The Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a scenic narrow mountain pass running north-south in County Kerry, Ireland, that separates the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in the west, from the Purple Mountain Group range in the east. It is one of Kerry's most popular tourist destinations due to its scenery, lakes and waterfalls. The Gap, a public road through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, is one of the most visited tourist routes in Ireland, famous since Victorian times.
Within The Gap of Dunloe are five lakes, Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough. The lakes are connected by the River Loe. Between the first two, Coosaun Lough and Black Lake is the Wishing Bridge on which it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true. There are stone bridges along the way which make for breath-taking lookout points.
Nestled at the entrance to the world-famous Gap of Dunloe lies Kate Kearney's Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run bar restaurant and craft shop. The walk from Kate Kearney's Cottage, to the full Head of the Gap is 6 kilometres and takes around 1 hour (and another hour for the return journey back to Kate Kearney's Cottage). Visitors can also travel by jaunting car (pony carriage) from Kate Kearney's Cottage to the head of the Upper Lake and take a boat to Ross Castle Killarney.
