Overview
Sally Gap sits at roughly 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level, making it one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes. The R759 winds through the gap, linking Roundwood in the east with the N81 in the west. The 26 km (16‑mile) Sally Gap Drive is celebrated for its dramatic scenery – from the turquoise waters of Lough Tay (often called “Guinness Lake”) to the thundering Glenmacnass Waterfall – and for the historic Old Military Road that still snakes across the plateau.
History
The route that now forms the Sally Gap Drive was upgraded after the 1798 Irish Rebellion. The British Army built the Old Military Road (now part of the R115) to enable rapid troop movements and to flush rebel forces from the Wicklow hills. Archaeologists suggest the east‑west track predates the 18th‑century improvements by thousands of years, having originally followed the Cloghoge River down to Lough Dan. In the mid‑1700s the valley of Lough Tay was reclaimed, prompting a diversion of the ancient track onto a higher alignment known locally as “Murderin’ Pass”.
The gap’s dramatic landscape has also attracted filmmakers; the isolated valleys were used as a location for the 1995 epic Braveheart.
What to See & Do
| Stop | Highlights | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lough Tay Viewing Point | A striking turquoise lake set between Djouge and Luggala, owned by the Guinness family trust. | Small car park off the R759; short walk to the viewpoint (private‑property access at your own risk). |
| Sally Gap Crossroads | The junction where the R759 meets the Old Military Road, offering panoramic views of the surrounding moorland. | No dedicated facilities – pull‑in briefly to admire the landscape. |
| Old Military Road | Remnants of the 1800s military construction, flanked by blanket bog and granite hills. | Accessible from the crossroads; several pull‑outs for short walks. |
| Glenmacnass Waterfall | A 80 m cascade that tumbles into a deep valley, with a modest car park and viewing platform. | Parking on the right side of the road; a brief walk along the verge brings you to the falls. |
| Coffee & Food | The Wicklow Heather café near Glenmacnass offers hot drinks and light meals; the Coach House in Roundwood provides a cosy fire‑side option in winter. | Both are a short drive from the main route. |
Walking and Cycling
The Sally Gap area is a hub for walkers. Popular routes include the Djouce Mountain Walk (starting from the JB Malone car park), the Lough Ouler hike (accessed from Glenmacnass or Turlough Hill car parks), and the Lough Tay to Lough Dan circuit. Cyclists love the 26 km loop, but the road’s narrow bends and occasional icy patches demand caution – a recent accident near Lough Tay underlines the need for helmets and, where possible, a riding partner.
Practical Information
- Road length & travel time: The full drive is 26 km and takes about 60 minutes without stops; allow 2–3 hours to enjoy the viewpoints and short walks.
- Highest point: 503 m (1,650 ft) at the Sally Gap itself.
- Winter conditions: The road is not treated by the local authority and can become impassable after snow or ice. Check weather forecasts before setting out.
- Parking: Free car parks are available at Lough Tay, Glenmacnass Waterfall and several pull‑in points along the R759. Spaces can fill quickly in summer.
- Admission: There is no entry fee for the drive, viewpoints or walking trails.
- Getting there: The route can be started from Roundwood (east) or Laragh (west). The R759 connects to the R755 near Roundwood and to the N81 near Blessington, providing easy links to Dublin and the south‑west of Wicklow.
- Website: For up‑to‑date information, see the official Wicklow tourism page Sally Gap.
Safety Note
Because the road is narrow and can be icy in winter, drivers should travel at a cautious speed and be prepared for sudden declines. Cyclists should wear helmets and consider riding in pairs, especially on the steeper sections near Lough Tay.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, historic intrigue and outdoor adventure that makes Sally Gap a must‑see highlight of the Wicklow Mountains.