Visiting The Black Valley In Kerry (+ How To Find The Abandoned Cottage)

The Black Valley in Kerry has always been a popular destination for walkers.

This is an area of immense natural beauty in County Kerry that is famous for its stunningly verdant landscapes and remote scenery.

Especially for those walking the Kerry Way. However, in recent years, the Black Valley has jumped to fame thanks to its picture-perfect abandoned cottage.

The Black Valley in Kerry

A visit to the Black Valley in Kerry is straightforward enough, once you take your time and have an end point in mind (e.g. the abandoned cottage).

1. Location

The Black Valley is a stunning valley at the southern tip of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains in Kerry, just south of the Gap of Dunloe and north of Moll’s Gap.

2. Where the name comes from

The origins of the name Black Valley are not entirely known. Some have suggested that the name comes from the fact that this part of Ireland was one of the last to be connected to the national electricity grid, only achieving this as late as the 1970s!

3. Part of the Kerry Way

The valley is a popular section of the long-distance Kerry Way walking route. Over 200km in length, the Kerry Way is a signposted trail that starts and ends in Killarney.

Finding Molly’s Cottage aka ‘Slate House’

Thanks to its remote setting and eerieish vibe, this abandoned cottage in the Black Valley has built up a bit of a name for itself over the years.

It’s become a magnet for fans of spooky ruins online, and now it draws curious visitors and keen photographers from all over.

You’ll find it near Lough Reagh. It’s also called Molly’s Cottage. From the lake, head north along the stream until the path splits. Stick to the right fork and keep going—eventually, the cottage will appear.

If you get stuck, here’s the exact location on Google Maps that’ll bring you straight to it.

Black Valley hostel and accommodation

Known as one of the best rural hostels in all of Ireland, The Black Valley Hostel is a clean, well-run place to stay at the heart of the region.

Family-run for more than 60 years, this fantastic spot is ideal for those in need of a base in the Black Valley.

Alternatively, you could always stay in one of the hotels in Killarney and drive across to the valley from there.

Things to see and do nearby

One of the beauties of the Black Valley is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Kerry.

The map above shows the  Ring of Kerry, for those of you looking for a 1-2-day road trip. You could also spend time at the various things to do in Killarney, like Ross Castle in Killarney National Park or you could visit:

1. Gap of Dunloe (20-minute drive): Scenic mountain pass between MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain Group
2. Moll’s Gap (30-minute drive): Picturesque stop on the Ring of Kerry with views of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks
3. Lord Brandon’s Cottage (10-minute drive): 19th-century lodge with café and boat access via Ross Castle
4. Ladies View (40-minute drive): Famous viewpoint with lush, panoramic scenery
5. Ballaghbeama Gap (45-minute drive): Remote mountain pass with rugged, dramatic landscapes