Cloghoge River – Wicklow’s Granite‑Veined Headwater

Overview

The Cloghoge River is the most distant headwater of the Avoca system, rising on the south‑facing slopes of Tonduff Mountain near the Sally Gap in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. From its source the river descends through a rugged valley, feeding first Lough Tay – the strikingly white‑sand “Guinness Lake” – and then Lough Dan before joining the larger Avoca catchment. The river’s course showcases two contrasting geological foundations: schist dominates the lower valley down to Lough Tay, while the upper reaches cut through the massive Wicklow granite that forms the rounded peaks of the range, the largest granite exposure in north‑west Europe.

The Cloghoge is a free‑access natural feature, open year‑round, and its waters are renowned for their crystal clarity, making the river a favourite line on many walkers’ maps of County Wicklow. It also forms part of the wider Avoca catchment, which includes the Avonmore River and Meeting of Waters and the scenic Avoca Valley.

History & Background

Human traces line the Cloghoge’s banks as far back as the 18th‑century uprisings. A deserted white‑washed cottage, described by a Guardian travel writer, still stands on the gorse‑clad banks where the river spills into Lough Dan. The cottage, once a modest farmstead, is now a romantic ruin sheltered by a spreading sycamore. Further downstream, the valley holds the overgrown remains of a small township, likely abandoned after the 1798 rebellion when local rebels were massacred, or later during the Great Famine of the 1840s. These ghostly stone walls give the landscape a palpable sense of history, as deer now roam the once‑populated fields.

The river also carries a literary legacy. Early 20th‑century walking pioneer J. B. Malone, whose memorial sits above Lough Tay, championed hill walking across Wicklow and helped popularise routes that still guide modern trekkers.

What to See & Do

Walk the J. B. Malone Memorial Loop

The most popular hike follows the J. B. Malone memorial above Lough Tay. Starting from the Lough Tay Car Park (also known as the J. B. Malone Car Park), the 14 km loop climbs 660 m, taking 4½–5½ hours on mixed terrain. The route is marked on the OS Discovery Series Map 56 and is described in Helen Fairbairn’s Dublin and Wicklow: A Walking Guide.

From the car park, the trail follows the Wicklow Way for the first half, climbing White Hill before turning west toward the nascent Dargle River and the J. B. Malone memorial. Along the way you’ll pass the imported white‑sand beach of Lough Tay – a striking visual that looks like the head of a pint of Guinness surrounded by emerald hills. Although the lake itself lies on private estate land and cannot be entered, the viewpoint from the Military Road offers an unobstructed panorama of the “Guinness Lake” and the surrounding granite peaks.

Explore Historic Ruins

The river’s lower valley near Lough Dan holds the evocative remains of the abandoned township. While the stone walls are overgrown, they are safe to approach, and the silence of the site lets you imagine the lives once lived there. The nearby white‑washed cottage, perched on a gentle bend, provides a perfect photographic subject, especially at sunrise when the river’s surface mirrors the pastel sky.

Wildlife & Geology

Walkers often spot red‑and‑white‑spotted deer grazing the open glens, and the river’s clear waters support a healthy trout population. Geologically, the transition from schist to granite is visible in the riverbanks, offering a live lesson for rock‑enthusiasts.

Practical Information

The Cloghoge River area is freely accessible; there is no admission fee and no formal opening hours – the trail is open all year. Parking is available at the Lough Tay Car Park (free for day‑visitors) and at the J. B. Malone Car Park, both located along the R759. Because Lough Tay itself is private property, visitors should remain on the designated footpaths and the Military Road viewpoint.

The route is best tackled in the longer daylight of late spring to early autumn, though the Wicklow Mountains can be walked year‑round by experienced hikers. The nearest town for supplies is Roundwood, a short drive away, and the Footfalls Ireland walking centre in Trooperstown (Roundwood) can provide up‑to‑date trail conditions.

For navigation, bring an OS Discovery Map (Series 56) or a reliable GPS device. Mobile coverage is patchy in the higher sections, so plan accordingly. Emergency services can be reached on 999 or 112; the nearest Garda station is in Glendalough.

Getting There

• By Car: From Dublin, take the M50 to the R115 (Sally Gap) and follow signs to the Lough Tay Car Park. Alternative access is via the R755 from Kilmacanoge.
• Public Transport: The nearest bus stop is in Roundwood; from there a local taxi can take you to the car park.

Recommended Resources

• Wicklow Rivers Authority: Cloghoge River page
• Wicklow Way Official Site: wicklowway.com
• Walking Guides: Helen Fairbairn’s Dublin and Wicklow: A Walking Guide; OS Discovery Series Map 56.

Enjoy the blend of pristine water, ancient granite, and poignant history that makes the Cloghoge River a hidden gem of County Wicklow.