Dunloe Upper Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

I loved the place. Despite its popularity and horse drawn tourist carts it has atmosphere. There's an attractive bleakness about it that was like a magnet for us.
I loved the place. Despite its popularity and horse drawn tourist carts it has atmosphere. There's an attractive bleakness about it that was like a magnet for us.
There are several stone bridges along the way that tourists can't get enough of, The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain by glacial flows. The river running through the gap is the river Loe from where the Gap gets its name. The Gap begins at Kate Kearney's Cottage. The road, narrow in many places, winds through the pass and descends into The Black Valley passing five lakes, Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough. Within easy walking distance from Kate Kearney's cottage is a picturesque old bridge known as the 'Wishing Bridge'. It is said that wishes made here really do come true! The Gap is approximately 11 km from north to south. You can hire a jaunting car (horse drawn wagon) to travel through the Pass and take a boat back to Killarney from Lord Brandon's cottage at the other end.
The gap of Donloe is one of the best hidden secrets in Ireland. The road passes through some beautiful scenes and Ireland's highest mountains. The narrow roads make it almost impossible for two way pass through keeping the crowds away. The best way is to drive tiny car or take a horse carriage ride. #trovember #hiddengems #kerry #ireland
Amazing hike with plenty of places to take a photograph

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The Lake Hotel Killarney

The Lake Hotel Killarney

4 out of 5
On The Lake Shore Killarney Kerry
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Lovely hotel with beautiful lake view. Breakfast was amazing… buffet style with many choices as well as orders from the kitchen. Highly recommend the hotel very close to downtown area as well as Killarney National Park

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

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The Lake Hotel Killarney
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

4 out of 5
Kenmare Square Killarney Kerry
The price is NZ$284 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$284
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (877 reviews)
Room and amenities were great

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Killarney Avenue Hotel

Killarney Avenue Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Kenmare Place Killarney Kerry
The price is NZ$226 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
NZ$226
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (562 reviews)
Great location, walking distance to the centre of town. Didn’t have breakfast but the bar on site and food for dinner was excellent. The staff were very friendly and helpful. It was very handy that the hotel had on-site parking.

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Killarney Avenue Hotel
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Silver Birch House

Silver Birch House

3.5 out of 5
Dunloe Upper County Kerry
Stay at this cottage in Dunloe Upper. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Killarney National Park and Gap of Dunloe are located ...
We had a great stay, the house was a perfect base to cycle the gap. Definitely use the directions from the host, not from Expedia.

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2024

Silver Birch House
Park Place Apartments

Park Place Apartments

4 out of 5
High Street Killarney Kerry
Stay at this apartment in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (591 reviews)
Great room, clean, spacious, Ann is awesome.

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Park Place Apartments
The Reserve at Muckross

The Reserve at Muckross

4 out of 5
Muckross Road Killarney Kerry
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Killarney. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (174 reviews)
The rooms were beautiful, clean, spacious, well laid out

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

The Reserve at Muckross
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Gap of Dunloe which includes a bridge, tranquil scenes and a river or creek

Gap of Dunloe

As pretty as a postcard and only reachable by slow travel, this pass gives you time to breathe the clear air and see the beauty of every wildflower.

Gap of Dunloe

Dunloe Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Dunloe Upper at Dunloe Golf Course. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Dunloe Golf Course

Activities

Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour

Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour

NZ$31
per adult
Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour
From Killarney: 'Ring of Kerry' Mountain Road 1-Day Bus Tour

From Killarney: 'Ring of Kerry' Mountain Road 1-Day Bus Tour

NZ$79
per adult
From Killarney: 'Ring of Kerry' Mountain Road 1-Day Bus Tour
Sunny coastline in Ireland

1-Day Ring of Kerry Rail Tour

NZ$296
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
1-Day Ring of Kerry Rail Tour
Deros Ring of Kerry-Award Winning Tours

Best Ring of Kerry Tour ex Killarney inc Killarney National Park

NZ$118
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best Ring of Kerry Tour ex Killarney inc Killarney National Park
Bike depot and Killarney National Park

Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall

NZ$40
per adult
Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall
Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Limerick

Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Limerick

NZ$109
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Limerick
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Cities near Dunloe Upper

Muckross House featuring flowers, a park and a castle

Killarney