Advertisement
Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe
4.5
About
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Gap of Dunloe
See what travellers are saying
  • Jim S
    Limerick, Ireland276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous nature views to be found on this walk
    Fabulous nature views to be found on this walk. The rugged terrain is beautiful and vast, so much to take in. While you can drive ( slowly ) along the winy road, walking is the best option if you're up for it. A pony trap ride would be lovely as well. 7 miles from Kate's cottage to Lord Brandon's cottage. Sort of hilly but mild for an Irish hike. Weather can be all 4 seasons due to the mountains in the area. Restrooms at both beginning and end of walk, no amenities available on the walk.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 March 2024
  • super_tripod
    Cork, Ireland58 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just go there and enjoy the views
    We parked outside Kate Kearney's cottage about 10am, the car park was full at this time. We then walked in about 4 km before turning back. Its a really easy walk situated in a place that's both stunning and peaceful. We really enjoyed our walk,
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 April 2024
  • herbalphilia
    Portlaoise, Ireland23 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Most beautiful spot in Ireland
    Been there many, many times with friend and with family, 6ears back and now recently... It's my most beautiful place on Ireland, and I always enjoy trip there, even at rainy days when it's still beautiful and advantage is not many people around. Yes I agree with many opinions that locals, especially horse carriages men are rude and heard it cost like 45e per person! to have a ride with them(😱😱😱). But if you OK for long nice walk on your own legs your in a right place 💚
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 April 2024
  • Alan R
    30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Reviews are Spot On - incredible beauty but Be Careful!!
    We had dinner at Kate’s Cottage due to great reviews ( it did not stand up to those reviews however). When we finished we were debating which way to go back to our AirBnB in Killgarvan! The route through Killarney was jammed due to a road rally - so we decided to take the shortest route although the most difficult! The reviews for the Gap of Dunloe were spot on! Incomparable beauty - but the driver needs to go slow and be very careful. Luckily, it was getting late and oncoming traffic was light. Unluckily it was getting late and darkness was coming pretty soon! We made it onto the highway on the other side at sunset! It was beautiful and I would do it again!!
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 7 May 2024
  • Erika Kalmar
    Brussels, Belgium70 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice experience but lots of cars
    Nice place to do a hike. Since organized tours arrive in the morning we decided to go at noon. Parked at Kate Kearney Cottage and did a short hike to the Black lake and back. There are nice views, also a café. Contrary to many comments I read, we found the jaunting cars very respectful, however there were far too many cars driving the Gap and many of them were totally disrespectful of walkers. Anyway, it was a nice hike. Should we have had more time, I would have opted for walking the whole gap and walking back to Killarney. Another alternative is taking the organized tour by bus that drops you there, you do the hike and take the boat back.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 May 2024
  • erin p
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must do in Killarney!
    Walked from Kate Kearney’s Cottage restaurant up to Black Valley, then back. Stunning views and scenery. Not too challenging but make sure you wear layers and good walking/hiking shoes. The path is paved, as it is a working road but little traffic. We could have walked farther and caught a boat tour of the other lake but wanted to eat at Kate Kesrney’s which was very good. Make sure and leave room for dessert and coffee at the place across the way.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 June 2024
  • Sara J
    98 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do it and drive it!
    Should you find yourself lucky not to be here in July/ August, you must drive the full gap and onto the Black Valley. If you go early in the morning you will not have to contend with jaunt cars and people and have the place to yourself which is what we did. The drive is stunning and also not for the faint of heart. It is a very narrow road and a slow going but worth it in endless beauty!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 June 2024
  • Bridget027
    Isle of Wight, United Kingdom129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful walk
    We took the Gap of Dunloe day tour from Killarney. By chance our tour went to Ross Castle first, then the boat trip to Lord Brandon's Cottage. This meant we walked back, through the Gap to Kate Kearney's Cottage. If you get an option, I would strongly recommend walking in this direction. The initial climb was reasonably steep but we had a long descent to Kate Kearney's. It gave the impression of being a lot easier than the other direction. The only disappointment was the amount of motor traffic on the road. The guide books imply that it is not really suitable for cars and certainly not during the middle of the day.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 June 2024
  • alabarda1973
    329 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely not to be missed
    Really spectacular scenery, like much of Ireland on the other hand. Before the road leading to the pass there is a parking lot, a restaurant and a shop if I remember correctly. From there, at the Gap of Dunloe there are 3 miles that you can do on foot or on a horse-drawn cart as the road would only be open to residents. After that, wikipedia tells me that after a thousand disputes in 2018 the road was officially declared public, so if it gives me so much, there is a bit of obstruction/business from the residents :-) Anyway, by car, on horseback or on foot, it is a must see place.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 21 July 2024
  • reiziger522015
    Breda, The Netherlands481 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    Beautiful walk up, along several lakes with very nice views. The walk is 5 miles out and 5 miles back. Bring food and drinks, because you can't buy anything on the way. If you find 5 miles too far, know that the first one is the most beautiful. You can also go by horse and cart, but then you experience it completely differently.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,661 reviews
Excellent
2,909
Very good
568
Average
114
Poor
37
Terrible
33

CiaranMcP
Ireland117 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
Just a little note that en route to the gap I was waved down by one of the locals who attempted to tell me that the road was for locals only and that I should turn around and drive back through Killarney and Molls Gap (around 45km) in order to reach the other side of the Gap. He even told me that there "is a sign" back there. Rather than argue with him I nodded in agreement and proceeded on my journey in my originally intended direction. This is just a stunt by local jaunting car operators to promote their business and they should not be allowed operate in this way.

This is one of my favorite places in the country. I cycled through here last year in the most inclement weather and this time around we had the kids with us so drove through the gap. It's like time hasn't touched the place forever. The perfect place for solitude and forgetting about the world around you. I've been here more times than I can remember and I'm yet to see a single ray of sunshine but nothing takes away from the sheer unspoilt beauty of it! The rolling hills with their inhospitable natural beauty will take your breath away. The Gap leads you to the black valley which is also stunning even on the wettest of days.

I'll be back for sure.... But please get rid of the cowboy jaunting car operators. Or charge them road tax so at least they may feel like they're contributing to the roads which all our motorised vehicles pay for!
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheTrvlGuy
New York City, NY1,124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
Had no idea what I was in for, I was told this was a great way to see the Gap of Dunloe... yes indeedy it was.

On my Ross Castle visit, one of the lovely carriage drivers I happened to meet [not part of my tour] told me about the Gap of Dunloe, Co. Kerry, and all the beautiful views riding in a horse and buggy. The resorts concierge made the arrangements and the next day I set out on yet another adventure.

My driver dropped me at Kate Kearney's Cottages where I met a woman waiting for me, she explained where I would be riding on a large wall map, then introduced me to my horse and buggy driver. I climbed onboard and we were off, at a slow and steady pace.

It was a bit overcast and a light mist in the air making the magnificent views picture perfect. I understood I was only going to be seeing a portion of the valley which was perfect for me, but there are several different options to visit the Gap of Dunloe, this one was spot on for me.

I have no words to express the beauty I saw, so I'll attach a few of my photos and see for yourself. I highly recommend visiting the Gap of Dunloe, riding in a horse and buggy... by yourself, friends, romantic couples you name it, great fun for any and all.

Enjoy every adventure ahead of you, and the diversity our planet offers
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AXSYD
Sydney, Australia231 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We visited in the midst of winter but picked a partially sunny day to experience this stunning location. We were able to drive our rental car deep into the valley without incident. However, the road is incredibly narrow with very limited passing options. This is definitely not a place to drive in Summer when the crowds are out in force.

The views are genuinely breath-taking and simply become better and better as you venture further into the valley. Around every corner is another stunning Instagram worth scene. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this genuinely beautiful piece of Ireland.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

docDublin
Dublin, Ireland23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
So lucky to get to see the gap of Dunloe on a beautiful sunny day in August. Jaunting cars expensive enough €25 per head -€100 for about 45 minutes but good experience none the less. Scenery is breathtaking and as tourism is slow not too much traffic about. Took boat from Lord Brandon's cottage around the lake. I did not realise just how big they are. Guide on the boat informative. Well worth the trip. You wont forget it.
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah C
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Solo
Great day trip! Here’s the logistics: for 50€, I took a 1.5-2 hour boat trip across the lakes to start and a taxi back to town at the end. I think it was through Killarney Day Tours. We left from Ross Castle at 10:30 am. It was a small open air boat, fitting about 10 people. It can be cold on the lake, so layer up. Our guide was great and explained the history, flora, fauna of the area. We got off at Lord Brandon’s cottage. From there to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, it was a 7 mile walk on a paved narrow road. If you’re moderately fit, it shouldn’t be too challenging of a climb to the top. It took me about 2.5 hours walking at a steady but not too brisk pace. Gorgeous scenery and views and lots of lambs along the way. At the end, there was a cottage with coffee, tea, beer, soups, sandwiches, etc. I took a taxi at 4pm back to Killarney. Definitely worth the effort.
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ping
Singapore, Singapore1,414 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
I visited back in May 2022 and it was very scenic walk through the Gap of Dunloe.
I would recommend doing this on your own instead of a tour as it provides more flexibility.
I took the Hop on Hop off bus from Killarney Town to Ross Castle (it was EUR 5 if I didn't remember wrongly). I informed the bus driver that I am going to Ross Castle & paid directly to the driver.
Followed by a 2.5 hours boat ride (EUR 20) that departs at 10:30am from the pier at Ross Castle to Lord's Brandon Cottage.
Had lunch at Lord's Brandon Cottage and walked approximately 11KM to Kate Kearney's Cottage. The walk is very easy as the road is paved.
Had dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage and took a taxi (EUR 22) back to Killarney Town. I booked the taxi using an app (Free Now).
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lisa
Bailieborough, Ireland14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
Just a lovely day out.. we booked with old weir hotel.. 2 lovely brothers.Rory &Niall. We were collected at the old weir hotel and was driven to Kate Kearny’s cottage.. whilst the driver told us some history of the town , then u have a choice to walk or get a pony & trap ride (for an extra fee €25 pp) which we took and was very informative and funny from our pony & trap lad.. well worth it.. then when u get to lord Brandon’s cottage u have something to eat and wait for boat to collect u. Then u have a 90 mins on a boat across the lakes with more history and funny antidotes about the area.. such beautiful scenery and lovely people.. not to be missed.. 😁
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah M
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
We arrived at Kate Kearneys cottage at 9:30am so we could beat the crowds and traffic. We have two children, a 2yr old and almost 4yr old. My husband opted to job to the gap and I elected to take the kids by horse n cart for fun and would be easier on the kids. I DO NOT recommend taking them. They tried to sting me for €160 to the gap, I said no way!! So he said he would take me the 45 minute route, I asked how much for that, he said €80.00 I told him out right that’s daylight robbery. He said he would do it for €50. I agreed as the kids were screaming to get on and we had agreed on a price, a distance and 45 mins. But as I sensed I would, I still got screwed. The guy who took me was absolutely horrible, he wouldn’t tell me anything about the place, or even speak to me nicely. he drove the cart into massive potholes when there was no cars coming, the kids were falling off the seats, out of no where he would canter the horse flat out down the road so fast I could not let go of the children, I couldn’t get any photos. We got back he said the ride was 80, i said like fk it is, I gave him €60 as i only had €20 notes, and of course they have no change. I told him he shouldn’t be getting anything!! I’d never ever recommend this to anyone! I am Irish and I’m embarrassed that muppets like this are down there meeting people. I was treated like absolute poo. I can only imagine strangers to the place are getting absolutely screwed!! I’m sad that it’s like that. I work with horses, in Ireland, UK and Australia. the jaunting horse n carts my friends are a f’n joke and embarrassment
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LushLaura96
Ireland14 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
I would recommend driving up to the gap of Dunloe as the walk up is extremely long with plenty of hills. I would save yourself time and drive up as far as you can, it should be noted that it is quite a narrow road so you may need to reserve if you meet on coming traffic. Be sure to stop off on the way down in Kate Kearney’s cottage for some food and a drink.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

D P
Wellington, New Zealand8,059 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
So the drive up and over the Gap of Dunloe is very narrow, very twisting and very beautiful if you go over it in a clockwise direction.
This means you start at Molls Gap and end your trip at Kate Kearneys cottage.
By doing the trip this way round you will benefit hugely in a couple of ways.
1. You won’t get stuck behind one of the many horse and carts coming up from Kate Kearney’s cottage - and they have right of way by law so they like to take their time.
2. Because the horse and cart people want you to buy a ride they purposely block the road at Kate Kearney’s end and will even go to lengths to tell you that it’s not drivable in order to get your business- and when you’re at that end it doesn’t look like they’re lying so many a tourist is fleeced here!!
3. All walkers ( and there are lots) all get dropped off at Kate Kearney’s end so you will also get stuck behind them and all the coaches that they arrive in as coaches can not get through the pass!
4. The best views are looking down as you drive over the top on the pass, so if you go the other way you’ll only see either the rear end of a horse, the back of the walkers or the hill in front and not the stunning views, unless you keep looking in your rear view mirror!!

Also the Black Valley that you start driving through as you descend into the valley from Mollys Gap is really quiet and very beautiful.

Safe driving!!
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 3,140
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

GAP OF DUNLOE: All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

All Killarney HotelsKillarney Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Killarney
All things to do in Killarney
Day Trips in Killarney
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire