The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow glacial valley that cuts about eleven kilometres between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Purple Mountain, from Kate Kearney's Cottage at the northern end to Lord Brandon's Cottage at the southern end. A chain of five small lakes is linked by the River Loe, and the road follows it past a stone bridge, steep scree and rock faces, with a view that opens at each bend. The classic way to do it is a day of three parts: a bus from Killarney to Kate Kearney's, a walk, jaunting car or bike through the Gap, then a boat across the three Lakes of Killarney back to Ross Castle, a trip that passes islands and the Meeting of the Waters. The route is usually advertised from spring to autumn, with a full service roughly May to September. In winter, the boat timetable is reduced, jaunting cars operate mostly in the main season, and the upper road can close for ice, so a November visit needs a call or an online check first. A bus, boat and jaunting car day is linked here, with the jaunting car paid separately on the day.
The Gap was carved by glaciers some twenty five thousand years ago and its scale is the point: steep, bare slopes, boulder fields and the sound of water, with Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak, hidden in the Reeks to the west. Near Kate Kearney's Cottage, a family run pub and craft shop, the road narrows and begins to climb. Jaunting car drivers, called jarveys, wait there in season and tell stories as you go, and the ride takes up to two hours one way.
Choosing a format
Walkers can do the full eleven kilometres one way, or an out and back route of about fourteen kilometres, with a gain of nearly four hundred metres. Short walkers can take the two kilometre paved path to Wishing Bridge and back, which is level and good for strollers.
Cyclists can ride through with their bikes transported back by an operator. The boat crossing from Lord Brandon's to Ross Castle takes around forty five minutes and is the soft ending to the day. The bus, boat and jaunting car combination is simplest for visitors without a car.
What to know in November
The road is a public road and drivers are allowed, but it is single track with hairpin bends and shared with walkers and horses, and in winter the high sections can close in ice or snow. Daylight is short, services are reduced, and the weather can turn quickly, so a guided or booked option with a clear schedule is safer than an improvised walk. In the main season, book boats ahead and start early to avoid traffic and coaches.
What to expect
The experience
A day trip in three parts: transport to Kate Kearney's Cottage, the Gap by foot, jaunting car or bike, then a boat across the lakes to Ross Castle.
Best time
Early in the season and early in the day, and always on a clear, dry day when the views are open.
How long
Four to six hours door to door, depending on whether you walk or ride.
Tips
Confirm the schedule before travelling in winter, carry waterproofs and layers, wear sturdy shoes, and check road conditions for ice.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Scenery lovers who want a landscape day with a boat ride as the finale.
- Families
- The jaunting car and the boat suit children well, but the full walk is long, so use the short Wishing Bridge path with younger ones.
- Couples
- A jaunting car through the Gap and the boat back at the end of the day.
- Pair with
- The Lakes of Killarney boat trip and Ross Castle.
- Time needed
- Most of a day.
Good questions
Is the Gap of Dunloe tour running in November?+
Probably in a reduced form at best. The full jaunting car and boat service is mainly May to September, so check the schedule before you go.
How long is the Gap of Dunloe?+
About eleven kilometres from Kate Kearney's Cottage to Lord Brandon's Cottage. The out and back walk is around fourteen kilometres.
Can I drive through the Gap?+
Yes, it is a public road, but it is single track with hairpins and shared with walkers, cyclists and horses. Early mornings are the least busy.
How is the jaunting car paid?+
On the linked bus and boat tour the jaunting car is paid separately on the day, with a fare per person. Prices vary, so confirm on arrival.
Is there an easy option?+
Yes, the short paved path to Wishing Bridge is level and about two kilometres return. It gives a taste of the valley without the full day.
