We enjoyed our scenic walk into the Gap of Dunloe this September, with minimal crowds and great weather. We drove up to Kate Kearney's cottage, parked and set off on foot. We went up to the 2nd wishing bridge and returned back to our start point (with more time, you can choose to go fruther). It took us about 75 minutes in toto, and we had mostly sheep for company, with an occasional jaunting car passing by. The scenery is staggeringly beautiful, and the play of light through the clouds makes it even more magical. In my opinion, this is the highlight of the RoK/Killarney National Park, but needs planning as its difficult to squeeze into a hurried day trip/driving loop around the ring.

Fabulous nature views to be found on this walk. The rugged terrain is beautiful and vast, so much to take in. While you can drive ( slowly ) along the winy road, walking is the best option if you're up for it. A pony trap ride would be lovely as well. 7 miles from Kate's cottage to Lord Brandon's cottage. Sort of hilly but mild for an Irish hike. Weather can be all 4 seasons due to the mountains in the area. Restrooms at both beginning and end of walk, no amenities available on the walk.

We parked outside Kate Kearney's cottage about 10am, the car park was full at this time. We then walked in about 4 km before turning back. Its a really easy walk situated in a place that's both stunning and peaceful. We really enjoyed our walk,

Been there many, many times with friend and with family, 6ears back and now recently... It's my most beautiful place on Ireland, and I always enjoy trip there, even at rainy days when it's still beautiful and advantage is not many people around. Yes I agree with many opinions that locals, especially horse carriages men are rude and heard it cost like 45e per person! to have a ride with them(😱😱😱). But if you OK for long nice walk on your own legs your in a right place 💚

We had dinner at Kate’s Cottage due to great reviews ( it did not stand up to those reviews however). When we finished we were debating which way to go back to our AirBnB in Killgarvan! The route through Killarney was jammed due to a road rally - so we decided to take the shortest route although the most difficult! The reviews for the Gap of Dunloe were spot on! Incomparable beauty - but the driver needs to go slow and be very careful. Luckily, it was getting late and oncoming traffic was light. Unluckily it was getting late and darkness was coming pretty soon! We made it onto the highway on the other side at sunset! It was beautiful and I would do it again!!

Nice place to do a hike. Since organized tours arrive in the morning we decided to go at noon. Parked at Kate Kearney Cottage and did a short hike to the Black lake and back. There are nice views, also a café. Contrary to many comments I read, we found the jaunting cars very respectful, however there were far too many cars driving the Gap and many of them were totally disrespectful of walkers. Anyway, it was a nice hike. Should we have had more time, I would have opted for walking the whole gap and walking back to Killarney. Another alternative is taking the organized tour by bus that drops you there, you do the hike and take the boat back.

Walked from Kate Kearney’s Cottage restaurant up to Black Valley, then back. Stunning views and scenery. Not too challenging but make sure you wear layers and good walking/hiking shoes. The path is paved, as it is a working road but little traffic. We could have walked farther and caught a boat tour of the other lake but wanted to eat at Kate Kesrney’s which was very good. Make sure and leave room for dessert and coffee at the place across the way.

Should you find yourself lucky not to be here in July/ August, you must drive the full gap and onto the Black Valley. If you go early in the morning you will not have to contend with jaunt cars and people and have the place to yourself which is what we did. The drive is stunning and also not for the faint of heart. It is a very narrow road and a slow going but worth it in endless beauty!

We took the Gap of Dunloe day tour from Killarney. By chance our tour went to Ross Castle first, then the boat trip to Lord Brandon's Cottage. This meant we walked back, through the Gap to Kate Kearney's Cottage. If you get an option, I would strongly recommend walking in this direction. The initial climb was reasonably steep but we had a long descent to Kate Kearney's. It gave the impression of being a lot easier than the other direction. The only disappointment was the amount of motor traffic on the road. The guide books imply that it is not really suitable for cars and certainly not during the middle of the day.

Absolutely stunning, and our favorite day of our Ireland trip! We booked a tour service to drop us at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. We walked the gap,(2.5hrs) and a boat was waiting to take us across the Killarney Lakes back to our starting point. The boat ride (1.5hrs)was beautiful and fun! Highly recommend Gap of Dunloe Adventure Tours.