Overview
Lough Bray consists of two glacial corrie lakes – Upper and Lower – set into the eastern face of Kippure within the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Located roughly 25 km (15 mi) south of Dublin, the lakes are visible from the Old Military Road (R115) but truly reveal themselves only to those willing to leave the tarmac. Their deep, dark waters sit in bowl-shaped basins carved out over 10,000 years ago, offering a quieter, more rugged alternative to nearby tourist hubs like Glendalough or Lough Tay. The area is best known for its unmarked hiking trails, the dramatic granite outcrop of Eagle’s Crag, and the chance to wild-swim in cold, clear mountain water.
Getting There & Parking
There is no public transport to the lakes; a car or bicycle is required. From Dublin, take the M50 south to Exit 11 (N81), follow signs toward the Wicklow Gap, and continue onto the R115. The drive takes approximately 35 minutes in light traffic.
Two main parking options serve the trailheads:
- Quarry Car Park – A large lay-by directly opposite Upper Lough Bray on the R115, open around the clock. It fills quickly at weekends, and because it sits on its own with no passing traffic, break-ins have been reported; leave the car empty and visibly so, with the glovebox open.
- Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation – A safer car park with a café and toilets. It sits a little further from the trailhead, adding some road walking, but takes the worry of break-ins out of the day.
Walking Routes
The trails around Lough Bray are not signposted. Hikers should download offline maps (such as Maps.me or AllTrails) before setting out and stick to well-worn paths. The routes vary in length and difficulty:
| Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Typical Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lough Bray Upper & Lower Loop | 7–9 km | ~300 m | 2–3 h | Moderate (muddy, unmarked) |
| Lough Bray Upper Loop | 3.5 km (2.2 mi) | ~150 m | 1.5 h | Moderate |
| Kippure via Lough Bray | 9 km (5.6 mi) | ~380 m | 3–4 h | Moderate/Difficult (off-trail bog) |
Key highlights
- Eagle’s Crag – A prominent granite buttress that dominates the valley. The path zigzags up to the summit, offering clear views of both lakes, the Sugar Loaf, and the Irish Sea. The descent back down involves short scrambles over slippery boulders.
- Lough Bray House – A private residence on the northern shore of Lower Lough Bray, built as a cottage around 1830 at the expense of the Duke of Northumberland for the Dublin surgeon Sir Philip Crampton, and later held by the Guinness family. It is clearly visible from the trail but strictly private.
- Kippure Summit – Topped by its landmark TV mast and reached by a boggy off-trail detour across heather and uneven ground, it repays the effort with a wide panorama over Dublin city and the Wicklow range.
History & Folklore
Local legend attributes the steep, gouged cliffs to Fionn MacCumhaill, who supposedly scooped up rock and soil while pursuing a wild boar. The geology is no less striking: both lakes are classic corrie basins, gouged out by glacial ice, and the moorland around them is strewn with erratic boulders – some up to 10 m across – dropped as the ice melted.
The surrounding moorland contains remnants of ancient field systems and old pathways, hinting at centuries of upland habitation. The Old Military Road you drove in on – the R115 – was itself cut by the British army after the 1798 Rebellion, to open up the Wicklow uplands. Lough Bray House remains the most visible marker of the area’s later, aristocratic past; though private, it sits in full view from the trail, and its gated lane is clearly marked to prevent accidental trespass.
Can you swim in Lough Bray?
Yes. Upper Lough Bray is a recognised spot for wild swimming, and neither the lake nor the approach is closed to swimmers. It is not a monitored bathing water, though: nobody tests the water here and nobody is watching the shore. See swimming in Ireland’s lakes for how that compares with the nine lakes in the country that do carry an official bathing-water designation.
The water remains cold year-round, and the lake features steep drop-offs typical of glacial formations. There are no lifeguards, changing facilities, or designated swimming zones. If you plan to swim:
- Wear a wetsuit unless you are an experienced cold-water swimmer.
- Bring a hot-water flask, dry layers, and a waterproof change-robe.
- Never swim alone and always inform someone of your plans.
- Check weather conditions carefully; sudden drops in temperature or strong winds can make the lakeside dangerous.
Practical Tips & Safety
- Navigation – Trails are faint in places and can disappear in mist. Carry a paper map and compass as a backup to digital apps.
- Footwear – Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential. Gaiters are recommended after rain, as the lower lake approach and ridge paths become deeply muddy.
- Vertigo & Exposure – Sections near Eagle’s Crag involve exposed ridge walking and short scrambles. The route is not suitable for those prone to vertigo or severe anxiety about heights.
- Weather – Mountain conditions change rapidly. A waterproof jacket, windproof layer, and warm hat should always be packed, even in summer.
- Dogs – Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. Keep them under control when passing the private grounds of Lower Lough Bray and the gatehouse near Lough Bray House.
Nearby Attractions
The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, just down the valley, is worth the stop in its own right: the former barracks has a café, a small German military cemetery from the two world wars, and a wayside grotto. Beyond it, the Sally Gap sits a few kilometres west, a classic mountain drive and the start point for longer summits like Camaderry or the rugged Camenabologue. Plan your return with extra time for parking, as the Quarry lot rarely has a space after midday at weekends.