A turquoise man-made lake fills a disused quartzite quarry on Forth Mountain, ringed by pink cliffs and pine woods — and it's free to explore, just 15 minutes from Wexford Town.
Quarrying here ceased in 1984 and the excavated pit flooded naturally, leaving a deep lake framed by forest and sheer quartzite cliffs. Swimming is prohibited: the water is exceptionally cold, deep and hides submerged industrial hazards and jagged rock.
The 960 m orange Windgap Trail climbs steeply to Windgap Rocks, a rebel lookout post during the 1798 Rebellion, for sweeping views over the lake and north Wexford before descending towards the Battle of Three Rocks site. Moderate grade, about 20 minutes.
The green-waymarked Forest Trail is a flat 915 m hardcore loop from the car park through pine woodland to the water's edge and back past the cliffs. Graded Multi Access, it suits wheelchairs, buggies and all abilities; allow about 15 minutes.
At the lakeside an interactive waymarker post has built-in audio playback describing the site and its history — scan your mobile phone over the post to listen.
Picnic benches sit beside the lake and the car park, and a snacks truck serves refreshments on site, so you can linger over the views. There is wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance.
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