Gap of Dunloe (Bearna an Choimín)

The pass can be traversed by foot, bike, or traditional jaunting cart (pony trap) and can be seen as part of guided and self-guided half- and full-day tours from Killarney. The Gap of Dunloe is bookended by two pubs: at the south end is Lord Brandon’s Cottage, while Kate Kearney’s Cottage—supposedly named after a previous resident who poured out poitín (a traditional moonshine popular in Ireland) to parched travelers—is at the north end. Due to the narrowness of the road and the presence of walkers, sheep, and horses, driving is not advised. Private tours from other destinations along the Ring of Kerry, including Kenmare, Cahersiveen, and Sneem, can incorporate the Gap of Dunloe as well as Ross Castle in Killarney National Park.

• A one-way walk along the length of the pass, from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, typically takes about 2.5 hours.

• Wear comfortable footwear and bring rain gear in case of showers.

• Choose to end your tour on a high note by adding an optional boat ride across the Lakes of Killarney.

To get to the Gap of Dunloe, follow the Ring of Kerry (N72) west from Killarney for about 4 miles (7 kilometers) before turning left onto the Gap Road. Free parking is available at Kate Kearney's. Organized tours allow visitors to walk, cycle, or travel by horse and cart along the whole length of the pass without having to double back to their car.

The gap sees most footfall in July and August, when the parking lot at Kate Kearney’s often fills up by late morning. If you want a quieter experience, go in early morning or outside peak tourist season, either in spring or autumn.

Crossing the pass on foot requires a moderate level of physical fitness. If you don’t feel up to the full hike, simply turn back at the head of the gap. It’s also possible to take a jaunting car from Kate Kearney’s to Lord Brandon’s and walk back from there, or join an organized tour that includes pickup by bus or by boat at the end of the route.

Yes, the Gap of Dunloe is worth it. A top natural attraction in County Kerry, the Gap of Dunloe is a scenic place to discover the Irish countryside. Choose between several options, including walking, cycling, a horse and cart tour, or a combination boat and walking tour.

It takes about half a day to explore the Gap of Dunloe. Several half-day tours are available, including walking, biking, horse and cart, and a combination boat and walking tour. For visitors who want to walk the Gap of Dunloe, the main route takes approximately five hours to complete.

Yes, you can walk and drive the Gap of Dunloe. However, driving is not recommended (unless you set out early in the morning) as the road can be blocked by walkers, cyclists, and horses and carts – especially in the summer. Choose to walk, bike, or take a boat tour instead.

There are several ways to experience the Gap of Dunloe: walking, biking, horse and cart, or joining a tour. Driving is not recommended unless you set out early in the morning, as narrow roads can be clogged with carts. One popular experience is a combination boat and walking tour.

The best month to visit the Gap of Dunloe to avoid crowds is spring or fall, especially May and September. Summer is the most popular time of year, especially for international visitors, to explore County Kerry, and the Gap of Dunloe can be very busy at this time.

Yes, you should book a Gap of Dunloe tour in advance. Especially if you’re visiting County Kerry in the summer season and have a specific tour date in mind, be sure to book in advance. Visitors during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall should find more flexibility in availability.