Gap of Dunloe
Killarney, Ireland
A narrow glacial pass between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain, with small lakes and a winding road below the crags. Park near Kate Kearney's Cottage and walk in early, as the lane is shared with jaunting cars and cyclists.
The Gap of Dunloe lies about 12 kilometres west of Killarney, between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain. The U-shaped valley was carved by a glacier of the last Ice Age that was more than 500 metres thick; the five small lakes in the pass, linked by the River Loe, are its legacy. The usual starting point is Kate Kearney's Cottage at the northern end, where there is plenty of parking, though it can fill up in summer.
The road through the pass is about 11 kilometres long and ends at Lord Brandon's Cottage. For a short visit, walk as far as the Wishing Bridge: that is about 2 kilometres there and back, roughly 40 minutes. Walking the whole pass takes several hours. Walkers and horse-drawn "jaunting cars" share the narrow road; driving in with your own vehicle is allowed but not recommended. There are no public buses, but there are tours with a boat return across the Lakes of Killarney. Set off early in the day for more peace and quiet.
- Nearest town
- Killarney, Ireland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 52.0420, -9.6290
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–July. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cronin's Yard CampingCampsite5 km from Gap of DunloeTentsShowersToilets
- Fleming's White Bridge Caravan and Camping ParkCampsite11 km from Gap of DunloeTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Climbers Inn CampingCampsite17 km from Gap of DunloeTentsShowersToilets
- Glenross Caravan & Camping ParkCampsite21 km from Gap of DunloeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Beara CampingCampsite25 km from Gap of DunloeTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Woodlands ParkCampsite25 km from Gap of DunloeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Gap of Dunloe?
Gap of Dunloe is in Killarney, Ireland, at GPS 52.0420, -9.6290. It is about 18 km from Kenmare.
Can you camp near Gap of Dunloe?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fossa Caravan & Camping Park, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Gap of Dunloe?
Places worth a stop nearby: Muckross House and Gardens (9 km), Healy Pass (38 km), Skellig Ring (54 km) and Slea Head Drive (57 km).
When is the best time to visit Gap of Dunloe?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–July. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)