The Gap of Dunloe in Ireland is hands down the most beautiful, magical place I have ever visited. My husband and I visited as part of our two week trip to England and Ireland, and we both agree that it was our favorite destination (and it hasn’t been beat since!).
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The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain passageway in the County Kerry, Ireland. The road through the Gap is about 7 miles long, which stretches between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks to the west and the Purple Mountain to the east. The River Loe connects five beautiful lakes in the area- and they are truly breathtaking! You can visit the Gap on foot (which was our choice!) or by renting a jaunting car (a horse-drawn trap driven by a local ponyman). Along the way, you’ll pass a beautiful arched bridge called the Wishing Bridge, several old buildings, and countless friendly sheep. Does it sound magical? Because it truly is!
If you read my post on How to Spend 36 Hours in Killarney, Ireland, then you already know that I am in love with the Gap of Dunloe. We were blessed with gorgeous, sunny weather, but I’ve heard that it is beautiful year round. If you’re heading to Ireland, I cannot recommend this beautiful, peaceful setting enough. I’m so excited to share 15 of my favorite photos from our trip.
15 Photos to Inspire You to Visit the Gap of Dunloe, Ireland
The view was stunning, the sun was shining, and the clouds were gorgeous. It was a beautiful day!
You’ll pass several old, quaint, weathered buildings on your adventure.
The “Wishing Bridge” is near the beginning of the Gap. They say that all wishes made here come true!
There are several paths that you can explore off the main, paved road. Those green hills perfectly captured the beauty of Ireland.
They say that Ireland has at least 40 shades of green. You can see all the shades at the Gap!
The view of the Gap was beautiful from every angle! You can turn around at any point and still enjoy a glorious view.
There are a total of five lakes in the Gap. The water was cool and incredibly peaceful.
We loved that there was a beautiful 360 degree view at all times.
The green hills were covered in rocks, sheep, and purple flowers. It felt like a fairytale!
The sheep were so friendly and adorable! Some were behind fences but many walked alongside us.
The paved path kept leading us to more magical places. The views kept getting prettier!
We took the time to stop and relax. When you go, be sure to slow down and take in the sights, smells, and sounds.
Be prepared to make friends with the sheep- they really are everywhere!
Really, the lakes are magnificent. Some are fenced off, but there are several places where you’re free to kick off your shoes and dip your feet in the cool water.
If you’re like us, you won’t want to tear yourself away from the Gap of Dunloe. If you decide to add it to your itinerary of Ireland, you might want to check out my post on How to Spend 36 Hours in Killarney, Ireland.
I’m sure you can see why we loved our visit to the Gap of Dunloe, and I hope you’ve been inspired to visit it too! If you’ve been to the Gap of Dunloe, I would love what you loved about it!
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39 Comments
Sinjana Ghosh
Wow all these pictures are enough to convince anyone to visit the gap of dunloe. My favorite is the first one with dramatic skies. I also loved the pictures of the paved roads cutting through the hills. The lakes are gorgeous
Leah
Glad you enjoyed them! The skies and road were gorgeous. It was lovely there!
Daniel
I never heard about Dunloe before but your picture alone are enough to make me want to visit! I love places that offer beautiful views no matter from which corner you click the picture. The lakes look absolutely beautiful too. Judging by the pictures, it seems like there aren’t a lot of tourists around. Is that right?
Leah
Yes, we were there in June, and it was not very busy with tourists, despite it being the “busy season”. I have found that many people skip the Gap of Dunloe, even if they are visiting Killarney. It really was beautiful from all angles, and I cannot recommend it enough! Glad you enjoyed the photos!
Navita
I was really curious to know where is Gap of Dunloe as had not heard of this place before. These photos are definitely inspiring to make a trip and visit this gem in Ireland. The lakes, greenery, mountains and roads all have been captured so well in the photos. Am intrigued about 40 shades of green in Ireland.
Leah
I’m glad you enjoyed these photos! It really is a beautiful destination. 🙂
paul
I’ve never actually been to Ireland with is bad considering i’ve lived in london for 10 years. But, if i go anywhere it looks like i need to add the gap of dunloe to my agenda. It looks beautiful
Leah
Yes, I would definitely add the Gap of Dunloe to your list, if you make it to Ireland. 🙂
clarice
These photos are truly inspiring and beautiful. It looks like it’s taken out from a magazine.
Honestly, I can spend the whole day enjoying this view. It’s so peaceful and serene. It would definitely help me forget all about my problems and everyday stress.
Leah
Yes! I completely agree. Glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
Aisha
Packing my bags and ready to go! These photos are Amazing and this looks like just the kind of trip I want to incorporate into my 2019 travel itinerary! those mountains look stunning and the water looks so calm. together they paint a picture of the perfect peaceful escape!
Leah
So glad you enjoyed it! I hope you make it there in 2019! 🙂
Manjulika Pramod
I have read about Ireland but had not heard About Gap of Dunloe. Your pictures definitely tell me why it happens to be your favorite. Its picturesque for sure. I like such places where nature inspires everything and makes people feel joyful.. The wishing bridge sounds interesting.
Leah
I agree- I love being out in nature. It’s so peaceful!
Aareeba
Wow your pictures are really beautiful. Ireland has always been on my list of places to see and Your post made me really excited about it. Thanks for sharing your knowlEdge
Leah
Glad you enjoyed them!
Ana
Wowww! This photos made me feel luke I wanna to be there right now! Thanks x sharing them with us 😊
Leah
Glad you enjoyed them!
Bhushavali N
Oh dear!!! I planned a trip to kerry when i was in london but somehow it never happened. gap of dunloe looks just incredible. too bad now that i don’t have a uk visa. So, thanks for this virtual tour.
Leah
Glad you enjoyed it!
Jayne
Consider me inspired! Looks amazing!
Leah
I’m so glad! It’s a beautiful place!
Parenthodo4ever
Such a beautiful place, Leah. Were 2 weeks enough both for England and Ireland? Also, what is this red paint on back of the sheep?
Leah
Thank you! Two weeks were wonderful! We couldn’t see everything in just two weeks, of course, but it was a good amount of time to have a good, relaxing experience in both places. We focused our attention on 4 main cities (2 in England and 2 in Ireland), and we loved every minute!
Leah
Oh! And the colorful marks are put on the sheep by the farmers to indicate when they have bred with other sheep. 🙂 The color comes off one sheep on to the other.
Jamie
Oh wow, these beautiful photos really are inspiring! I have never heard of this spot before, but now I am adding it to my list!
Leah
Thank you! It’s truly one of your favorite spots!
Karen
What stunning pictures! I love Ireland, we have family there so will definitely add The Gap of Dunloe to our list of places to visit the next time we’re over. Thanks for the tip!
Leah
It is a must-see in my opinion! 🙂
Liona
Gorgeous pictures. I’m planning a trip to Ireland when I get around to getting an Irish passport. This is inspiring me more.
Leah
It is such a beautiful destination!
Julie
Ok I’m convinced!! Ireland is absolutely on my bucket list and these photos are so beautiful!
Leah
So happy to hear that! It is beautiful!
Lauren
So beautiful!! I love how green Ireland is. And the sheep are so cute!! They make great photobombers 🙂 .
Leah
Don’t they?! They were adorable!
Amanda
These photos are stunning – I can’t get over how GREEN it is there!!
Leah
Right?! It was stunning!
Larch
I can’t believe I have not explored Ireland, the landscape is captivating. I will have to add it to my places to visit for 2020.
Leah
It is one of our favorites. The countryside is stunning!