Killarney to Gap of Dunloe (Kate Kearney's) by Coach or Minibus
The coach does not drive through the Gap of Dunloe. It takes your group about 10 km west of Killarney to Kate Kearney's Cottage at the north end of the pass. From there the group walks, cycles or rides a jaunting car through the Gap. The coach then collects at a different point, usually Ross Castle after the boat trip.
Journey
- Killarney to Gap of Dunloe (Kate Kearney's)
- Approximately 25 mins
- Serving Killarney
About Gap of Dunloe
- A narrow glacial mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, traversed by pony-and-trap and reached by coach from Kate Kearney's Cottage.
- Nearest base: Killarney
Why the coach stops at Kate Kearney's
The road through the Gap, from Kate Kearney's Cottage at the northern end down into the Black Valley at Lord Brandon's Cottage, is a public road of 11 km. It is single track, with hairpin bends, tight bridges and steep sections, and in the daytime it is full of walkers, cyclists and jaunting cars. A coach goes no further than the cottage, where the main Gap of Dunloe parking area is. The drive from Killarney runs out the N72 towards Killorglin and then on local roads to the cottage.
Through the Gap and back by boat
Jaunting cars can be hired at Kate Kearney's for the trip through the pass. Walkers cover the 11 km at their own pace, and the full walk takes several hours, so check fitness and footwear before the day. At Lord Brandon's Cottage boats leave for the trip through the Lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle, about 2 km from the town off the N71. That is where the coach meets the group. Boat connections run in the main season, roughly April to October.
Timing the pickup
Because the coach drops at one place and collects at another, the pickup time depends on the boat. Book the boat sailing before you book the coach, then give the operator the expected landing time at Ross Castle. A group that turns back at the head of the Gap instead returns to Kate Kearney's, so the coach collects from there. Kate Kearney's serves food from noon in season, which suits a group waiting to start or finishing early.
Can the coach drive us through the Gap of Dunloe?
No. The pass is a narrow single-track road shared with walkers, cyclists and jaunting cars, so the coach sets down at Kate Kearney's Cottage and meets the group again after the crossing.
What happens if the boats are not running?
Outside the boat season, or if a sailing is cancelled, the group returns through the Gap to Kate Kearney's and the coach collects there. Agree the fallback with the operator when you book.
Can we visit Ross Castle while we are there?
Yes, from early March to early November. Entry to the interior is by guided tour only, first come first served, with a maximum of 15 people per tour, so a large group goes in several rounds.
Popular Transfers from Killarney
Coach Tours from Killarney
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Send the date, the passenger count and any timed entries you already hold. We come back with a fixed price for Killarney to Gap of Dunloe (Kate Kearney's).