Gap of Dunloe Walk

Overview

Threading between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain, the Gap of Dunloe is a narrow, U‑shaped glacial pass that most people walk from Kate Kearney’s Cottage on a single‑lane paved road shared with walkers, cyclists, jaunting cars (horse‑drawn), and some vehicles. Expect sweeping lake‑to‑peak views and a steady climb into big scenery. This isn’t a wilderness footpath; it’s a road walk—gorgeous, but busy in peak hours.

Route options and highlights

Most walkers do an out‑and‑back of about 10 km/6.2 miles TOTAL from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to the Head of the Gap and back, which takes 4–5 hours with photo stops. A great teaser is the short stroll to the Wishing Bridge (~2 km/40 minutes round trip). If you want the full traverse, it’s roughly 7 miles ONE WAY from Kate Kearney’s to Lord Brandon’s Cottage.

Along the way you’ll pass a chain of small lakes linked by the River Loe—Coosaun Lough, the photogenic Wishing Bridge between Coosaun and Black Lake, Augher Lake (the largest), and Black Lough after a steeper pull. The Head of the Gap (about 240 m/788 ft) delivers the best panoramas north over the Gap and south into the remote Black Valley. About 0.5 miles in, a spur gives access to mountain trails on Strickeen if you’re craving more of a hiking feel.

Geology and nature

The valley’s classic U‑shape and smoothed rock come from Pleistocene‑age glaciers that carved and scoured the Old Red Sandstone here, leaving moraines and other glacial features. Keep an eye out for red deer, introduced sika deer, and busy red squirrels (now pressured by grey squirrels). You may also notice thickets of rhododendron—an invasive shrub that’s colonized parts of the park’s woodlands.

Logistics

Park beside Kate Kearney’s Cottage (it fills quickly in summer and midday). Facilities and food are at the cottage; there are none inside the valley. Public transport to the Gap isn’t reliable; most visitors arrive by car or on a guided combo that buses you to the start, rides a jaunting car through the Gap, and returns by boat across the Lakes of Killarney. If you do the point‑to‑point, boats typically depart from near Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle—book ahead and confirm times before you set out. Driving the Gap is legal but strongly discouraged at busy times due to narrow lanes, horses, and limited pull‑offs.

Best time to hike

Go early morning or late afternoon for lighter traffic, softer photography light, and calmer vibes. Weather swings fast here; wind funnels through the pass year‑round, and in cooler months daylight is short—bring layers and a rain shell.

Safety and etiquette

Share the road and give horses a wide, calm pass. Wear bright or hi‑vis layers, keep dogs on a short lead around livestock and horses, and pack water and snacks since there’s nothing for sale inside the valley. In shoulder/cold seasons, confirm any boat segments are operating before committing to the traverse.