The Gap of Dunloe is a stunning mountain pass in County Kerry, Ireland, nestled between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain Range. It’s a famous scenic spot near Killarney and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, winding roads, stone bridges, and tranquil lakes.

What to Expect

• Scenic Views: Rugged mountains, valleys, and lakes (Black Lake, Coosaun Lough, etc.).
• Traditional Jaunting Cars: Horse-drawn carriages offer a charming way to explore.
• Hiking & Cycling: A popular route for adventurers (about 11 km/7 miles).
• Photography Heaven: Ideal for landscape and nature photography.
• Boat Trips: Some tours combine a boat ride on the Lakes of Killarney with the hike.

Best Ways to Visit

1. By Car – Drive to Kate Kearney’s Cottage (starting point) and walk/cycle from there.
2. On Foot – A great hike (~2–3 hours one way).
3. Jaunting Car – Local guides offer a traditional horse-drawn experience.
4. Boat & Hike Combo – Take a boat from Ross Castle through the lakes, then hike back.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring to Autumn (March–October): Best weather, greenery, and fewer road closures.
• Early Morning or Late Evening: Avoid crowds and experience the peaceful beauty.

The Gap of Dunloe is located near Killarney, in County Kerry, Ireland, and is surrounded by several amazing attractions. Here are some nearby places worth exploring:

🌄 Scenic & Natural Spots

1. Killarney National Park (📍15 min drive)
   • Home to Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, and Ross Castle.
   • Beautiful lakes, forests, and great hiking trails.
2. Ladies View (📍20 min drive)
   • One of the best panoramic viewpoints in Killarney National Park.
3. Moll’s Gap (📍25 min drive)
   • A famous mountain pass with stunning views of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
   • Visit Avoca Café for a snack with a view.
4. Carrauntoohil (📍30 min drive)
   • Ireland’s highest mountain (1,038m) for serious hikers.

🏰 Historic & Cultural Sites

5. Ross Castle (📍15 min drive)
   • A 15th-century fortress on the shores of Lough Leane.
6. Muckross House & Gardens (📍20 min drive)
   • A stunning Victorian mansion inside Killarney National Park.
   • Muckross Abbey, nearby, is a historic monastery ruin worth visiting.

🌊 Coastal & Day Trip Options

7. Dingle Peninsula (📍1.5-hour drive)
   • Explore Slea Head Drive, Dunquin Pier, and the town of Dingle.
8. Ring of Kerry Drive (📍Starts nearby)
   • A famous 179 km scenic route around County Kerry.

🌄 Hiking Trails near the Gap of Dunloe

If you love outdoor adventures, here are some great hikes near the Gap of Dunloe:

1️⃣ Gap of Dunloe Walk (Easy-Moderate)

📍 Start: Kate Kearney’s Cottage → Lord Brandon’s Cottage
📏 Distance: ~11 km (one way)
⏳ Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
🌿 Highlights: Five stunning lakes, stone bridges, and mountain views.
💡 Tip: You can take a boat from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage and then hike back.

2️⃣ Torc Mountain Hike (Moderate)

📍 Start: Torc Waterfall Car Park
📏 Distance: ~7.5 km round trip
⏳ Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
🌿 Highlights: Panoramic views of Killarney National Park & Lakes.

3️⃣ Carrauntoohil (Difficult – Ireland’s Highest Mountain)

📍 Start: Cronin’s Yard
📏 Distance: ~12 km
⏳ Duration: 5-6 hours
🌿 Highlights: Climb to Ireland’s highest peak (1,038m).
💡 Tip: Only for experienced hikers; bring proper gear!

🏡 Best Places to Stay Nearby

Here are some options depending on your style and budget:

Luxury Stay 🌟

• The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens (📍Near Gap of Dunloe) – 5-star stay with scenic views.
• The Europe Hotel & Resort (📍Killarney) – One of Ireland’s best spa hotels.

Mid-Range 🏡

• Killarney Heights Hotel – Comfortable and scenic, with a great bar.
• Inveraray Farm B&B – A charming B&B near the Gap of Dunloe.

Budget-Friendly 🛏️

• Neptune’s Hostel (Killarney) – A cozy and social hostel.
• Black Valley Hostel – Great for hikers doing the Kerry Way.

🍽️ Best Food & Pubs Near the Gap of Dunloe

A trip to Kerry isn’t complete without great Irish food & a pint!

Best Restaurants 🍽️

• Kate Kearney’s Cottage (📍Gap of Dunloe) – Traditional Irish dishes and live music.
• The Lake Room at Aghadoe Heights (📍Luxury dining with lake views).
• Bricín Restaurant (Killarney) – Known for the “Bóxty” (Irish potato pancake).

Best Pubs & Drinks 🍻

• O’Connor’s Traditional Pub (Killarney) – Great for live Irish music.
• The Shire (Killarney) – A unique Lord of the Rings-themed pub!
• Murphy’s Ice Cream (Dingle) – Must-try homemade Irish ice cream!

🏞️ 3-Day Itinerary: Dublin to the Gap of Dunloe & Kerry

This itinerary balances scenic drives, hiking, history, and local food while exploring the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney, and Dingle.

📅 Day 1: Dublin → Killarney (Drive or Train)

🚗 Driving Time: ~4 hours (Fastest)
🚆 Train: ~3 hours (Dublin to Killarney via Mallow)

Morning: Travel to Killarney

• Leave Dublin early (7 AM) to maximize your day.
• Drive via the M7 & M8 highways (or take the train).

Afternoon: Explore Killarney National Park

• Muckross House & Gardens 🏡 – A beautiful Victorian mansion & estate.
• Torc Waterfall 🌿 – A short walk (5-10 min) to a magical 66-ft waterfall.
• Ladies View 🌄 – One of the best viewpoints in Kerry.

Evening: Traditional Irish Dinner & Pubs

• Dinner at Bricín Restaurant – Famous for Irish Bóxty (potato pancake).
• Live Music at O’Connor’s Pub 🎶 – Authentic Irish pub experience.
• Stay in Killarney overnight (hotel/B&B options below).

🏡 Stay:

• Luxury: The Europe Hotel & Resort
• Mid-range: Killarney Plaza Hotel
• Budget: Neptune’s Hostel

📅 Day 2: Gap of Dunloe & Adventure Day

Morning: Hike or Jaunting Car Ride

• Start at Kate Kearney’s Cottage (9 AM).
• Options:
  ✅ Walk (~11 km, 2.5-3 hrs one way).
  ✅ Horse & Carriage (Jaunting Car) for a relaxing ride.
• Pass five lakes, stone bridges, and mountains.

Afternoon: Boat Ride & Ross Castle

• Take a boat ride from Lord Brandon’s Cottage across the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle.
• Explore Ross Castle, a medieval fortress on Lough Leane.

Evening: Relax in Killarney

• Dinner at The Porterhouse 🍽️ – Great steak & seafood.
• Pints at The Laurels Pub 🍻 – Cozy Irish pub.

🏡 Stay another night in Killarney.

📅 Day 3: Dingle Peninsula & Return to Dublin

🚗 Driving Time (Killarney → Dingle): ~1 hr
🚆 Train from Killarney to Dublin: ~3 hrs

Morning: Slea Head Drive & Dingle Town

• Drive the Slea Head Loop 🚗 (~1.5 hrs, no stops).
• Visit Dunquin Pier 📸 – One of Ireland’s most photographed spots.
• Stop at Coumeenoole Beach 🏖️ – Stunning cliffs & sea views.
• Explore Dingle Town & try Murphy’s Ice Cream 🍦.

Afternoon: Return to Dublin

• Drive (~4.5 hrs) or Train from Killarney (~3 hrs).
• Optional stop at Adare Village on the way (thatched cottages & castle).

Evening: Dublin Night Out

• Dinner at The Brazen Head (Ireland’s oldest pub, est. 1198).
• Temple Bar area for final Irish music & drinks.

🏡 Stay in Dublin or catch a late flight.