A dark, peaty lake ringed by Wicklow mountains whose white-sand shore makes it look exactly like a freshly poured pint of Guinness — visible only from the road above, but unforgettable from that very first glimpse.
A short walk from the J.B. Malone car park, a boardwalk of old railway sleepers leads to a granite memorial honouring the man who created the Wicklow Way. The view from the bench sweeps east across Lough Tay with the Great Sugar Loaf on the horizon. The boardwalk is firm and level — manageable for buggies.
A moderate 8–10 km round trip starting from the J.B. Malone car park. The summit (~725 m) rewards with the best aerial view of Lough Tay laid out below, plus panoramas over the Irish Sea on a clear day. Allow 2–3 hours.
A demanding 10 km circuit with steep ascents and sheer cliff edges, starting near Pier Gates on the R759. The summit rewards with 360° views over Lough Tay, Lough Dan, and the Wicklow countryside. Not suitable for children or anyone unsure on their feet. Allow 3–4 hours.
Ireland's oldest waymarked long-distance trail (131 km) passes right by Lough Tay. The boardwalked section near the J.B. Malone Memorial makes for an easy scenic stroll between viewpoints, through Ballinastoe Woods — a dense, atmospheric forest with a Lord of the Rings feel.
The Lough Tay Viewing Point along the R759 (Military Road) gives the safest, most family-friendly panorama — you park and the lake is right there, no need to cross fences or approach drops. The white sand beach of the 'pint' is clearest from this angle.
An easy 8 km linear walk (about 1.5 hours) starting from the kissing gate opposite Ballinastoe Woods car park. Follow the road downhill, turn left at the white cottage with the red Lough Dan sign, pass the farm and bridges, then follow the old stone wall to the second lake. Note: this enters the Luggala Estate on a permissive path — email [email protected] beforehand to confirm access.
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