Although hidden deep in the spectacular scenery of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, the Black Valley is easily accessible by car or cycle, on foot, by pony and trap, or by boat across the lakes from Killarney .
| By
car or cycle From Kenmare, take the N71 to Moll's Gap, turn left past the Avoca shop towards Sneem, then take the first signposted road on the right. (If you pass the lake, you have gone too far!) After around a mile, turn right at the next crossroads. |
click to enlarge |
From Killarney, take the N71 Muckross Road in the direction of Moll's Gap and then proceed as above. You can also take the N72 towards Killorglin, turning left to Beaufort and on through the Gap of Dunloe but during the summer months, you should not travel between the hours of 10am and 6pm as this single track road is heavily used by pony-and-traps and walkers.
By foot
From Killarney town, you can follow the well-marked Kerry Way to Muckross
House, past the Torc waterfall, past the foot the of Torc Mountain and
Mangerton, then at the former Derrycunnihy Church, take the track to the
right following the Mass Path which led from the Black Valley to the church.
Continue to Lord Brandon's Cottage (refreshments) then turn left up the road
to the Black Valley Youth Hostel.
You can continue from here along the Kerry Way through spectacular lake and
mountain scenery to the Climber's Inn, Glencar, for overnight accommodation.
From there, the Kerry Way continues to Waterville and beyond.
By pony and trap or boat
Day trips can be taken starting either at Kate Kearney's Cottage
in the Gap of Dunloe, or at Ross Castle, Killarney.
From Ross Castle take a boat across the Killarney lakes to Lord Brandon's
Cottage, then take a pony and trap ride through the Black Valley and over
the Gap of Dunloe. This trip can be done in reverse, starting with the pony
and trap ride from Kate Kearney's. For more information,
click here.