The Gap of Dunloe is one of those places that genuinely stops you. A narrow mountain pass carved by glacial action over thousands of years, it cuts through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks west of Killarney — hemmed in on both sides by steep rock faces, with a series of small lakes strung along the valley floor and the Black Valley opening out at the far end.
Gap of Dunloe — at a glance
- Distance 11km from Kate Kearney's Cottage to Lord Brandon's Cottage
- Terrain Narrow mountain road, rough in places — no through traffic
- Best by Foot, bike or jaunting car
- Start point Kate Kearney's Cottage, 10km from Killarney town
- End point Lord Brandon's Cottage, Upper Lake
- Return Boat across the lakes back to Ross Castle
What makes it special
The Gap is not a gentle stroll — it's a raw, exposed mountain valley with a scale that makes you feel small. Five small lakes — Coosaun, Black Lake, Auger Lake, Cushvalley Lake and Black Lough — are threaded along the valley floor, connected by a rushing stream. The road through is narrow and rough in places, closed to through traffic, which means it belongs entirely to walkers, cyclists and jaunting cars.
At the northern end sits Kate Kearney's Cottage — now a pub and the traditional starting point for the Gap. At the southern end, Lord Brandon's Cottage sits at the edge of the Upper Lake, where boats wait to carry visitors back across the lakes to Ross Castle. The combination of the Gap on foot and the lake journey by boat is one of the classic Killarney experiences.
Five mountain lakes, sheer rock faces and complete silence — the Gap of Dunloe is one of the few places in Ireland that still feels genuinely wild.
Ways to experience the Gap
On Foot
The full Gap walk is 11km one way and takes 3–4 hours. The terrain is manageable but uneven in places. Return by boat across the lakes.
By Bike
Cycling the Gap is popular — hire bikes in Killarney, cycle out via the N72 and push up through the pass. The descent into the Black Valley is exhilarating.
Jaunting Car
The traditional way — a horse-drawn jaunting car with a local jarvey narrating the landscape. Departs from Kate Kearney's Cottage.
The classic full day route
The most rewarding way to experience the Gap is as part of a full circular day — and it's one the jarveys have been running for over a century. Take a jaunting car or bike from Killarney town to Kate Kearney's Cottage, travel through the Gap by foot or jaunting car to Lord Brandon's Cottage, then board a traditional boat for the three-lake journey back to Ross Castle. The boat passes through the Upper Lake, Meeting of the Waters and Muckross Lake before arriving back in Killarney — a full day that covers some of the most beautiful terrain in Ireland.
Kate Kearney's Cottage
The traditional starting point for the Gap, Kate Kearney's Cottage is named after a local woman from the 19th century said to have sold illicit poitín to travellers. Today it's a pub and visitor facility, busy on summer days with walkers, cyclists and jaunting car passengers preparing for the journey through the pass. It's 10km west of Killarney town on the R562.
Practical information
Getting There
Kate Kearney's Cottage is 10km from Killarney on the R562. Drive, cycle or take a taxi from town
Entry
Free to walk or cycle through. Jaunting cars are priced per person — agree the fare before departing
Season
Open year round. Summer is busiest. Autumn is spectacular with colour. Winter is quiet and dramatic
Boat Return
Boats from Lord Brandon's Cottage back to Ross Castle run seasonally — confirm availability before setting out
Time Needed
Half day minimum for the Gap alone. Full day for the Gap plus lake return by boat
What to Bring
Waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, water and food — there are no shops beyond Kate Kearney's