
Gap of Dunloe
A dramatic glacial valley in County Kerry, Ireland, offering stunning mountain scenery, winding roads, and traditional transport options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Gap of Dunloe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic glacial valley in County Kerry, Ireland, offering stunning mountain scenery, winding roads, and traditional transport options.
"Breathtaking scenery - a must-do when in Kerry."

🚗 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Southern end of the Gap
A charming spot for a break, often the endpoint for boat tours from Ross Castle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Narrow Pass
Best Way to Experience the Gap
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
🐴 Jaunting Car Magic
Rent a pony trap at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a stress-free experience. Worth the cost!
Best way to see gap of dunloe?
Gap of Dunloe, relaxed
🚶♀️ Hike the Gap
A fantastic way to see the scenery up close. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
🚲 Bike & Boat Adventure
Combine cycling with a boat trip for a full day's adventure. Highly recommended!
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.
🐴 Jaunting Car Magic
Rent a pony trap at Kate Kearney's Cottage for a stress-free experience. Worth the cost!
🚶♀️ Hike the Gap
A fantastic way to see the scenery up close. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
🚲 Bike & Boat Adventure
Combine cycling with a boat trip for a full day's adventure. Highly recommended!
☕ Coffee Break Costs
Enjoy a coffee at the top, but be aware prices can be a bit high.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🚶♀️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Early morning or late afternoon light creates the most dramatic and beautiful photographs, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the landscape.
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.
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.
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!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Jaunting Car Experience
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.
Hiking and Cycling the Gap
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.
The Gap of Dunloe Boat Tours
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.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit