Lough Tay: The Guinness Lake
Discover Lough Tay, the 'Guinness Lake' in the Wicklow Mountains: stunning views, scenic hikes, and a touch of movie magic.
Lough Tay, also known as the Guinness Lake, is a scenic lake in the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland, known for its dark waters and white sandy beach, resembling a pint of Guinness. Privately owned by the Guinness family, it offers stunning viewpoints and hiking trails in the surrounding area.
A brief summary to Lough Tay
- Ballinastoe, Co. Wicklow, IE
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking at the viewpoints can be limited.
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as the trails can be uneven and rocky.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy the scenic views at designated picnic areas.
- Stay on marked trails and respect private property boundaries.
- Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.
Getting There
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Driving
From Dublin, take the M50 south and then exit onto the N11 towards Roundwood/Glendalough. Follow signs for the Military Road (R759) to reach the viewpoints near the lake. Parking is available at the J.B. Malone car park and Lough Tay Viewing Point, but spaces are limited. Be cautious on the narrow Military Road, especially during peak season. There are no tolls on the final approach. Parking is free at the Luggala car park on weekends.
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Public Transport
From Dublin, take the St. Kevin's Bus Service (route to Glendalough) and get off at Roundwood. From Roundwood, it's approximately a 1.5-hour walk to Lough Tay, but note that there are no designated paths for pedestrians. Alternatively, take a taxi from Roundwood to Lough Tay, which costs approximately €15-€20. A bus ticket from Dublin to Roundwood costs around €15-€20.
Discover more about Lough Tay
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Luggala
1.1 km
Explore Luggala, the breathtaking mountain peak in Wicklow, where stunning landscapes and rich history create an unforgettable adventure.
Djouce
3.2 km
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War Hill
3.8 km
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Maulin
5.9 km
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Tonduff North
6.1 km
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Scarr
6.4 km
Discover the stunning vistas and invigorating trails of Scarr Mountain in Co. Wicklow, a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Mount Kennedy
8.6 km
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Kippure
9.1 km
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Mullaghcleevaun
9.4 km
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Great Sugar Loaf
9.4 km
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Tonelagee
9.7 km
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The Gateway
11.3 km
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Glendalough Visitor Centre
11.4 km
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Glendalough Roundtower
11.4 km
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Monasterio de San Kevin
11.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lough Tay Panorama
0.6 km
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J B Malone Memorial
0.8 km
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Ballinastoe Woods
1.4 km
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P.s. I Love You Bridge
2.1 km
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Wicklow Way
2.6 km
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Knocknacloghoge
2.8 km
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Lough Dan
3.8 km
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Victor's Way
4.0 km
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Sally Gap
4.4 km
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Roundwood
5.4 km
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Glensoulan Valley
5.4 km
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Irish Republic Monument
5.6 km
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Monument
5.6 km
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Stow mountain
6.4 km
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Gal's View Point
6.5 km
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Essential places to dine
The Roundwood Inn
5.4 km
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Roundwood Inn
5.4 km
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Byrne & Woods Bar & Restaurant
5.7 km
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Kavanagh's Vartry House
5.8 km
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The Woodlands Restaurant
10.1 km
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Parkview Hotel
10.4 km
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Sika Restaurant
10.5 km
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Grove Bar
10.6 km
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Glendalough Cafe
11.0 km
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Avoca Fern House Cafe
11.1 km
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Wicklow Heather Restaurant | Glendalough
11.1 km
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Wicklow Heather Restaurant
11.1 km
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Lynhams of Laragh
11.1 km
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Casey's Bar & Bistro
11.3 km
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The Glendalough Hotel
11.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Diykitchenshop
4.6 km
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The Roundwood Stores
5.4 km
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Sugar Mountain
5.5 km
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TK Hardware & Garden Store
5.7 km
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ANNAMOE ANTIQUES /VINTAGE RUGS
8.4 km
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Avoca Powerscourt
10.2 km
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Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy Department Store
10.5 km
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McCoys XL Laragh
11.1 km
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Avoca Kilmacanoge
11.1 km
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Tweeds & Woollens
11.2 km
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Glendalough Craft Shop
11.3 km
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Glendalough gift shop, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
11.3 km
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Nature In
11.5 km
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Enniskerry Village Store
11.5 km
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Objects
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tóchar House
5.6 km
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Druid's Well Pub
10.7 km
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The Horse and Hound, Delgany / Bellevue Restaurant
12.1 km
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The Castle Inn Wicklow
14.0 km
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The Beach House
14.2 km
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Frank Duffs
14.8 km
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The Ardmore
14.8 km
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N11 at the Ashford House
14.9 km
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Goldsmiths Pub
15.1 km
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The Boomerang Bar
15.2 km
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The Tin Roof Bar
15.2 km
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The Coach Inn
15.2 km
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Conlon's Wine Bar Bray
15.4 km
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DJ Cullen Lake View Lounge
15.5 km
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O'Driscolls Seaside Bar
15.6 km
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