Sally Gap: Wicklow’s Wild Heart and Panoramic Pass
The Sally Gap, a truly iconic mountain pass located in the very heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, is an absolute essential for any motorbike tour seeking exhilarating rides and breathtaking, untamed scenery. This dramatic crossroads of mountain roads offers some of the most spectacular and accessible wild landscapes in Ireland.
As you ascend towards the Sally Gap, the road itself becomes the primary attraction. Expect winding asphalt that carves through vast expanses of heather and bogland, climbing steadily to reveal ever-expanding panoramic views. The Sally Gap crossroads itself, where the Military Road, the R759, and other routes meet, is a perfect spot to pull over safely and simply soak in the 360-degree vistas of the rugged, glaciated landscape. The feeling of being high up in the wilderness, with little sign of human habitation, is truly invigorating.
From the Gap, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of Wicklow’s most famous sights. Just a short ride east, you can catch a glimpse of Lough Tay, famously known as the “Guinness Lake” due to its dark waters and white sand. To the south, the ancient monastic city of Glendalough awaits, offering historical ruins amidst serene lakes and valleys – an easily accessible and rewarding detour. The roads immediately around the Sally Gap offer fantastic, flowing riding, with exhilarating curves and open stretches that are a joy on two wheels.
Given its remote and elevated setting, there are no immediate dining facilities directly at the Sally Gap. This is a place to savour the wilderness. However, welcoming villages are within easy riding distance for a well-deserved meal. Laragh (near Glendalough) boasts popular spots like The Wicklow Heather Restaurant, offering traditional Irish fare. Roundwood, Ireland’s highest village, has the Roundwood Inn. For a wider selection, the towns of Blessington to the west or Enniskerry to the east are accessible via scenic routes. The Sally Gap offers a powerful, exhilarating, and visually stunning experience, making it an unforgettable highlight on your Irish motorbike adventure.
Sally Gap: Wicklow’s Wild Heart and Panoramic Pass
The Sally Gap, a truly iconic mountain pass located in the very heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park in County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland, is an absolute essential for any motorbike tour seeking exhilarating rides and breathtaking, untamed scenery. This dramatic crossroads of mountain roads offers some of the most spectacular and accessible wild landscapes in Ireland.
As you ascend towards the Sally Gap, the road itself becomes the primary attraction. Expect winding asphalt that carves through vast expanses of heather and bogland, climbing steadily to reveal ever-expanding panoramic views. The Sally Gap crossroads itself, where the Military Road, the R759, and other routes meet, is a perfect spot to pull over safely and simply soak in the 360-degree vistas of the rugged, glaciated landscape. The feeling of being high up in the wilderness, with little sign of human habitation, is truly invigorating.
From the Gap, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some of Wicklow’s most famous sights. Just a short ride east, you can catch a glimpse of Lough Tay, famously known as the “Guinness Lake” due to its dark waters and white sand. To the south, the ancient monastic city of Glendalough awaits, offering historical ruins amidst serene lakes and valleys – an easily accessible and rewarding detour. The roads immediately around the Sally Gap offer fantastic, flowing riding, with exhilarating curves and open stretches that are a joy on two wheels.
Given its remote and elevated setting, there are no immediate dining facilities directly at the Sally Gap. This is a place to savour the wilderness. However, welcoming villages are within easy riding distance for a well-deserved meal. Laragh (near Glendalough) boasts popular spots like The Wicklow Heather Restaurant, offering traditional Irish fare. Roundwood, Ireland’s highest village, has the Roundwood Inn. For a wider selection, the towns of Blessington to the west or Enniskerry to the east are accessible via scenic routes. The Sally Gap offers a powerful, exhilarating, and visually stunning experience, making it an unforgettable highlight on your Irish motorbike adventure.