Gap of Dunloe — Local services in Kenmare Municipal District

🚫 Visitor Experience at Gap of Dunloe – Public Awareness Post

During a recent trip to the Gap of Dunloe, just near the entrance by Kate Kearney’s Cottage, I encountered an unfortunate incident that I feel is important to share—especially for those planning to visit with elderly family members.

While attempting to drive toward Black Valley with my elderly parents (who cannot use jaunting cars), I was unexpectedly stopped by individuals claiming the road ahead was private property. They insisted I park and use the jaunting car services, even though no official signage or public notice stated this restriction.

When I explained our situation and said I would continue driving carefully, I was met with intimidation. One of them demanded my driver’s license while pretending to act as a law enforcement officer. When I stated my intention to proceed, I was told “this is your last ride,” and was forced to drive past them under pressure, which made the situation feel threatening and inappropriate.

To clarify: this is a public road with no visible or legal signage indicating that cars are not permitted. Elderly or mobility-impaired visitors should not be forced into unsuitable travel options under pressure or misinformation.

I hope this raises awareness and encourages proper regulation, signage, and respect for all visitors—especially those with specific accessibility needs.

🔹 To be clear: I fully support local businesses, including the jaunting car services, which provide a beautiful and traditional way to experience the Gap. In fact, walking or using a jaunting car is the recommended and safer way due to the narrow and scenic nature of the road.

🔹 However, what I experienced was not acceptable. Using fear, false authority, and aggressive behavior to enforce an unofficial policy is misleading, dishonest, and deeply inappropriate—especially toward visitors with elderly or mobility-impaired family members.

I’m sharing this to raise awareness, not to discredit any business, but to advocate for transparency, safety, and respectful treatment of all visitors

If you're visiting the Gap of Dunloe, especially with elderly family members, plan ahead and stay informed. Drive with extreme caution, and do not tolerate...

The gap of Dunloe was alright, don't get me wrong. It's just that I'd say there are far more spectacular places that you could visit elsewhere, in that corner of the country. (Carrauntoohil, & The Mare's Tail waterfall being a couple of my faves.)

And admittedly the fact that it was raining all day when I was walking The Gap of Dunloe probably didn't help with my opinion of it!

Furthermore my day out was tarred by an angry farmer, shouting and dropping the f-bomb at me, because he considered me to be in the way of the flock of sheep that he was herding down the pass.

This despite the fact that I was on the correct side of the road, inside the painted lane that is clearly marked out for walkers, and standing still, so as not to spook his sheep.

In summary; a decent walk with some alright views, but beware the...

An absolutely amazingly beautiful part of Ireland to visit when you are traveling south! You can see it by booking a private or bus tour, parking at the start of the drive and then walking along the road (as many people do), or, if you are bold enough, driving through the gap to the end on the one lane road! You can also take a horse and buggy from the parking area. The road is very windy, and sometimes barely wide enough for a mid-sized car. It can get a little “edgy” when you meet other cars on the road, but there are multiple pull off sites to allow you to get out of the way of oncoming vehicles. It’s probably some of the most beautiful landscape that I have seen anywhere in the world, so don’t miss it when you are...