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Gap of Dunloe Walk

7.46 miles (12 km)

Open Streetmap This walk takes you through the stunning Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry. The route follows a tarmac road through the area, with a series of beautiful lakes and the wonderful backdrop of the Kerry mountains all the way.
It's a fairly flat route, running for about 11km. The road passes right through the narrow mountain pass which was forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain by glacial flows.
The walk starts from Kate Kearney's cottage where there is a car park. From here you head south along the road passing the fives lakes including Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough. There's also nice views of the River Loe which connects the lakes. Near the start of the hike you will pass an old arch bridge called the 'Wishing Bridge' so named because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true. The route finishes at the Head of Dunloe where you turn around an retrace your steps back to the car park. Here you can enjoy refreshments at the excellent Kate Kearney's Cottage, a 150 year old family-run establishment with a great menu.
If you would like you could continue all the way to Lord Brandon's cottage but this would turn it into a 22km walk which may be to much in one day. The complete route would be more suitable for cyclists who can hire bikes in nearby Killarney.
If you prefer to save your energy you can try hiring a jaunting car to take you through the gap. This horse-drawn trap takes up to four occupants and is a popular way of seeing the sights.
To continue your walking in Killarney National Park, head east to visit Mucross Lake, Lough Guitane and the beautiful Torc Waterfall.

Gap of Dunloe Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To the north west there's Annascaul Lake on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The picturesque lake sits in a wonderful remote spot surrounded by mountains and a beautiful river valley. Here you can also pick up the Dingle Way, an epic circular walk classified as one of Ireland's National Waymarked Trails.
To the west you can try the Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Hill Loop which visits the beautiful beach at Rossbeigh Strand and a fine viewpoint overlooking the village. Near here there's also the picturesque Caragh Lake where you can climb to a splendid viewpoint with views over Inch beach, the Dingle peninsula and MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains.
The popular climb to Carrauntoohil is located in the nearby MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. Here you can climb to the highest mountain in Ireland and enjoy some incredible views from the summit.

Photos

Kate Kearney's Cottage - geograph.org.uk - 781483

Kate Kearney's Cottage

Gap of Dunloe - Just south of Kate Kearney's Cottage - geograph.org.uk - 1640406

Gap, just south of the cottage

Gap of Dunloe - View from the road to the southeast - geograph.org.uk - 1640424

Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe, facing South

Gap of Dunloe, facing South

The Black lake - geograph.org.uk - 523102

The Black lake

Auger Lake - geograph.org.uk - 781422

Auger Lake

Black Lough - geograph.org.uk - 781418

Black Lough

Head of Gap - geograph.org.uk - 781361

Head of Gap

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Gap of Dunloe.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)