Gap of Dunloe, Killarney

4.7

Valley · Nature / Park

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Created by glacial ice millions of years ago and located just outside the country's oldest national park, the narrow Gap of Dunloe contains five lakes interlinked by the Loe River. Most visitors choose to discover this mountain pass, which stretches for about 11 km (7 mi), by hiking or riding a bike through it. Many boat operators touring the five lakes offer bikes for rent, but you can also explore the pass by taking a guided pony-cart tour, provided by the locals living in this area. Whatever your mode of transportation, be sure to stop at the old "Wishing Bridge," located between the first two lakes and so named because of local belief that wishes made upon it always come true. Take a look at our Killarney trip planner to schedule your visit to Gap of Dunloe and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.

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Tours to Gap of Dunloe

FROM $53 BOOK WITH VIATOR The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney The Gap of Dunloe Full-Day Tour from Killarney

4.7

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $53 ›

FROM $163 BOOK WITH VIATOR The Gap of Dunloe Adventure Day Tour from Killarney The Gap of Dunloe Adventure Day Tour from Killarney

4.6

Duration: 5 hours

Tours from $163 ›

FROM $63 BOOK WITH VIATOR Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately) Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately)

4.8

Duration: 5 hours

Tours from $63 ›

FROM $34 BOOK WITH VIATOR Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe) Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe)

4.7

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tours from $34 ›

FROM $63 BOOK WITH VIATOR Bus & Boat Tour Bus & Boat Tour

4.0

Duration: 6 hours

Tours from $63 ›

FROM $60 BOOK WITH VIATOR Gap of Dunloe Tour ( Boat, Bus & Carriage) Gap of Dunloe Tour ( Boat, Bus & Carriage)

4.2

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Tours from $60 ›

Gap of Dunloe reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,603 reviews

Google

4.8

By MichaelOSha

We drove to the gap for a look as couldn't do any hiking with a toddler on board it was well worth the drive although it is an extremely narrow road the gap is beautiful

We drove to the gap for a look as couldn't do any hiking with a toddler on board it was well worth the drive although it is an extremely narrow road the gap is beautiful more »
By lac42174

We went in the early morning and the 4 of us were able to experience the horse trap ride in October 2023 without a reservation. He was very knowledgeable and interesting. The scenery is...

We went in the early morning and the 4 of us were able to experience the horse trap ride in October 2023 without a reservation. He was very knowledgeable and interesting. The scenery is... more »
By Jcalvert325

Walk don't drive! I think people may be under the impression that this is a driving gap, and I guess technically it is, but you will be miserable driving, especially during the summer. There are lots.... more

Walk don't drive! I think people may be under the impression that this is a driving gap, and I guess technically it is, but you will be miserable driving, especially during the summer. There are lots.... more »

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Google

By Amal Paul savio

Extremely beautiful scenery. We drove this narrow road and was really amazed by its beauty. You can drive this road, there are quite many passing spots by the road. I would however recommend that you go from south to north. Start at Molly's Gap and head on north. Then you won't get stuck after a horse with cart. Because these carts won't let you pass easily. Then it's better to meet them head on, then you can just stop at a passing place and let them through. The beautiful part is in the middle and north of this road. Really really amazing scenery.

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By Yandro

One of the most beautiful drives in Ireland. The roads are in perfect condition just take your time on the curves and when there’s cars coming your way. Must do

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By Docs On Vacay

The MOST beautiful place in all of Ireland. That's what some say. I now understand why. Magical lush landscapes coated with ice, backdrops of semi-frozen lakes, horses enjoying the grass and sunshine, views that transform in totality because of the erratic weather. 🏔️ A 3 hour leisurely walk for all ages, this is a gem not to be missed. 🚶🏻🚶🏻‍♀️ The Gap of Dunloe is known to be PACKED with tourists during the summer. This was NOT the case for us. We had the walk all to ourselves. Because of the 19 flights by RyanAir which are deliberately aimed at low peak seasons, we got to experience the legendary Gap of Dunloe in such serenity. ❄️ This was truly one of the most beautiful walks I've ever had in my life.

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By Kamal rajput

One of the best point to visit if you are in or nearby Killarney. You will get to see mountains , waterfalls throughout the journey. I have reached the point late in the afternoon so i havent seen much crowd there. But i have heard that it gets tough when there are a lot of tours/hikers and cyclist visiting.

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By M D (the_wanderlust_redhead)

Go when the tours aren’t! Beautiful pass, we went late in the day once all the tourists had left and there were no carriages or pedestrians. My parents did this the next morning and came across hundreds of people walking/on bicycles or riding in horse carriages and they had a horrible time with this. Otherwise gorgeous.

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