Gap of Dunloe

Bearna an Dhúloe

A dramatic mountain pass cutting through the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range, accessible by foot, bike, or traditional jaunting car. The views of purple mountains and glacial valleys are extraordinary.

Things to do

• Walk the Gap Pass — Hike the dramatic 4-mile mountain pass on foot, passing through narrow valleys with views of the highest peaks in Ireland on either side.
• Jaunting Car Journey — Travel through the Gap in a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car, a quintessentially Irish experience with a local jarvey who shares stories and history.
• Mountain Cycling — Cycle the Gap Pass on road or mountain bike, tackling steep gradients with rewarding panoramic views of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
• Visit the Black Lakes — Explore the glacial lakes nestled in the valley below the Gap, perfect for photography and contemplating the raw mountain landscape.
• Carrauntoohil Summit Day — Attempt Ireland's highest mountain (3,406 feet) which dominates views from the Gap, accessible via the Devil's Ladder route.
• Scenic Photography at Kate Kearney's Cottage — Start your Gap journey at this historic cottage, the last building before the pass, offering classic viewpoint for mountain photography.

Food to try

• Irish Stew — A hearty traditional dish of lamb, potatoes, and onions slow-cooked until tender, perfect warming food after mountain activities in Kerry.
• Fresh Trout from Local Waters — The mountain streams and lakes around the Gap yield excellent trout, often served simply pan-fried in local restaurants and pubs.
• Brown Soda Bread — Thick-sliced, freshly baked Irish soda bread made with wholemeal flour, traditionally served with butter and jam at country cafés.
• Colcannon — A Kerry comfort food of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale and butter, commonly found in cottage kitchens and local eateries.
• Seafood Chowder — A creamy blend of local fish and shellfish in a rich broth, reflecting Kerry's coastal proximity and inland mountain character.

Local customs & good to know

• Greet Your Jarvey — If traveling by jaunting car, expect friendly banter with your driver; they are local historians and storytellers, so engage with them about the mountains and legends.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — Mountain weather in Kerry shifts dramatically; bring waterproof gear even on clear mornings, as mist and rain can arrive within minutes.
• Respect Mountain Access — The Gap is open to the public but remains a working mountain landscape; stay on marked paths and close gates behind you to preserve the land.
• Local Irish Language Heritage — You'll encounter Irish place names throughout (Bearna an Dhúloe means 'Gap of the Black Oak'); learning basic Irish phrases shows cultural respect in this Gaeltacht-adjacent region.