A narrow pass between the Purple Mountains and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the winding Gap of Dunloe rises through mountains and wetlands just west of Killarney National Park. The route through the gap (called Gap of Dunloe Road, naturally) passes craggy hills, meandering streams, and deep gullies, and it ends in the park at the Upper Lake. Some of the roads can be difficult around here, so many people choose to explore by bicycle  or by “jarvey” (horse and buggy). While cars are not strictly banned from this road (which is not technically part of Killarney National Park), it’s not advisable to drive all the way through the Gap. Drive into the scenic countryside—perhaps as far as Kate Kearney’s Cottage—park your car, and then proceed on foot or bike.