Where is the Gap of Dunloe?
Where and what is The Gap of Dunloe? Separating the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range in the west, from the Purple Mountain Group range in the east is the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass forged by glacial flows.
It is one of Kerry’s most popular tourist destinations and part of the famous Ring of Kerry scenic route. You can learn more about this iconic route at the visitors guide to the ring of Kerry.
How the Gap of Dunloe was named.
“Dunloe” is believed to be the English form of the Irish term “Dún Lóich”, which means for or stronghold of Lóich. Running through the Gap of Dunloe valley is the River Loe which also derived its name from the same term.
Location and Geography
A glacier in the Black Valley, part of the Templenoe Icecap formed The Gap of Dunloe 25,000 years ago during Ireland’s last ice age by a process called “glacial breach”. Estimated to be more than 500 metres deep, moved northwards carving out a U-shaped valley the Head of the Gap.
The pass runs north-south from Kate Kearney’s Cottage in the north then up to the highest point at the Head of the Gap at 241 metres (791 feet) continuing down to Lord Brandon’s Cottage in the Black Valley in the south. The total length of this road is 11 kilometres (7 miles)
There are five lakes within The Gap of Dunloe all connected by the River Loe. The Wishing Bridge, said to make wishes true is between the first two, Coosaun Lough and Black Lake There are also two stone bridges that are lookout points.
You can travel 11 km of The Gap Dunloe is from north to south by hiring a jaunting car (horse drawn wagon) to travel through the pass and then go back to Killarney via boat from Lord Brandon’s cottage at the other end. You could travel the opposite direction by firstly taking a boat ride from Ross Castle in Killarney to Lord Brandon’s Cottage and then cycle back through the Gap to Kate Kearney’s cottage. A great way to exercise for the day.
Climbing and walking
There are various hill walks along the mountain ranges on either side of The Gap. A popular walk from Kate Kearney’s Cottage, to the full Head of the Gap is 6 kilometres and takes around 1 hour, please take note that you have to spend another hour walking back. Rock Climbing is also a very popular activity in this area.
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