A lake that looks like a pint of Guinness? Welcome to Lough Tay, a superb Irish lake in Wicklow Mountains National Park (Co. Wicklow), Ireland. At first glance, it is as striking as it is awe-inspiring: not only is the lake beautiful, it literally looks like a pint! With its white sandy beach (a rather surprising feature), Lough Tay has all the hallmarks of a glass of stout, from its white head to its dark body! A really lovely spot, ideal for taking in on a short hike or a drive!
Lough Tay – © dimm808
The charm of Ireland’s lakes is no myth. Lough Tay, one of the island of Ireland’s iconic lakes, is proof of that! It is best admired from high in the mountains, along the R759 and the Wicklow Way (a waymarked walking route that passes through Sally Gap). It can also be discovered by car, however, and some tourist buses travel this way too.
The place owes its charm above all to its geographical setting: it lies precisely between Djouce Mountain and Luggala Mountain, two wild and imposing peaks that add to its beauty.
Fed by the River Cloghoge, the lake’s northern shore belongs to the famous Guinness family (owners of the brewery of the same name, which sells millions of litres in Ireland every day). A happy coincidence, especially when you consider that the lake looks just like a pint of Guinness, with its dark waters and white sandy beach resembling a creamy head.
The site is superb and very well preserved. The owners do everything they can to protect the lake and keep it as it is.
That is why fishing and water-based activities are prohibited. Nature lovers will still be well catered for: the site can be explored on foot during a lovely walk along the Wicklow Way. In that case, bring a good pair of hiking shoes, a camera, a windbreaker, and something to eat and drink. Why not enjoy an impromptu picnic while taking in the view? The place changes throughout the day and with the weather. It can even feel like a different lake depending on the time of day!
As a little aside, the location has been used as a filming location for numerous films and series. First and foremost, in the series Vikings, where it stands in for the village of Kattegat, home to Ragnar Lodbrok. The lake is not entirely recognisable because of the special effects (it is portrayed as a fjord, with ice and a hostile environment), but travellers who have already explored it will easily recognise it. The lake is used as a filming location throughout the series.
In any case, we recommend going early in the day and in good weather: there will be fewer people around, and the trails are more pleasant when the sky is clear.
Don’t forget to take in Sally Gap: this is a mountain pass overlooking Lough Tay. Accessible on foot or by car, it offers an incredible panorama and will make you feel as though you are alone in the world! It is one of the best spots in Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Better still, according to the Irish, it may even be one of Ireland’s most beautiful views! A true postcard landscape.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
sur la R759, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Wicklow Mountains National Park (County Wicklow) - Republic of Ireland
53.106618, -6.266722
