Lough Tay, County Wicklow Travel Guide

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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
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lough Tay.

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.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Lough Tay on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lough Tay, mapped for you.

Getting There

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.
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

Lough Tay, often called the Guinness Lake, is a captivating lake nestled in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland. Its nickname comes from its striking resemblance to a pint of Guinness, with dark, peat-stained waters and a white sandy beach on its northern shore. This unique feature is due to the Guinness family, who own the surrounding Luggala Estate, importing white sand to create the 'frothy head' effect.While the lake itself is on private property and not directly accessible, several viewpoints along the R759 road offer stunning panoramic views. The J.B. Malone car park is a popular starting point for a short walk to one of the main viewpoints. For a more challenging experience, hiking trails like the Djouce Mountain Trail and the Luggala Loop provide rewarding vistas of the lake and the surrounding countryside.Lough Tay's dramatic scenery has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. Notably, it served as the setting for the village of Kattegat in the TV series Vikings. The lake's beauty is enhanced by its location between Djouce and Luggala mountains, with the granite cliffs of Luggala providing a dramatic backdrop. The Wicklow Way, a long-distance hiking trail, passes near Lough Tay, offering additional opportunities to explore the area's natural beauty.