The Gap of Dunloe is a beautiful mountain pass forged between Ireland’s highest mountains, the MacGillycuddy Reeks, and Purple Mountains by glacial flows.The narrow road through the Gap is a single lane road with pullouts, where cars can move over so others can pass. When the great glaciers churned through the mountains 2 million years ago, they left massive boulders scattered about the valley, one of which is the famous “Turnpike,” which perches on a narrow section of the mountain pass, with the split sections of it forming natural gate posts on either side of the road.The river running through the gap is the river Loe. The road passes through the Gap and descends into The Black Valley passing five lakes, Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough.The Wishing Bridge is located between Coosaun Lough and Black Lake in the famous “Gap of Dunloe” and gets its name because it was said that wishes made while standing on the bridge will come true.A newer farmhouse near the Gap of Dunloe shows the lush foilage and flowers of the region.Stunning views are visible at every turn along the road.The sheep that live in the Gap have little fear of cars or people. You often have to wait for them to clear the road to move ahead.
The sun was just cresting the top of the nearby mountains as we arrived in the valley.The road is barely visible in this image of the sunriseAnother image captures the sun breaking through the rain clouds.The road twists and winds, climbing some 200 feet,
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