Lough Tay: Guinness Lake Views and Sally Gap Thrills
Nestled dramatically within the rugged embrace of the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, Lough Tay (also famously known as the “Guinness Lake”) offers an iconic and truly unforgettable stop on your motorbike tour. Its dark, peaty waters and a stretch of imported white sand at its northern end create a striking resemblance to a pint of the black stuff, making it one of Ireland’s most photographed natural wonders.
While direct access to the lake shore is generally restricted as it’s part of the private Luggala Estate, the real magic of Lough Tay lies in its spectacular viewpoints. The best way to experience it on two wheels is to approach it via the Sally Gap Drive. This exhilarating mountain pass offers winding roads, sweeping curves, and breathtaking vistas that unfold around every bend. As you crest the hills, Lough Tay suddenly appears, a stunning dark jewel set amidst the heather-clad wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains. Numerous safe pull-off points allow you to stop, take photos, and simply marvel at the panoramic views.
Lough Tay’s dramatic unspoiled setting has made it a popular filming location for Hollywood productions, including Vikings and Braveheart, adding to its cinematic allure. The area around Lough Tay is part of the expansive Wicklow Mountains National Park, meaning you’re surrounded by endless opportunities for scenic rides through open moorland, forested valleys, and past other picturesque lakes.
As Lough Tay is a natural viewpoint within a mountain pass, there are no immediate dining facilities. However, just a short and scenic ride away, you’ll find options in nearby villages. Roundwood, Ireland’s highest village, offers pubs like The Roundwood Inn for hearty meals. Alternatively, heading towards Laragh, close to Glendalough, you’ll find The Wicklow Heather Restaurant, known for its traditional Irish fare. Lough Tay offers an unmissable, visually stunning, and truly iconic stop, perfectly showcasing the wild beauty of the Wicklow Mountains on your Irish motorbike adventure.
Lough Tay: Guinness Lake Views and Sally Gap Thrills
Nestled dramatically within the rugged embrace of the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, Lough Tay (also famously known as the “Guinness Lake”) offers an iconic and truly unforgettable stop on your motorbike tour. Its dark, peaty waters and a stretch of imported white sand at its northern end create a striking resemblance to a pint of the black stuff, making it one of Ireland’s most photographed natural wonders.
While direct access to the lake shore is generally restricted as it’s part of the private Luggala Estate, the real magic of Lough Tay lies in its spectacular viewpoints. The best way to experience it on two wheels is to approach it via the Sally Gap Drive. This exhilarating mountain pass offers winding roads, sweeping curves, and breathtaking vistas that unfold around every bend. As you crest the hills, Lough Tay suddenly appears, a stunning dark jewel set amidst the heather-clad wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains. Numerous safe pull-off points allow you to stop, take photos, and simply marvel at the panoramic views.
Lough Tay’s dramatic unspoiled setting has made it a popular filming location for Hollywood productions, including Vikings and Braveheart, adding to its cinematic allure. The area around Lough Tay is part of the expansive Wicklow Mountains National Park, meaning you’re surrounded by endless opportunities for scenic rides through open moorland, forested valleys, and past other picturesque lakes.
As Lough Tay is a natural viewpoint within a mountain pass, there are no immediate dining facilities. However, just a short and scenic ride away, you’ll find options in nearby villages. Roundwood, Ireland’s highest village, offers pubs like The Roundwood Inn for hearty meals. Alternatively, heading towards Laragh, close to Glendalough, you’ll find The Wicklow Heather Restaurant, known for its traditional Irish fare. Lough Tay offers an unmissable, visually stunning, and truly iconic stop, perfectly showcasing the wild beauty of the Wicklow Mountains on your Irish motorbike adventure.