Overview
The Cloghoge River begins its journey on the south-facing slopes of Tonduff Mountain, near the Sally Gap pass in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. As the most distant headwater of the Avoca system, it traces a rugged descent through a valley defined by two distinct geological foundations. The upper reaches cut through the massive Wicklow granite – the largest granite exposure in north-west Europe – before transitioning to schist in the lower valley. From its source, the river feeds the strikingly pale waters of Lough Tay, followed by Lough Dan, before eventually joining the wider Avoca catchment that flows toward County Wicklow’s south coast.
The river’s course is a free-access natural feature, open year-round. Its waters are consistently clear, shaped by the permeable granite bedrock and the surrounding peatlands. For visitors, the Cloghoge valley offers a direct route into the wilder side of the National Park, away from the more crowded trails near Glendalough. It also connects to the broader network of waterways in the region, including the Avonmore River and Meeting of Waters and the scenic Avoca Valley.
History & Background
Stone walls and cottage foundations line the Cloghoge’s banks, marking a landscape that was once heavily settled. Near where the river spills into Lough Dan, a white-washed cottage ruin still stands on the gorse-clad riverbank, sheltered by a mature sycamore. Further downstream, the overgrown remains of a small township hint at a community that vanished in the 19th century. Local history points to two possible causes for the abandonment: the violent suppression of the 1798 rebellion, when local insurgents faced severe reprisals, or the widespread depopulation during the Great Famine of the 1840s. Today, the silence of these fields is broken only by the wind and the grazing red deer that now occupy the former farmland.
The valley also holds a place in the history of Irish hill walking. Early 20th-century pioneer J. B. Malone played a key role in mapping and promoting the mountain routes across Wicklow. A memorial dedicated to him sits above the Lough Tay viewpoint, marking a spot where walkers can pause and take in the scale of the range. Malone’s early guides helped establish the walking culture that continues to draw visitors to the area today.
Walking the Cloghoge Valley
The J. B. Malone Memorial Loop
The most established route through the valley follows the J. B. Malone memorial path above Lough Tay. Starting from the Lough Tay Car Park (also known as the J. B. Malone Car Park), the 14 km loop involves 660 m of ascent and typically takes between four and a half to five and a half hours. The trail is marked on the OS Discovery Series Map 56 and features in Helen Fairbairn’s Dublin and Wicklow: A Walking Guide.
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi)
- Ascent: 660 m
- Difficulty: Difficult – open mountainside with mixed ground
- Start/Finish: Lough Tay Car Park / J. B. Malone Car Park
- Access Routes: R759 (Sally Gap) or R755 (Kilmacanoge to Roundwood)
From the car park, the path initially follows the Wicklow Way, climbing toward White Hill before turning west toward the upper reaches of the Dargle River and the memorial. The route passes the famous white-sand beach of Lough Tay, which creates a stark visual contrast against the surrounding emerald slopes. While the lake itself sits on private estate land and cannot be accessed directly, the Military Road provides a clear, unobstructed vantage point for photography and sightseeing.
Exploring the Ruins & Geology
For those preferring a shorter walk, the lower valley near Lough Dan offers a more accessible route along the riverbank. The abandoned township walls are safe to approach, and the quiet atmosphere makes it a rewarding stop for photography, particularly in the early morning when the water reflects the sky. Keep an eye out for the geological shift along the banks: the transition from dark, layered schist to the lighter, crystalline granite provides a clear visual marker of the region’s volcanic past. Red and white-spotted deer are frequently seen in the open glens, and the river’s clear, oxygen-rich waters support a healthy population of wild trout.
Practical Information
The Cloghoge River valley is freely accessible with no admission charges or restricted opening hours. The trails remain open throughout the year, though conditions can vary significantly with the weather. Parking is available at both the Lough Tay Car Park and the J. B. Malone Car Park, located along the R759. Both areas are free for day visitors. As Lough Tay is private property, all visitors must stay on the designated footpaths and the Military Road to respect landowner boundaries.
The hike is most comfortable during the longer daylight hours of late spring through early autumn. Experienced hikers can navigate the route year-round, provided they are prepared for rapid weather changes and potential ice or mud on the upper slopes. The nearest town for supplies and accommodation is Roundwood, a short drive from the trailhead. The Footfalls Ireland walking centre in Trooperstown offers up-to-date trail reports and local guidance.
Navigation is straightforward if you carry the correct map. The OS Discovery Map 56 covers the entire route, and a reliable GPS device is recommended for the higher sections where trails can become less defined. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable across the mountain plateau, so it is wise to inform someone of your planned route before heading out. In an emergency, dial 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 toward the Lough Tay Car Park. Alternatively, approach via the R755 from Kilmacanoge, which passes through Roundwood.
- Public Transport: Bus services connect Dublin to Roundwood. From there, a local taxi is required to reach the car park, as no direct public transport serves the trailhead.
The Cloghoge River rewards visitors who take the time to read the landscape. Pack sturdy footwear, bring extra layers for the mountain summit, and allow yourself plenty of time to follow the water from its granite source down to the lakes.