Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe
Dún Lóich
Northern end of the pass facing south
Elevation 241 metres (791 feet)[1]
Traversed by Road
Location County Kerry, Ireland
Range MacGillycuddy's Reeks
Purple Mountain
Coordinates 52°1′00″N 9°38′7.8″W / 52.01667°N 9.635500°W / 52.01667; -9.635500Coordinates: 52°1′00″N 9°38′7.8″W / 52.01667°N 9.635500°W / 52.01667; -9.635500
Location in Ireland
From the southern end looking north
Auger Lake, looking north

The Gap of Dunloe (from Irish: Dún Lóich, meaning "Lóich's stronghold", otherwise known as Bearna an Choimín meaning "gap of the common-land") is a narrow mountain pass in County Kerry, Ireland.

Geography

The pass is located between MacGillycuddy's Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east) in County Kerry, Ireland. The road through The Gap, from Kate Kearney's Cottage down to Lord Brandon's Cottage, is about 11 kilometres (7 miles) long, climbing and descending about 200 metres (650 feet) altogether. Within it are five lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough (north to south). These lakes are connected by the River Loe. 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.[2] The road through it is narrow, winding and is difficult for motor vehicles. A popular form of transport for tourists is the jaunting car, a horse-drawn trap where up to four occupants sit facing each other. There are also riding ponies for hire. The trap and ponies are guided by men from families that live in and around the Gap. These ponymen use a rotation system called the Turn which determines who takes the next customers. The Turn has been in existence since the 1920s and is passed down in the families to the next generation. Many people hike or bike the route through the Gap, with bikes being available for hire from the nearby town of Killarney.

This place was used as a filming location in the Irish film The Crying Game.

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, mainly of horizontal has cracks, and so depend on cams for protection.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Graham Robb (2016). Cols and Passes of the British Isles. Penguin UK.
  2. ↑ http://www.wanderingeducators.com/best/traveling/gap-dunloe-co-kerry-ireland.html
  3. ↑ http://wiki.climbing.ie/index.php/Gap_Of_Dunloe

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