The black Valley in C°Kerry

The Black Valley in County Kerry, is a remote location in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks situated south of the Gap of Dunloe and north of Moll's Gap. The valley is also part of the Kerry Way, a walkers version of the Ring of Kerry beginning and ending in Killarney.
The valley is also noted for being the last place in Ireland to be connected to the electricity and telephone networks due to its remoteness. The connection happened in 1978.

Today, the Black Valley is still a remote and untouched part of Ireland. As the name 'valley' suggests, it is more of a dispersed area than a village with a centre. The church qualifies as the centre for the community and is accompanied by a youth hostel which operates a small shop with limited supplies.

During the summer months things start to come alive. Tours come from Kate Kearney's Cottage on horse-drawn jaunting cars through the Gap of Dunloe and pass through Black Valley on their way to Lord Brandon's Cottage. Traditional boats then navigate through the Lakes of Killarney to finish at Ross Castle. The Gap of Dunloe is generally closed to traffic during the daytime to facilitate the horse and carts as the road is so narrow. www.heritagecertificate.com

 Certificate of Irish Heritage's photo.