Lough Tay and Malone Viewpoint

Overview

Lough Tay (Irish: Loch Té), affectionately called Guinness Lake, is a small, striking lake nestled in the Wicklow Mountains. Its almost black surface and a strip of imported white sand on the northern shore create the visual of a freshly poured pint of Guinness. The lake sits between Djouce Mountain and the Luggala ridge, with the east‑facing granite cliffs of Luggala forming a dramatic backdrop. While the water and immediate shoreline belong to the private Guinness Estate, several public car‑parks along the R759 (Sally Gap Drive) provide safe, accessible viewpoints.

The J.B. Malone Memorial Viewpoint sits a short walk from the Lough Tay car‑park. It honours John James Bernard “J.B.” Malone – the man who championed hill‑walking in Ireland and conceived the Wicklow Way. From the stone plaque you can gaze across Lough Tay and the surrounding peaks, while a wooden seat and protective boardwalk invite lingering.

Film & TV

Lough Tay’s dramatic contrast of dark water and white sand has attracted film crews for decades. Notable productions filmed here include Vikings, Excalibur, Irish Wish, Braveheart, Becoming Jane, P.S. I Love You and Sinful Davey. The lake’s cinematic appeal adds an extra layer of intrigue for visitors who enjoy spotting familiar backdrops in the Irish landscape.

Getting there without a car

If you prefer not to drive, public transport options exist:

• Bus – Take the Dublin‑Glendalough service (operated by Bus Éireann) to Roundwood. From the bus stop the walk to the Lough Tay viewpoint is steep and takes about 1½ hours; there is no formal trail, so be prepared for uneven ground.
• Guided tours – Several half‑day tours depart from Dublin and include a stop at Lough Tay as part of a Wicklow Mountains itinerary. These tours handle parking and provide a brief walk to the main viewpoint.

Both options require a good pair of walking shoes and a weather‑proof jacket.

History / Background

The name Lough Tay probably derives from the Proto‑Indo‑European root teh₂ meaning “to melt, dissolve, flow”. Early maps from the 1650s record it as “Logh Tea”, long before tea became common in Ireland. The nickname Guinness Lake originates from the Guinness family, who bought the estate in 1937 as a wedding present for Ernest Guinness’s daughter. They deliberately imported white sand to line a beach on the lake’s northern edge, creating the iconic dark‑water‑and‑white‑sand contrast.

J.B. Malone (1913‑1989) was a civil servant, army cartographer and passionate hill‑walker. After moving to Ireland in 1931 he wrote a weekly column for the Evening Herald (1938‑1975) and campaigned for better walking routes. His efforts led to the creation of the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first officially marked long‑distance trail, opened in 1982. A modest granite plaque was erected on the Wicklow Way shortly after his death, marking the spot where he once surveyed the landscape he helped open to the public.

Flora & Fauna

The peat‑rich plateau around Lough Tay supports a mosaic of heather, gorse and native grasses. In late summer the heather bursts into a pink‑purple bloom that contrasts sharply with the dark lake. Birdwatchers may spot meadow pipits, skylarks and, on clear days, peregrine falcons circling the cliffs. The lake’s shoreline provides a quiet refuge for water‑birds such as mute swans and mallards.

Seasonal Highlights

• July‑August – Heather is at its peak, giving the surrounding slopes a splash of colour.
• September‑October – Autumn turns the mountainsides gold and amber; the lake often reflects the changing foliage.
• Winter – Snow‑capped peaks create a dramatic backdrop, but be prepared for rapidly changing weather and limited daylight.

Walking Trails

• Lough Tay to Lough Dan – Easy, ~8 km (1.5 h). Starts at the kissing gate opposite Ballinastoe Woods and follows a gentle valley to the neighbouring Lough Dan.
• J.B. Malone & Djouce Loop – 6.81 mi (11 km), approx. 3 h 24 m, 1,350 ft gain. Begins at the Malone viewpoint, ascends Djouce, and returns via the Wicklow Way.
• Djouce and War Hill from the Wicklow Way – 7.15 mi (11.5 km), approx. 3 h 28 m, 1,275 ft gain.
• Wicklow Way Boardwalk – Djouce Summit loop from Luggala – 4.98 mi (8 km), approx. 2 h 32 m, 1,050 ft gain.
• Luggala Loop – A more demanding 10 km circuit that climbs to the summit of Luggala, offering sweeping views over Lough Tay, Lough Dan and the surrounding peaks.

All routes are well‑signposted from the car‑parks and suitable for a range of abilities. The Djouce summit features a trig point and a tradition of adding a stone to the cairn for first‑time climbers.

Memorial & Boardwalk

• The Memorial Stone – A granite plaque bearing Malone’s name and a brief inscription.
• Panoramic Views – Eastward you see Lough Tay’s dark water edged with white sand; on clear days the Irish Sea glints on the horizon and the Great Sugar Loaf rises to the north.
• Boardwalk Walk – Constructed of railway sleepers and chicken‑wire grates, it protects fragile peatland while providing a firm surface for families and wheelchair users.
• Seasonal Highlights – In August the surrounding heather bursts into pink‑purple; autumn paints the slopes gold and amber.

Practical Information

• Getting there – The J.B. Malone car‑park is about a 55‑minute drive from Dublin city centre. From Dublin take the M50 south, then the M11, and follow signs for the R759 (Sally Gap Drive).
• Parking – Free car‑parks are available at Ballinastoe Woods, Lough Tay and the J.B. Malone viewpoint. Spaces fill quickly in peak season, so aim to arrive early. The Lough Tay viewpoint car‑park has limited spaces and is the most convenient for a quick photo stop.
• Access – All viewpoints are on public land; the lake itself remains private, so stay on marked paths and respect any signage.
• Boardwalk accessibility – The boardwalk is wheelchair‑friendly and suitable for pushchairs. Sturdy walking shoes are still recommended for the surrounding tracks.
• Safety – The cliffs are sheer; keep a safe distance from edges. Weather in the Wicklow Mountains can change rapidly; bring waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
• Facilities – No permanent toilets or cafés at the car‑parks. Pack out all litter and consider a picnic with a view.
• Opening hours – The area is open year‑round with no formal opening times; car‑parks are free and unstaffed.

Access & Parking

Three main car‑parks serve visitors to Lough Tay. All are free and operate on a first‑come‑first‑served basis.

Arriving early (especially on weekends) maximises the chance of finding a space. Vehicles should be parked clear of the road verge to avoid obstructing the narrow Military Road.

Dog Policy

Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths surrounding Lough Tay, but they must be kept on a lead at all times. The boardwalk and the immediate viewpoint area can become busy; during peak visiting hours (10 am – 5 pm) it is courteous to leave dogs at home or keep them securely leashed to avoid disturbing other walkers, wildlife and farm animals.

Nearby Attractions

• Ballinastoe MBT – Ireland’s premier mountain‑bike trail centre is a short drive away and offers a network of off‑road routes for cyclists of all levels. See Ballinastoe MBT.
• Glenmacnass Waterfall – Approximately 25 minutes by car, a 55‑metre cascade set in a lush valley.
• Powerscourt Waterfall – About 20 minutes away, Ireland’s highest waterfall.
• Victor’s Way – A short 10‑minute drive to a tranquil garden of statues and meditation spaces.
• Lough Ouler – Roughly 30 minutes to the car‑park for a heart‑shaped lake and a gentle loop walk.
• Glendalough – The historic monastic site lies a few kilometres north and makes an excellent addition to a day‑trip itinerary.

Photography Tips

The best photo opportunities are from the elevated viewpoints (Viewpoint B and the J.B. Malone boardwalk) where the contrast between the dark lake and the white sand is most striking. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the colours, and a polarising filter can deepen the black of the water. Keep a safe distance from the sheer cliffs, especially when using a telephoto lens.

FAQs

Can I bring my dog? – Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths, but they must be kept on a leash near the boardwalk and viewpoints, especially during busy times (10 am – 5 pm).

Is there a visitor centre? – No dedicated visitor centre exists; information is provided via signage at the car‑parks and online resources.

Enjoy the unique combination of natural beauty, cinematic history, and walking heritage that makes Lough Tay and the J.B. Malone viewpoint a standout destination in County Wicklow.