Information on the Gap of Dunloe

Visitors can also drive through the Gap of Dunloe and The Black Valley coming our at "Molls Gap" and returning by ladies view on the Ring of Kerry road. Warning ! It is a very bad road for cars and we would not recommend it in the months of May, June, July, August and September as the horse, bike and pedestrian traffic is to busy. Turnpike Rock The Old Weir Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters is where the upper lake meets the Middle and Lower Lake.   Dinis Cottage renovated recently also has a tea room and can also be reached from the main road by walkers and cyclists from the Muckross park and the Kenmare road. Points of interest. The Old Weir Bridge & The Meeting of the Waters If you are a resident of the Lake Hotel Groups of 8 or more can be collected or dropped off at the Lake Hotel Pier.

The Boat trip begins at Lord Brandon's Cottage and heads on down the Upper lake, you can see ladies view and the high Kerry mountains. There is a scattering of smaller islands on either side. Next you will head on the Long Range river and six mile bridge and the Eagles Nest on your left. Meandering down the calm flowing river you will get to the Meeting of the waters. Here you will descend down under the right arch into calm flowing waters by Dinis Cottage.

Next it is into the Muckross Lake (Middle Lake) and on under Brickeen Bridge and into the Lower Lake. Here you will pass by Glena Bay on your left and you can see an old house once frequented by the wealthy and famous. The Rhododendron have now taken over alot of the grounds around the derelict house. Heading on by Darby's gardens, O'Sullivan's cascade (unseen) and back by Innisfallen Island (It is said King Brian Boru was educated by the Monks here) into Ross Bay. Here you can see Ross Castle once an O'Donohue Stronghold. In 2007 the reintroduction of the White Tailed Sea Eagle should be also a great attraction in the future years.

Next it is bus back to the Lake Hotel and relax overlooking the 12th Century Castle with a pint of Guinness and reflect on that magnificent Adventure that was the "Gap of Dunloe"

(2.) Boat to Lord Brandon's and walk the Kerry Way
( € 15)

Another great option is to book your boat and experience the magnificent boat journey that awaits you(€ 15). You can then pick up the Kerry Way at Lord Brandon's Cottage and head back to the Lake Hotel via Derrychunnihy Oak Woods (watch out for the petrified oak !), Galway's bridge and make a left for the Old Kenmare road (Kerry Way). This will bring you to the back of Torc Mountain and back to Torc Waterfall and into the Muckross Estate. Heading on by Muckross House and by the Abbey this will bring you back to the Lake Hotel. The whole trip is around 13 miles on the Boat and 10 miles walking but will feel like less because of the great scenery.

Dinis Cottage in 1860 (note the Old American Flag on the front of the boat, there are only twenty something stars but the stripes are the same as today)

Visit Killarney today and too much has not changed on the Gap of Dunloe and the Lakes of Killarney.

1. Bike "n" Boat

Why not rent a bike and cycle, you can put your bike on the boat and cycle back from the Gap of Dunloe or you can do the trip in reverse.

Gap Boats travel through the Long Range River and on into the Middle Lake, next it is to the Lower Lake and finish at Ross Castle.

The good old days at the "Gap of Dunloe"