The Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry, Ireland
March 28, 2024, by Thomas Baurley

As I was driving the scenic tour known as the “Ring of Kerry,” I decided to give the infamous “Gap of Dunloe” a gander. Named after the River Loe that runs through it, the “Gap of Dunloe” is derived from the Irish “Dún Lóich,” meaning ‘Lóich’s stronghold’ or “gap of the little hollow.” This narrow mountain pass was forged by glaciers during the last ice age 25,000 years ago. It is quite a stunning off-the-beaten-trail trek. It was created from the Purple Mountain and MacGillycuddy Reeks glacial flows. Geologically the pass is north-south oriented between the Old Red Sandstone mountain ranges of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks on the west and the Purple Mountain Group on the east. The highest point is at the Head of the Gap at 241 meters.

Within is Loe River cutting the gap, which is part of its namesake. Starting at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, one takes a seemingly one-lane narrow golf-cart-sized road (that is, two-way traffic with little to no pullovers to let people pass) and descends into the mysterious “Black Valley.” Along the route, one can see five lakes—Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavalley Lake, Auger Lake, and the Black Lough.

The trek is not advisable by auto during tourism months, but one can get away with it like I did during the winter/off-season months. Most hike or walk up the road from Kate Kearney’s cottage to the old “Wishing Bridge.” The road runs approximately 11 km from north to south. Some hire a horse-drawn wagon to go through the pass and return via a boat back to Killarney from Lord Brandon’s cottage at the other end. Others take the grueling bicycle run that’ll take in your day.

It is said that the first leader of the Fir Bolg, known as “Loich,” had his stronghold here, According to the Annals of Clonmacnois, Keating, and the Lebor Gabála Érenn (LGE). Loich, or more properly … Deala (or Dela) Mac Lóich, was the father of the five chieftains of the returning Fir Bolg (Slainghe, Gann, Genann, Seangann, and Rudhraighe) who conquered Ireland before the Milesians and Tuatha de Danann arrived on the Isle. The Fir Bolg divided Ireland into five provinces, each ruled by one brother. This is estimated to have taken place for 37 years from 3266 – 3303 B.C.E. According to the Annals of the Four Masters. They lost their rule once defeated by the Tuatha Dé Danann.

Also of historical notoriety is Kate Kearney’s Cottage. An enchanting mixologist named Kate lived here from 1845 to 1849 and was well-reputed for her strong elixir-called position. While illegal, she made it and sold it to the travelers who ventured through the gap to give them the strength they needed to endure the journey.

The Wishing Bridge is a historic stone bridge with picturesque scenery that attracts many tourists, offerings, and coins. It is said that any wishes requested at the bridge always come true.

References:

• Irish Stuff 2024 “The Gap of Dunloe” on Irish Stuff. Website referenced 3/28/2024 at https://irishstuff.info/blogs/gap-of-dunloe/#:~:text=Along%20with%20Nature%2C%20the%20Gap,has%20its%20story%20to%20tell.
• Ring of Kerry 2024 “The Gap of Dunloe” on the Ring of Kerry. Website referenced 3/28/2024 at https://theringofkerry.com/the-gap-of-dunloe
• Wikipedia 2024 “Gap of Dunloe”. Wikipedia. Website referenced 3/28/2024 at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gap_of_Dunloe