Can one drive through the Gap of Dunloe? The maps give the possibility of driving from Beaufort through the Gap and then connecting with the Killarny to Kenmare highway. Has anyone done it? I suspect it is a typical narrow rural Irish road with turnouts.
Posted by
Land of La
8643 posts
I drove over it in November of 2013. Virtually no one there as it was offseason. One trap, 5 cars, postal van, 1 bike rider, 1 lorry, a few hikers and countless sheep. Absolutely gorgeous drive but not for the faint of heart if the tiny roads of Eire are bothersome to you. Get the smallest rental you can. In peak season I imagine driving over it is frowned upon but there are a few homes on the route as well as villages on the opposite side so it is a connector road. A few turnouts but not many. Oh and I'm no spring chicken. Truman was in office when I entered the world. The drive is worth the challenge. One of my best days of travel exploration EVER!
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7025 posts
Here is a previous thread with some additional comments:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/ireland/drive-car-over-gap-of-dunloe
Posted by
Seattle
255 posts
Nancy has provided the link to my complete report from May '14 so I won't belabor what I already said except to emphasize that you should not expect to go more than 5-10 mph at the max and you should expect to back up several times. It is more narrow than typical rural Irish roads IMO and has very few turnouts. If the weather is socked in with low clouds you may lose some of the drama of the cliffs and gorge walls. Best luck. Enjoy.