The Gap of Dunloe (Irish: Bearna an Choimín) is a narrow pass between Macgillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountains near Killarney, Ireland. It begins at Kate Kearney's Cottage and ends with a descent into The Black Valley, a distance of approximately 11 km (7 miles). As one travels through the Gap from Kate Kearney's, five small lakes are passed: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough; in turn, these lakes are connected by the River Loe from which the gap gets its name. Between the first two lakes is an old arch bridge called the 'Wishing Bridge' so named because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true.
Tourism
The Gap has long been a popular tourist attraction. The road is narrow and difficult for motorised traffic, so the most popular form of transport for tourists is the horse-drawn Trap, a cart where up to four occupants sit facing each other. There are also riding ponies for hire. The Trap and ponies are guided by the Gap Poneymen who are from families that live in and around the Gap. The Poneymen use a rotation system called the Turn which determines who takes the next customers. The Turn has been in existence since the 1920's and is passed down in the families to the next generation. Bikes can also be rented in the town of Kilarney and ridden through the gap.
Rock climbing
The old red sandstone cliffs of the Gap of Dunloe are a popular location for rock climbing, the main climbing being on the western slopes of the valley, above Black Lake and Coosaun Lough. The current guidebook [1] lists about 130 climbs, ranging in grade from below VS to above E2. Many of the routes consist mainly of horizontal cracks, and so depend on cams for protection.
Coordinates: 52°00′36″N 9°38′20″W / 52.01°N 9.639°W
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