The Gap of Dunloe is an iconic landmark to the west of Killarney National Park, an 11 km long natural ravine that winds its way between Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range, the highest mountain in Ireland.
This scenic mountain gap dates back two million years, when slow-moving ice carved a narrow mountain pass between these mountains. The River Loe runs through the valley, linking the five corrie lakes around the pass. The name Gap of Dunloe comes from the Irish dun Lóich (“Lóich’s fort”), named after the chieftain of a clan who lived here in ancient times.
The stunning and wild scenery of the Gap can be enjoyed by bicycle, on foot, on horseback, or on a jaunting car. You can also take an impressive boat trip through the Lake of Killarney with your bike, or an organised tour with a bus from Killarney and a boat passage.