Can you drive a car through the Gap of Dunloe?
Ireland, europe
9.6 km
246 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in County Kerry, Ireland, ready for an adventure. You’ve heard whispers of the Gap of Dunloe, a mountain pass that's as breathtaking as it is… well, a bit of a challenge.
This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road snakes for about 9.6 km between Dunloe and Hollywood, reaching a modest 246m above sea level, but don’t let that fool you! We're talking single-track roads, hairpin bends that'll test your steering skills, and bridges that feel just a *tad* too narrow.
What's it like driving the Gap of Dunloe?
The road has some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 19%! Passing other vehicles can be tricky (especially if you meet a traditional horse-drawn "jaunting car"), so patience is key. In fact, most people agree that driving is NOT the best way to see the Gap.
But here's the reward: you're surrounded by the highest mountains in Ireland and treated to scenery that's straight out of a postcard. Think shimmering lakes nestled between rugged peaks. You’ll pass no less than five lakes.
Just a heads-up: this place is popular, *especially* in summer. It's best to visit outside peak hours, or better yet, leave the driving to someone else and hop on a tour, or hike/bike it to truly soak it all in. This iconic road is part of one of the best scenic drives in the world.
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 246 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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