The Mamore Gap
The Mamore Gap is a pass that takes you through the Urris Hills from Dunree in the south to Urris in the north. It is not long, only about 2km but it is very steep.
From the south, there is a straight steep climb to the top, which then gives way to the winding alpine descent on the southern side.
The route offers spectacular views over Urris and the Atlantic Ocean. Just over the summit on the southern side, you will find St. Eigne’s Well an ancient pilgrimage site. There is a car park here.
Just below this point, there is the magic road. This is a spot in the road where you can stop your car and an optical illusion makes it appear that your car actually rolls up the hill.
A little further down the southern side, there is a car park and The Mamore Gap viewpoint, which is one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s Discovery Points. Park here and take in the spectacular views below.
This is also the parking spot for two brilliant hill walking routes, the Butler’s Glen Loop Walk and the Mamore to Straid / Clonmany walk.
The Gap quite often features in Ireland’s premier cycling event, The Rás, last appearing on a stage in 2017. The gap is described by cyclists as being one of Ireland’s most brutal climbs. Watch the cyclists fighting their way up the gap in 2017 here.
