Black Valley

Cummeenduff, the Black Valley, runs west from the foot of the Gap of Dunloe beneath the southern wall of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Ice cut it deep and left a chain of small lakes along the floor with almost no flat ground beside them, which is why it has never held more than a handful of households. It is best known for having been the last inhabited place in Ireland connected to the electricity grid, in 1976, the same year the telephone arrived. The name most likely comes from the shadow: the Reeks stand high enough on the northern side that parts of the valley get very little direct sun in winter. The Kerry Way walking route runs through, and there is a hostel and a church. Roads in are single-track with grass down the middle and passing places; the through route from the Gap of Dunloe is a hard drive and not one to attempt in a large vehicle.

What's there

• The glacial floor - a chain of small lakes with steep walls either side.
• The Reeks above - the southern face of Ireland's highest range.
• The isolation - the last place in Ireland to get mains electricity, in 1976.
• The Kerry Way - the long-distance path running through the valley.

When to go

May to September. The valley is shaded and cold in winter. Roads are single-track and difficult in poor weather or after dark.

What to expect

Single-track roads with passing places and no room for large vehicles; the descent from the Gap of Dunloe is steep and rough. Almost no services - one hostel, no shop, no fuel. Phone coverage is poor to absent.

Nearby

The Gap of Dunloe is at the northern end; Moll's Gap and the N71 are east.

Key facts