pass, take a rowing boat across the three Lakes of Killarney (an hour and a half, booked separately in advance), and return to Killarney by bus or car. This full route takes around 6–7 hours and is one of the best full-day experiences in Kerry.
Highlights
- A narrow glacial valley cutting through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks — Ireland's highest mountain range
- Five mountain lakes in succession along the valley floor — each one at a different elevation as you climb
- The classic route combines the 11 km Gap walk with a rowing boat crossing of the Killarney lakes
- No car access in the pass — only walkers, cyclists and horse-drawn jaunting cars
- Purple Mountain (832 m) and Tomies Mountain frame the valley — visible from inside the Gap
Good to know
- →The full day route (Gap + lake boat) needs advance planning — book the lake boat from Ross Castle in Killarney before setting off.
- →Walking is better than the jaunting car for the scenery — you can stop, explore and take your time.
- →The pass gets very busy in July and August from 11am onward. Start early (by 9am) for the full experience.
- →Kate Kearney's Cottage at the entrance has a café and toilets — last facilities until the Black Valley.
- →The return boat trip across the lakes is the underrated part of the day — a quiet, gradual reveal of the Killarney landscape.
Best Time to Visit
May–Sep; June dawn is outstanding — golden light on the five lakes with no traffic. Jul–Aug midday is congested with jaunting cars. Cycling or walking the gap avoids the congestion entirely and is the better experience.
Getting There
Common questions
Can I drive through the Gap of Dunloe?
The Gap of Dunloe is closed to private cars — the 11km pass is reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and jaunting cars (horse-drawn carriages). Visitors typically cycle or walk in from Kate Kearney's Cottage at the north end. A popular full-day excursion combines the Gap on foot or by jaunting car with a boat trip back across the Killarney lakes.
How long does it take to walk the Gap of Dunloe?
Walking the full gap from Kate Kearney's Cottage to the Black Valley takes 2.5–3 hours (11km). Most visitors walk one way and return by jaunting car or catch a boat from the Black Valley pier across to Ross Castle. Allow 5–6 hours for the full walk-and-boat-return experience.
What is the jaunting car experience in the Gap?
Jaunting cars — traditional Irish horse-drawn carts — have operated in the Gap of Dunloe for over 200 years. You hire them at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a narrated ride through the pass. A return trip by jaunting car takes about 2 hours. Prices are set by the Killarney Jarveys Association; rates are posted at the hiring point.
How do I get to Kate Kearney's Cottage at the start of the Gap?
Kate Kearney's Cottage is 11km west of Killarney town, on the R562 road through Beaufort. You can drive to the cottage (free parking nearby) or hire a bike from Killarney town and cycle out. The cottage has a café and bar — a good breakfast stop before heading into the pass.
Where to Stay
Nearby Attractions
Book this experience
Gap of Dunloe guided boat, jaunting car & bus tour
Full-day jaunting car ride through the Gap plus boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney.
Book now →Quick Facts
- Type
- Nature
- County
- Co. Kerry
- Province
- Munster
- Entry
- Free
- Hours
- Open year-round — free access to the Gap. Kate Kearney's Cottage opens daily from 09:00.
- Allow
- Full day (6–7 hours for complete route)
Destination guide
Kerry
Itinerary, best stops and local tips for Kerry · Ireland.
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