Whereas the early-days visitors found the 190 mile-trip from Dublin ‘long and fatiguing’, the railway connection between the capital, Cork and Killarney in mid-19thcentury drastically changed the accessibility of this region within Ireland and from the Great Britain. }); On roadstotravel you will find all the best roads on Earth! All these travel options must be booked IN ADVANCE with travel companies, most of which operate out of Killarney (Deros Tours, Killarney Day Tours, just to name a few). Yes you can drive it but like SarniaG I recommend that you park the car and walk some of it. Monarch Pass, a mountain road in Colorado. } Many people may tell you that you can’t drive through the Gap of Dunloe. If we knew what we know today, we would probably plan on spending an additional day in the area for a separate excursion to the Gap. Short Answer: yes you can drive a car through the Gap as long as you don't mind the sneers from the cart drivers, the looks from walkers, and the constant need to back up and let other vehicles go by. Resist the temptation of booking your tour too far in advance (until you have a more accurate local weather prediction for the area). The Gap of Dunloe is one of many tourist attractions in and around Killarney which make up the Ring of Kerry tourist trail. The day of our trip, we had enough time to drive the entire Ring of Kerry (via Gap of Dunloe) from Castlemaine (near Dingle Peninsula) to Limerick. Alternatively, you can take your bike on a boat from Killarney and complete the loop through the northern entrance. It takes about 45 min – 1 hour to drive a car though the Gap of Dunloe, which is about 18 km long. It was the perfect day for the Gap. she was serving to the 19th century tourists. Road over the Wishing Bridge, Gap of Dunloe. The road starts at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, then passes through a 240 meters high mountain pass (785 feet) and ends into the Black Valley. But you have to time it right. In fact, you have a choice of driving it in both directions (either south or north), because it’s a two-way road. However, it is a public road so you can drive it if you wish to do so. The sign and the presence of a large tourist crowd at that time of the day might give you a pause and make you park at the entrance. @pietr, What do you think about that bridge?? The Gap of Dunloe is a beautiful glacial valley in the Macgillacuddy Reeks mountain range, which dominate the skyline of Killarney. The Gap of Dunloe appeared 25.000 years ago during the last ice age in Ireland when the glacier in the Black Valley broke. It is one of Kerry's most popular tourist destinations due to its scenery. . Finally, you can ride a boat both ways between Ross Castle and Lord Brandon’s Cottage, which would leave ample time (3-4 hours) to explore the gorge on foot or by bike (which can be brought on board, if desired) from the Head of Gap of Dunloe. The Gap of Dunloe is set within the McGillicuddy Reeks. You can drive through the Gap of Dunloe but please be advised that it is a very narrow road that has only space for one car in many places. If you are coming from Moll’s Gap or the N71 road, drive in Black Valley direction then take the Gap on Dunloe road. Go on a traditional day tour through the Gap of Dunloe instead. The Gap of Dunloe is breathtaking, it’s a must go if you are in the area. Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Killarney. You can also travel the route above in reverse from the Ross Castle through the Gap of Dunloe, the Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Killarney. I started walking it today at 9:10am and I met 4 cars and 2 jaunting cars (on their way to work). If you want to enjoy the area differently you can park your car at the parking which is at the beginning of the road. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. "It was a beautiful tour … { At 2:30pm the car park at kate Kearneys was overflowing with cars.. Already 250 years ago, tourists visiting this area of an incredible natural beauty were following the same travel ritual as they do today. To learn more, scroll to the end of this post. Route des Grandes Alpes, a scenic road trip in France. Discover genuine guest reviews for Gap of Dunloe Suite, Beaufort, County Kerry along with the latest prices and availability – book now. Gap of Dunloe: Wonderful drive - See 3,550 traveler reviews, 2,447 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. If you only have one day in County Kerry and the weather is good (not raining, that is), consider skipping the drive around the Ring of Kerry altogether. You can include the road in the Ring of Kerry itinerary as an alternative route. The River Loe flows through the valley, linking its five corrie lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough. Before you hop in the car and take off, consider all “pros and cons” of DRIVING through the Gap of Dunloe. Discover genuine guest reviews for Gap of Dunloe along with the latest prices and availability – book now. This road is often on the lists for an irish roadtrip. . In fact, the first guidebooks of the area were published in both Dublin and London already in 1776. window.addEventListener("sfsi_functions_loaded", function() Stay at this cottage in Beaufort. Rozzers Restaurant (812) 3.6 mi $$$$ Irish. Botanizing on Osa Peninsula Trails – Plants and Trees of Matapalo Beach, Lazy Bird-Watching along Matapalo Beach on Osa Peninsula, Saving time and money (for a pony & trap, boat trip, taxi & coach etc. It can be difficult to maneuver, especially if you are not used to the left-side driving, Under these conditions, it is difficult to marvel the scenery, especially for the driver. The entire car ride through the Gap of Dunloe from the Moll’s Gap took us 45 min (including two brief stops for taking photographs). The distance between, Ride a boat (most leave around 2 pm and take one hour to cross) over to the historic. You can include the road in the Ring of Kerry itinerary as an alternative route. We only encountered a few small groups of hikers, a couple of horse carriages and 4 cars (2 in each direction) during our drive. It’s not for the sissies and shouldn’t be attempted by novice drivers. However, the road is very tight and it’s not recommended to drive there during the day on weekends or during high season. Espinazo del Diablo, a scenic road in Mexico. The drive to the north is gorgeous as well, a quiet valley road that butts up against the river and through a hush of trees. Then, After Dunloe turn in direction of the Kate Kearney’s Cottage and drive straight. When driving this route, it’s not unusual to “get lost” in the Black Valley. Our Gap of Dunloe Tour is more of an adventure than a tour! This means in the summer months you are likely to find… 1. Stelvio Pass, one of the highest roads in the Alps. “The Legend of Lord Brandon’s Cottage” is a somber tale of the Lord Brandon’s unfaithful young wife and her life under house imprisonment. For enthusiasts of local history, two interesting reads can be recommended. Stopping along the way to enjoy the views or to take photographs without creating bottlenecks for others might also be problematic. Killarney Day Tour. If you get to the actual gap early enough there is enough room to park about 5 cars safely just there. The beauty of the Gap of Dunloe is difficult to describe – it’s a quiet, majestic beauty. These days (just like 250 years ago! Best nearby. If you are looking for a challenge, consider a full 56 km bike loop starting from Killarney through the Gap of Dunloe, Molls Gap and Ladies View, recommended by KerryCycling. “The Legend of Kate Kearney’s Cottage” is about Kate Kearney famed for her beauty and illicit poitín (along with goat’s milk!) The surface of the road is asphalt in poor conditions. Col de la Bonette, one of the highest roads in Europe. Gap of Dunloe: The Gap of Dunloe drive is a must!!! Can You Rent a Car without a Driver in Madagascar? Because the road is narrow and is open to two-way traffic, you will often have to find a spot to pull over to allow other vehicles to pass. While the jury is still out on which trefoil clover species (Trifolium minus,T. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Trip through the Gap of Dunloe, the Black Valley and the three Lakes of Killarney Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. For those interested in Gap of Dunloe, here I answer my own question. Enter the narrow, winding road to the Gap of Dunloe, from R568 just before the Loughbarfinnihy lake (you’ll see a sign about traffic restrictions for busses). The question is, though… should you? Beaufort Bar and Restaurant (147) 2 mi $$ - $$$ Irish. The shadows of clouds threw patterns on the mountains, and we were often rained upon. Gap of Dunloe: Beautiful drive - See 3,550 traveller reviews, 2,447 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Slea Head Drive, a scenic circular route. 14 Restaurants within 5 miles. The pass runs through a picturesque glacial mountain valley between Kate Kearney’s Cottage and Moll’s Gap and is a paved PUBLIC road. Between the first and the second lake, there is a famous old bridge the Wishing Bridge. Please note that the article should meet our standards: respecting the structure and be long enough. @audacityofambe, One of the best road on earth? Fairy Tale Road, a fabulous itinerary in Germany. . @. This is described as “Intermediate to Straining” (2/3 out of 5 or 8 out of 10 difficulty level, by different accounts. This is the starting point for the most organized and semi-guided excursions through the Gap of Dunloe. By the time you reach the head of the Gap, most visitors will be done for the day and the road will be much easier to” negotiate”. Irish weather is always a gamble and the famous Mark Twain’s quote about New England “if you do not like the weather, wait for a few minutes” seems quite fitting for the Western Ireland. However, the general weather trends might be more apparent closer to the date of your visit. Gap of Dunloe: Drive through the gap - See 3,550 traveler reviews, 2,447 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and Moll's Gap are located nearby. However, car travelers, who ignore the signage during the “busy hours” (10am-2pm), can expect the local jaunting car drivers to give them a hard time and an evil eye. (apparently wishes made on this bridge come true!). You can situate the road on the map below: This is a 10-kilometers (6.2 miles) itinerary in the Killarney area. Boy, am I glad we did it. Gap of Dunloe: Gorgeous drive - See 3,550 traveler reviews, 2,447 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Luckily, the weather Gods were smiling upon us during our trip to the Gap of Dunloe! - See 3,550 traveler reviews, 2,447 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. The road and the area are known for its marvelous landscapes. The truth is, however, the Gap of Dunloe IS a public road and technically you CAN drive it. Most traffic goes counterclockwise, which local authorities also encourage to avoid accidents and congestion. In reality, the road through the Gap of Dunloe is a public roadway and it is perfectly legal to take your own car through the gap. There will be a stretch of about 12 km on a busy narrow public road back to Killarney. Technically, car travel is legal on this road, as there are some residential dwellings and hospitality sites throughout the valley. We reserve the right to modify your text to match our standards. Gap of Dunloe: Gap of Dunloe Drive - See 3,550 traveller reviews, 2,447 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. . Clients will experience the breathtaking beauty of the Gap of Dunloe and return by bus transfer. The Gap of Dunloe (from Irish: Dún Lóich, meaning "Lóich's stronghold"), also recorded as Bearna an Choimín (meaning "gap of the commonage" or "gap of the little hollow"), is a narrow mountain pass running north-south in County Kerry, Ireland, that separates the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in the west, from the Purple Mountain Group range in the east. If you only have one day (like we did) in County Kerry and would like to do both the Ring of Kerry and the Gap of Dunloe, you can certainly do it (especially on a weekday or outside of a busy tourist season). Walk, usually, you can go to the Head of the Gap of Dunloe point and come back (about 6 kilometers / 3,7 miles). The road is narrow and very winding but there are plenty of passing places but remember to be courteous to walkers, motorcycles, cars and even the jaunting carts! These excursions have to be booked in advance. @hugohealy, Utah is clearly a great state for a road trip! May be difficult for those who get car sick. Indeed, the drive is fabulous and if you come during the low season you will be on an empty road, well maybe some ships will be there! You can also travel through the Gap of Dunloe on a bike if cycling is your “thing”. . was the actual prototype for the iconic Irish symbol, the Gap of Dunloe remains a magnet for international and domestic travelers. CROWDS and CROWDS of people!Like bees to a honey pot. But there are caveats and TIMING is EVERYTHING for taking a car through the place. There will be a lot of traffic, cyclists, hikers, ships, and even jaunting cars. The road will pass by 5 lakes which are linked by the Loe river. Website +353 87 267 2821. The scenery all around the famousLakes of Killarneyis breathtaking and there are many viewing points around the lakes as you see above. Enjoy 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, and 4 bedrooms. From here, there is about 18 km north to the Kate Kearney’s Cottage. if (typeof sfsi_widget_set == "function") { Also, you can drive the Slea Head that is very close. Europe - Driving the Gap of Dunloe: Wow! All valid points! The road is extremely narrow (only wide enough for one car) with sharp curves and extremely limited places to pull off. Discover other roads in Europe: click here or see our interactive roadtrip map! The pass runs through a picturesque glacial mountain valley between Kate Kearney’s Cottage and Moll’s Gap and is a paved PUBLIC road. It is often placed on ireland road trip map. There is ample parking at the car park at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Atlantic Ocean Road, a truly impressive drive. The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain by glacial flows. If you do plan to drive, you should be aware of a few things. A moody road in the forest by mytravelcurator | Mar 30, 2019 | Europe, Ireland. There are other, potentially more enjoyable, alternatives to explore the area. It is an asphalted road in quite a poor condition. Col de la Schlucht, the best road in Vosges. The Gap of Dunloe is part of the Black Valley. Answer 1 of 2: I wasn't entirely sure you could do this but after driving back from the Dingle Peninsula in the afternoon we decided to give it a try as I heard the scenery was out of this world. We did make several stops, for lunch and short walks, and arrive to Limerick well in time to have a dinner with live music and dance at a local water hole (The Locke’s Bar). The space was created two million years ago by glacial movements -- to the west is Carrantuohill Mountain and to the east, Purple Mountain and Lough Leane. The river running through the gap is the river Loe from where the Gap gets it's name. Finally, if you cherish traditions (and this is a long-standing one) and would like to support local businesses, non-motorized sightseeing of the Gap of Dunloe would be a natural choice. We did it during our recent trip to Western Ireland and Scotland, because we only had 2 weeks for the entire trip. Start your Ring of Kerry trip from Killarney early in the morning (well before 10am). The name Gap of Dunloe comes from the Irish dun Lóich (“Lóich’s fort”), named after the chieftain of a clan who lived here in ancient times. Gap of Dunloe National School Gap of Dunloe National School Gap of Dunloe National School Off the R562 Road To Killorglin Killarney National Park, Killarney V93 YN52 Ireland . Hire a traditional pony and trap (also called jaunting car), walk or cycle. How you drive, walk or cycle through the valley is outlined below. - See 3,550 traveller reviews, 2,447 candid photos, and great deals for Killarney, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. I remember reading an Irish Naturalist report written in 1893 about the local mountain tourist guides operating in this glacial valley and “presenting” “the true Shamrock” in flower to summer travellers. The Gap of Dunloe (or Bearna an Choimín in Irish) road is located in Kerry County in the southwest of Ireland. Discover genuine guest reviews for Gap of Dunloe Lodge along with the latest prices and availability – book now. Enjoy a scenic drive (walk or bike ride) through the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland. @she.f.sho, California is so incredible If you are driving the Irish Kilkenny’s ring road (Ring of Kerry), you should think about making a detour through the Gap of Dunloe. It is possible to drive it but its steep in parts and not for the faint hearted. But you have to time it right. If you are coming from Killarney, take the N72 road until gap road (Dunloe direction). As you enter the Gap from the north at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, there is a big sign saying “Traffic primarily restricted to horse & trap, ponies, walkers, residents’ access to accommodation & business purposes”.