A memorable road trip to Gap of Dunloe in Kerry
Ireland, europe
9.6 km
246 m
hard
Year-round
The Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland, is a mountain pass that’s not for the faint of heart! Perched at 246m (807ft) above sea level, this scenic route might churn the stomach of those prone to car sickness, or those uncomfortable with narrow mountain roads.
Stretching 9.6 km (5.96 miles) from Dunloe to Hollywood in the southwest, the paved road is...let's just say it's showing its age. Be prepared for a white-knuckle drive along single-track roads with hairpin bends and bridges that feel barely wide enough.
Nestled between two majestic mountain ranges, the road isn’t forgiving, with steep sections hitting a 19% gradient! Passing other vehicles can be a real challenge, and you'll likely find yourself sharing the road with horse-drawn traps. Traffic jams involving cars and horses are surprisingly common. Larger vehicles should think twice before attempting this route. If you're a nervous driver or unaccustomed to extremely narrow roads, you might find it hard to appreciate the scenery. Cyclists, be warned, there have been accidents.
The Gap of Dunloe is a major tourist hotspot, especially in summer, thanks to its location among Ireland's highest peaks. Consider leaving the driving to the locals – you'll enjoy the views far more without the stress! Five stunning lakes dot the landscape within The Gap. Daytime drives are possible but not recommended, as the area teems with walkers, cyclists, and those iconic jaunting cars. The Gap of Dunloe is a highlight of the Ring of Kerry, a world-renowned scenic drive loved by locals and tourists alike.
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Gap of Dunloe in Kerry is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 53.0139, -7.8059
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 246 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.0139, -7.8059
Related Roads in europe
hardSantuario de Nuestra Señora del Acebo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in Asturias, Spain, southwest of the main action, ready to tackle a wild climb up to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Tree, perched way up at 1,172m. You'll kick things off from Carballo, off the CN-4. This isn't your average Sunday drive – get ready for some seriously steep sections! It’s about 9km of winding asphalt, but don't get too comfy. This route gains 649 meters. That means an average gradient of over 7%. The road can get pretty tight – think single-lane narrow, so take your time. Oh, and did I mention sheer drops right next to the road? Yeah, hundreds of meters down with no guardrails to save you. The shrine itself is super cool, built back in 1590. Word to the wise: maybe skip this one at night or if the weather's dodgy, especially if you're a newbie. The curves are endless! It's usually open year-round, but snow can shut it down in winter. Fun fact: the Spanish Vuelta race has featured this climb, so you know it's legit.
easyHow to drive the scenic Road Fv551 on the southeastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden?
🇳🇴 Norway
# County Road 551 (Fv551) – Norway's Hidden Fjord Gem Ready to experience one of Norway's most scenic drives? County Road 551 winds along the stunning southeastern shore of Hardangerfjorden in Hordaland county, just north of the charming town of Odda. This 12.1 km (7.51 miles) east-west route connects the peaceful village of Eitrheim in Ullensvang municipality to Austrepollen in Kvinnherad municipality, cutting right through the heart of Folgefonna National Park. The entire route is fully paved, which is great news for your car – but here's the cool part: most of the drive actually takes you through the Folgefonntunnelen, an impressive 11,150-meter (36,580 ft) tunnel that opened back in 2001. It's a marvel of engineering that lets you bypass some seriously dramatic alpine terrain. Just a heads up: if you're planning to bike or hike this route, the tunnel is strictly off-limits for pedestrians and cyclists. The scenery surrounding this road is absolutely breathtaking, with dramatic fjord views and mountain landscapes that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Whether you're a road-tripping enthusiast or just looking to explore one of Norway's hidden gems, this drive delivers an unforgettable experience.
moderateExploring the Treacherous Beauty of Germany's Black Forest High Road
🇩🇪 Germany
# The Schwarzwaldhochstraße: Germany's Most Legendary Scenic Drive The Schwarzwaldhochstraße—or Black Forest High Road—is basically the OG scenic route in southwestern Germany, and for good reason. Officially known as the B500, this isn't just a "nice drive"; it's a high-altitude adventure that winds through one of Europe's most enchanting and densely forested landscapes. You'll find this beauty in Baden-Württemberg, and it's a proper road trip. The route kicks off in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden and climbs steeply toward the Black Forest's main ridge, finishing up in Freudenstadt. Along the way, you'll hit legendary spots like the Mummelsee—a gorgeous glacial lake wrapped in local mythology and nestled among the region's highest peaks. Here's the thing: despite its pristine pavement, the B500 has earned a reputation as one of Germany's trickiest roads. Drivers need to stay sharp and prepared for some serious challenges on this route. The name "Black Forest" comes straight from the Romans, who called it Silva Nigra. They found it basically impenetrable—the canopy of conifers was so thick it blocked out nearly all sunlight. When the High Road officially opened in 1930, it was meant to connect various mountain sanatoriums, but it quickly became the stuff of legend for anyone craving that dark, ancient forest vibe. People often compare the B500 to Austria's Grossglockner or Italy's Amalfi Coast, but honestly? The Black Forest is in its own lane. Instead of those dramatic open alpine views, you're driving through a verdant "green tunnel" created by towering ancient trees—and then suddenly, breathtaking panoramas of the Rhine Valley and the distant French Vosges mountains open up before you. It's uniquely magical.
extremeThe challenging path to Durannapass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Durannapass: A True Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Prättigau/Davos district of Switzerland's Graubünden canton, Durannapass sits at an impressive 2,117 meters (6,945 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain pass experience—it's the real deal for serious adventurers. Here's the thing: the road to the summit is completely unpaved and genuinely narrow. We're talking so narrow that most vehicles simply can't make it through. This rocky trail transforms into a serious challenge, staying pretty much impassable from October through June depending on what Mother Nature throws at you. Even when conditions allow access, expect loose gravel throughout, especially creeping in from the road's edges. The dramatic alpine scenery and sense of accomplishment make this a bucket-list destination for hardcore road enthusiasts. Just make sure you're visiting during the brief summer window and come prepared for one of Switzerland's most challenging mountain passages. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's an expedition.