The Gap of Dunloe

Artist(s): Thomas Creswick (Draughtsman), S. Bradshaw (Engraver)

View of Gap of Dunloe. The path develops on the right-hand side of the image. In the foreground, a man faces the viewer, carrying a rifle. Further in the distance and along the path, a figure is standing, looking at the lake that occupies the centre of the image. Another two figures are further along the path, which reaches a bridge above a waterfall into the lake. Mountains surround the scene.

Inscribed in Image

  • Signature – T. Creswick. / S. Bradshaw.
  • Caption outside of boundaries of image – The Gap of Dunloe. County Kerry.
  • Text outside of boundaries of image – London, Published for the Proprietor, by Longman & C<sup>o</sup>. Paternoster Row.

Image Details

Genre Landscape
Technique Etchings
Subject(s) Nature
Geographical Location
  • Gap of Dunloe – Pass
  • Kerry – County
  • Munster – Province
Keyword(s) Bridges, Firearms, Hats, Hunting, Lakes & ponds, Mountains, People, Waterfalls
Colour Monochrome
Dimensions 11.2 cm x 13.5 cm
Published / created 1838

Bibliographical Details

Travel Account Ireland Picturesque and Romantic
Contributor(s)
Print or manuscript Print
Location of image in copy Vol. II, facing p. 242
Source copy National Library of Ireland Ir 9141 r 15
Alternative source

This is a link to a digital copy hosted by an external website.

 http://hdl.handle.net/2027/yale.39002001929083?urlappend=%3Bseq=280
Permalink https://ttce.universityofgalway.ie/irelandillustrated/view/image/ii_image_1369136274
Rights Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland

Related text from travel account

Pursuing his route from Aghadoe, the traveller in search of the picturesque will proceed towards the Gap of Dunloe, of which the description in the opposite page is given by Mr. Creswick, and that which follows by Mr. Weld, "Amidst the vast mountainous regions on the western side of the county Kerry, there is no scene // which exhibits a more varied and sublime combination of the bold features of uncultivated nature than the Gap of Dunloe. By some terrific and mystical operation, the chain of mountains, at this place, seems to have been abruptly severed, and the stupendous rocks of which it was formed rent asunder, and dispersed in wild disorder through the chasm. On the brow of the mountain which guards the entrance, on the right hand, immense projecting masses of stone, suspended in their lofty beds, overhang the pass, threatening destruction to all who approach this savage solitude; and the vast fractured stones, which are observable at the base of the cliff, plainly indicate that the danger has not always been imaginary. One almost shudders at thinking of the horrible crash which must have been produced by those ponderous stones. / 'Tumbling all precipitate down dashed, / Rattling around, loud thundering to the moon;’ / whilst the echoes, in the still retirement, repeated the tremendous sound through the windings of the vale." [Vol. II, p. 241-242]
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