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Requesting updated info for Gap of Dunloe cart rides

Posted by (Charlotte, NC) on

We are visiting Killarney NP on Monday, June 6th. I've looked at several different guided tours including the Gap and ending at Ross' Castle, but they all seem to follow the same schedule, making me think we'd be caught in a sea of other tourists. And, as much of the info I found on the topic here is from several years ago, I wanted some updated perspectives.

We can get to Kate Kearney's Cottage as early as needed. So, here are some ideas that hopefully you have ideas about:

  • Get one of the first carts out that morning before the tour busses arrive

    • Any thoughts on how early we might be able to start?
    • We do not have any issues with hiring the whole cart for just the two of us, if that helps

  • Walking in and out as the backup plan

    • The guides I see list it as moderate with at least two steep inclines
    • Is the whole hike to the Gap steep, or just in areas?

If we do walk in, are there ever any carts available for the ride back? It looks like the one way tours go all the way to Lord Brandon's Cottage.

Thanks!

Posted by
995 posts

I have no answers to your questions, but they bring back vivid memories from many years ago (late 80s.) Tourism must have really picked up there. We drove through, scraping away the undercarriage of our car but never passing a soul but a few speckled ponies. As we ascended the last steep rutted hill, we saw in our rear view a billboard sized sign warning “Road not fit for vehicular traffic!” It was a beautiful drive!

Posted by
2980 posts

We happened to be at Lord Brandon's cottage one morning as the traps started their journey from their home base back towards Kate Kearney's to start the tours, and as I recall that was about 8 AM, so if you're there around 8:30 you'll probably be at the head of the line.
The Gap itself is about 3.5 miles (one way) from Kate Kearney's to the head of the glen (ie not all the way to Lord Brandon's) and is mostly level the whole way until you get to the very end when the road rises quickly for the last 400 yards or so to an overlook parking area. Point being that it's a very easy hike if you want to try that. We usually get there as early as we can (crack of dawn) to start our walk before the day trippers start to arrive and believe me it's a whole different experience having it all to yourself.
There's a cute little tea room about a mile or so from Kate Kearney's if you want to stop off for tea & scones and take a break.
Most of the traps are fully loaded for their trips and the drivers will ask people to debark for a few yards if they come to even minor grades so as to save the horses - who are doing this all day after all.
If memory serves you always have the option of taking the pony trap one way and then hopping out for the one-way hike back. That might be fun if you want to combine a bit of both. You'll have to pay full freight however.
We consider the Gap to be the prettiest little Glen in Ireland and always make it a point to include it in any of our itineraries. Whether you walk it or take one of the traps you'll love it.

Posted by
9221 posts

Agree with Robert its a whole different thing if you beat the crowds. Thus why I drove to and hiked a good portion of the Gap in the month of November.

Saw 1 trap, a few hikers, 2 cars and 1 lorry. One of my most cherished travel memories. The sheep and I
“ owned “ the Gap! The fall colors highlighted by a bright blue sky with foreboding rain clouds in the far distance…great photos from that November sojourn.

Kates cottage was closed.

You’ll be traveling in the height of tourist season. Go early as you can. No clue when trap rentals begin.

Slainte

Posted by
32 posts

Ruth - love that story!

Robert and Claudia - thank you for your info - it helped us firm up our plans. Love all the knowledge here and people willing to share that.

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