Ireland’s most spectacular tourist trail

The Gap of Dunloe has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland for 250 years. This stunning mountain pass is about 11km long and traverses between the mighty MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain. The traditional way to travel the gap is by horse & trap or by pony. The route starts from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. These are guided by men who live in and around the Gap. These ‘pony men’ use a rotational system that has been in existence since the 1920s called ‘the turn’ which determines who takes the next customer.