Gap of Dunloe - County Kerry, Ireland
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 52° 00.366 W 009° 38.598
29U E 455843 N 5761912
Well known mountain gap near Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland.
Waymark Code: WMA0JJ
Location: Munster, Ireland
Date Posted: 10/26/2010
Views: 19
From Wikipedia:
"The Gap of Dunloe (from Irish: Dún Lóich, meaning "Lóich's stronghold", otherwise known as Bearna an Choimín meaning "gap of the common-land") is a narrow mountain pass between Macgillycuddy's Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east) in County Kerry, Ireland. It is about 11 km (7 miles) from north to south. Within it are five lakes: Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough (north to south). These lakes are connected by the River Loe. Between the first two lakes is an old arch bridge called the 'Wishing Bridge' so named because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true.
The Gap has long been a popular tourist attraction. The road through it is narrow, winding, and difficult for motorised traffic, so the most popular form of transport for tourists is the horse-drawn Trap, a cart where up to four occupants sit facing each other. There are also riding ponies for hire. The Trap and ponies are guided by the Gap Poneymen who are from families that live in and around the Gap. The Poneymen use a rotation system called the Turn which determines who takes the next customers. The Turn has been in existence since the 1920s and is passed down in the families to the next generation. Bikes can also be rented in the town of Killarney and ridden through the gap. More recently, tourists have visited the Gap as it was a location on Irish film The Crying Game. The Road through the Gap from a popular starting point, Kate Kearney's, down to Lord Brandon's Cottage, is about 11km long, and contains a 500-foot elevation. Many people hike or bike the route."
Elevation (Official or GPSR reading): 623
Mountain Range: Macgillycuddy's Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east)
Access:
Normal access by foot, bicycle, pony or trap along the road.
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Visit Instructions:
Pictures are encouraged but not required.