Overview
Perched on the slopes of the Wicklow Mountains, the J. B. Malone Memorial Viewpoint is a small but striking tribute to John James Bernard “J.B.” Malone – the man widely credited with popularising hill‑walking in Ireland and conceiving the Wicklow Way. From the stone plaque you can gaze across the emerald‑green waters of Lough Tay (famously called Guinness Lake) and the surrounding peaks of the Wicklow range. A simple wooden seat invites visitors to linger, while a boardwalk winds past the memorial, protecting the fragile peatland beneath.
History
J.B. Malone (1913‑1989) was a civil servant, army cartographer and, most importantly, a passionate hill‑walker. After moving to Ireland in 1931 he explored the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains on foot, writing a weekly column for the Evening Herald from 1938 to 1975. His advocacy led to the creation of the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first officially marked long‑distance trail, opened in 1982. In recognition of his lifelong contribution, a memorial stone was erected on a section of the Wicklow Way overlooking Lough Tay shortly after his death. The plaque sits on a protected area of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, a reminder of Malone’s vision for accessible, well‑maintained walking routes.
What to See & Do
- The Memorial Stone – A modest granite plaque bearing Malone’s name and a brief inscription. It marks the exact spot where he once stood, surveying the landscape he helped open to the public.
- Panoramic Views – Look east to see Lough Tay’s dark, peaty water framed by a strip of white sand that the Guinness family imported for their estate. On clear days the Irish Sea glints on the horizon, and the Great Sugar Loaf rises to the north.
- Boardwalk Walk – The park’s management installed a boardwalk of railway sleepers and chicken‑wire grates to protect the underlying vegetation. The boardwalk makes the route suitable for families, strollers and those who prefer a firm surface.
- Seasonal Highlights – In August the surrounding heather bursts into pink‑purple, giving the hills a soft, floral hue. Autumn brings a tapestry of gold and amber across the mountain slopes. Spring sees the first wild‑flower carpets of bluebells and primroses emerging from the blanket bog.
- Extended Hikes – The viewpoint is a natural gateway to several popular loops:
Route Distance Approx. Time Elevation Gain J.B. Malone & Djouce Loop 6.81 mi (11 km) 3 h 24 m 1,350 ft Djouce and War Hill from the Wicklow Way 7.15 mi (11.5 km) 3 h 28 m 1,275 ft Wicklow Way Boardwalk – Djouce Summit loop from Luggala 4.98 mi (8 km) 2 h 32 m 1,050 ft
These routes are marked on the Wicklow Way and are well‑signposted from the car park. The Djouce summit offers a trig point and a tradition of adding a stone to the cairn for first‑time climbers.
Practical Information
Getting There – By Car – The J.B. Malone Car Park lies about 55 minutes’ drive from Dublin city centre. From Dublin take the M50 south, then the M11 towards Wexford. Merge onto the N11, exit at the Kilmacanoge petrol station onto the R755 (Roundwood/Glendalough). Follow the R755 for roughly 10 km; the sign for the Djouce Golf Club appears, then a right turn. After another 4.5 km the car park is on the right. An overflow car park sits 50 m before the main lot and can be used when the main area fills up.
Getting There – Public Transport – A limited local bus runs from Glendalough to Roundwood (several services daily, fewer on weekends). From Roundwood it is a 5 km walk along the R755 and then the Wicklow Way to the memorial. Check the latest timetables on the Wicklow Rural Transport website before you travel.
Parking – The car park offers a limited number of spaces (approximately a dozen). Arriving early in the summer is advisable, as the lot fills quickly, especially on weekends.
Trailhead – From the car park a short, well‑marked forest trail leads to the boardwalk and the memorial. The first 150 m climb is on a rocky path, after which the boardwalk provides a stable surface suitable for small children, strollers and wheelchair users with reasonable mobility.
Navigation – GPS coordinates for the viewpoint are 53.109778 N, ‑6.256183 W. The route is featured on popular hiking platforms such as Komoot and can be downloaded as a GPX file for offline use.
Facilities – A simple wooden seat is positioned beside the plaque. There are no toilet facilities or a café at the site; hikers typically stop at the nearby Byrne & Woods restaurant in Roundwood for a post‑walk meal (booking recommended).
Safety – The boardwalk protects the peatland but does not eliminate the need for sure‑footedness on the rocky sections leading to Djouce. In poor visibility, the trig point at the summit serves as a useful landmark. Emergency services can be reached on 999 or 112.
Access – The viewpoint lies within Wicklow Mountains National Park, a protected area. Visitors are asked to respect the “Leave No Trace” principles and stay on marked paths.
Wildlife & Seasonal Highlights – The surrounding blanket bog supports a range of wildlife: red grouse, skylarks and meadow pipits are common in summer, while winter brings the occasional sight of hen harriers. The heather‑covered slopes bloom in late summer, and the spring wild‑flower carpet adds colour to the boardwalk.
Visitor Tips
- Best light for photos – Early morning or late afternoon gives the lake a warm glow and reduces glare on the white sand strip.
- Dog friendly – Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a leash to protect ground‑nesting birds and the delicate peat.
- Strollers – The boardwalk is wide enough for most sturdy strollers; however, the initial rocky ascent may be challenging, so a baby carrier is recommended for very young children.
- What to bring – Sturdy walking boots, water, a wind‑proof jacket and a picnic if you wish to linger on the viewpoint.
Cycling & Accessibility
The boardwalk, built from railway sleepers and chicken‑wire grates, is not only gentle on feet but also accommodates cyclists. Local cyclists use the route to access the Djouce summit and the wider Wicklow Way network. Riders should keep to the boardwalk surface, dismount on steeper sections, and be mindful of other walkers.
Wheelchair users with reasonable mobility can navigate the boardwalk itself, though the initial rocky climb to the boardwalk may require assistance. If you need extra support, consider parking at the overflow lay‑by and using the shorter, flatter approach.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Trail Centre – A short detour from the memorial leads into the Ballinastoe Woods, home to a popular boardwalk and mountain‑bike trails. The centre is reachable via the same car park and offers additional walking routes. [/ballinastoe-mbt/]
- Lough Tay – The iconic “Guinness Lake” is best viewed from the memorial’s viewpoint. While the lake itself is on private Guinness estate land, the surrounding trails provide spectacular photo opportunities.
- Djouce Mountain – The summit, reachable via the loops listed above, offers 360° panoramas of the Wicklow coastline and the surrounding peaks.
Further Reading
For a deeper dive into Malone’s life, see his Wikipedia entry J.B. Malone and the Wicklow Way guide at the official website.