Gap of Dunloe, Mountain pass in County Kerry, Ireland
The Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass stretching 11 kilometers between two ranges, where five connected lakes sit within steep rocky walls. The River Loe runs through the valley, creating a flowing water route that links each lake in sequence.
Glaciers from the last ice age, roughly 25,000 years ago, carved this U-shaped valley through repeated ice movement. Boulder-sized rocks left behind by melting ice dot the valley floor, marking the passage of those ancient glaciers.
The pass earned its Irish name from an ancient stronghold that once stood in the valley. Today, the landscape carries memories of these early settlements through the names given to the surrounding mountains and waters.
You can walk, cycle, or ride in traditional horse-drawn carts through the pass, starting from one cottage and ending at a lodge on the other side. The journey takes several hours, so start early in the day and bring layers for changing weather.
The Wishing Bridge sits between two of the lakes and offers a rare viewing point where all five waters can be seen together in one sweeping view. Visitors often pause here to take in this complete picture of the waterway system.
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