I’ve been meaning to post up details of this cycle for a long time and cycling it recently has finally given me incentive to do so. This 34 Mile/ 54 K route is very difficult on the legs for for the cyclist with a sense of adventure you will not be disappointed by one of the most scenic and beautiul parts of Ireland.
The cycle leaves Killarney and heads out the Killorglin road for approximately 3 miles where you take a left road that is signposted for the Gap of Dunloe and Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Kate Kearney's Cottage
From here the road narrows considerably and this is the Gap of Dunloe, known as the Gap for obvious reasons as it lies in a valley inbetween two mountains of the Macgillycuddy Reeks. This is where the real cycle begins and is almost like a journey to historic Ireland, little or no traffic except the odd horse and cart, little in the way of Telephone wires and offers lots of peace and quite. The road here is undulating and meanders both up and down and left and right which can hurt the legs on ascent and free you on descents. This is the general situation with the roads for approximately another 13 miles and includes a very difficult steep section with reaches 14.6% in some places, but the route is worth it, try to conserve some energy here you will need it for later.
Gap of Dunloe scenery
The fact that I said you are cycling in a valley, you might have guessed this means that there are two climbs. The second is Molls Gap but an alternative route on it’s ascent which climbs very quickly over a shorter distance than the traditional ascent. There is a sign post 16 miles in the cycle, take it, the alternative will lead you into Kenmare the extend the cycle. After turning left the ascent begins immediately but is achieveble.
Arriving at Molls gap will be the beginning of the descent (mostly) into Killarney for some welcome freewheeling and scenery some of which will include a look down on alot of the area you were cycling up to now.
Route
| Distance: | 34 miles, 54K |
| Elevation: | + 2946/ – 2946ft |
| Max Gradient: | 14.6 % |
Elevation
KerryCyclist View:
Wow! This spin has to be one of my favourite of all times. I can’t believe I have only cycled it recently for the first time; I have been missing out. A word of warning this course is very technical and road surface is not 100% in some places, make sure tyres are in good condition. Alot of this route is remote, make sure to to have food and water so as not to be caught short in the valley itself. Most importantly, enjoy!
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Noel Curran
I cycled the humpy 100 and went to parts of Kerry I never Knew existed, especially the black valley and coming up to the gap of dunloe , it was out of this world will definately be going back breath taking scenary,
May 16, 2011 at 4:44 pm
The Kerry Cyclist
Yeah I missed the Humpy 100 but had the same experience last year. It’s a gorgeous part of the world alright, I don’t get out that way often enough.
May 16, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Irina
Thank you for your posts, I find them most informative. I had a long break from cycling but got back into it this year. Just did the Ring of Kerry last Saturday and am on the roll! Signed up for Iveragh200 (130km route). Will cycle Gap of Dunloe and Black Valley this Sunday to prepare myself or Iveragh challenge in 2 weeks.
July 7, 2011 at 11:39 am
The Kerry Cyclist
Congrats on the Ring of Kerry Irina, I hope you enjoyed the day and thanks for your kind words. I was actually thinking of doing that 130Km myself as I didn’t get around to it last year. I have a run up the Gap of Dunloe on the cards aswell in the next few weeks, definately don’t get out that way too often! Best of look in the Iverage challenge and keep cycling :-)
July 7, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Irina
Went through the Gap of Dunloe last night. Left Killarney at 6.45pm and there was a huge dark cloud over the Gap. It rained a few times on the way but I got through the Gap fine. It was a bit scary though – with no people around :) I did get lost on the way back. Took the turn to Lord Brandon’s cottage instead of the Molls Gap route which was not signposted. Checked it on the map afterwards to see where I went wrong. A lady came out of the cottage and showed me a short cut to N71 on a Kerry Way path through the fields and the woods. I was so glad to get back on N71 – such a relief. Was rewarded with the most beautiful sunset – the sun was on fire! A lovely route. Would want to do it again, although during the day or if in the evening, then not on my own :)
July 13, 2011 at 10:58 am
The Kerry Cyclist
Fair play to you, sounds like quite the adventure, but do you know those cycles that I have got lost like that are normally the best ones.
July 14, 2011 at 8:11 am
owen kennedy
Hi, I will be down that way soon and was wondering if the cycle would be too difficult on a hybrid cycle. Gap of Dunloe looks and sounds amazing.
Thanks
September 2, 2011 at 2:01 pm
The Kerry Cyclist
No it would be ideal! Just make sure to bring some food and spares with you depending on how far you want to go, as it’s quite remote in parts, which is one of the most beautiful things about it :)
September 2, 2011 at 2:03 pm