Overview
Sally Gap is a crossroads on open blanket bog at around 500 m (1,640 ft), one of Ireland’s highest road passes and one of only two east–west crossings of the Wicklow Mountains. It’s not a single sight so much as the high point of a 26 km (16-mile) drive along the R759 and the Old Military Road, taking in the dark waters of Lough Tay and the Glenmacnass Waterfall. If you make only one stop, make it Lough Tay: the black lake with its pale crescent of imported sand, set below Luggala, is the image everyone remembers.
History and the Old Military Road
The road you drive was built by British Army engineers between 1800 and 1809, in the aftermath of the 1798 Rebellion, to move troops quickly and flush rebels out of the hills. The east–west track it followed is far older, probably an ancient route down towards Lough Dan; a later diversion onto a higher, steeper line earned it the grim nickname of the ‘Murderin’ Pass’. The Military Road still crosses the plateau, and it takes in some of the most-filmed landscape in the country.
Two worthwhile stops sit just off the pass: the Glencree valley, with its Visitor Centre – originally built to house the soldiers who garrisoned the road – and the nearby German War Cemetery.
What to see and do
The drive is best taken slowly, with several natural pull-ins:
- Lough Tay viewing point – the striking dark lake below Luggala, on land owned privately; a small car park sits off the R759 with a short walk to the viewpoint. Going beyond the marked path crosses private property and is at your own risk.
- Sally Gap crossroads – the junction itself, with unbroken views over blanket bog and granite hills. No facilities, so it’s a brief stop.
- Glenmacnass Waterfall – an 80 m cascade dropping into the valley, with a car park and viewing platform on the road; a short walk along the verge brings you to the falls.
There are no cafés on the pass itself. The Wicklow Heather near Glenmacnass and the Coach House in Roundwood are both a short drive off the route for a hot drink or a meal.
Walking and cycling
The pass works as a hub for walkers and cyclists. Popular routes include the Djouce Mountain climb from the JB Malone car park, the Lough Ouler hike from the Glenmacnass or Turlough Hill car parks, and the circular walk linking Lough Tay to Lough Dan. Cyclists take on the loop regularly, but it demands respect – narrow bends, steep gradients, and no room for error on the descents.
Practical information
- Fuel first: there are no petrol stations anywhere along the route, so fill up before you start.
- Road length and time: about 26 km, roughly an hour without stops; allow 2–3 hours to do the viewpoints justice.
- Winter conditions: the road is narrow, winding, and not routinely gritted. It can turn icy or impassable after snow – check the forecast and turn back if the surface is frozen or visibility drops.
- Parking: free car parks at Lough Tay, Glenmacnass Waterfall and along the Military Road fill quickly on summer weekends. The Glendalough visitor-centre and upper-lake car parks charge; there’s a free car park in Laragh.
- Admission: free, for the drive, viewpoints and trails.
- Security: car break-ins have been reported at the more isolated parking areas – don’t leave anything visible in the car.
- Getting there: the Sally Gap crossroads links north to Dublin (R115), west to Blessington and the N81, south to Glendalough (R755), and east to Roundwood.
Nearby attractions
- Aghavannagh – a small village deep in the mountains, with more walking and a traditional pub. (Aghavannagh)
- Avoca Valley – a wooded river valley and the historic Avoca Handweaving Mill. (Avoca Valley)
Aim for late spring or early autumn, when the heather is out and the roads are clear, and go early on a summer weekend before the pull-ins fill. The pass rewards patience more than speed – the views up here are the whole point.