Lough Tay absolutely deserves its fame – that perfect pint of Guinness shape with dark peaty water and white sandy beach is genuinely spectacular. I’ll never forget my first glimpse from the viewing point on the R759, and every time I guide hikers through Wicklow, their reactions remind me why this place is magic. But here’s what thrills me as an outdoor guide: Lough Tay is just the beginning of Wicklow’s incredible collection of mountain lakes, each with its own character and hidden trails.
The Wicklow Mountains hold dozens of corrie lakes – those perfect glacial bowls carved into the mountainsides. While everyone’s queueing for photos at Lough Tay’s viewpoint, you could be discovering lakes that are equally stunning but wonderfully peaceful. The key is knowing which forestry roads to take and where the unmarked trails begin.
Start with Lough Tay, absolutely – but time it cleverly. Early morning or late afternoon light transforms that dark water into something otherworldly. Then head to Lough Dan, Tay’s bigger sister just downstream. Most people miss it, but there’s a forestry entrance that lets you walk right to the shoreline. The reflection of Knocknacloghoge mountain in its waters is pure poetry.
For proper adventure, seek out Lough Ouler. It’s heart-shaped (locals call it Ireland’s “Love Lake”), sits near the summit of Tonelagee, and requires a proper hike to reach. The trail starts from the Wicklow Gap, and on clear days you can see five counties from the top. Pack lunch and eat it by the lake – there’s something special about having a mountain lake entirely to yourself.
Weather changes everything in these mountains. On misty days, the lakes appear and disappear like something from Irish mythology. Don’t let “soft” weather stop you – that’s when these places feel most magical. Just pack proper gear and embrace it. Some of my best memories are from days when horizontal rain had me questioning my life choices, then suddenly the clouds parted to reveal incredible views.
My favorite secret? The upper lake at Glendalough. While crowds gather at the lower lake, follow the miner’s trail up the valley. You’ll find ruins of old mining villages and a pristine mountain lake that most visitors never see. Time it for golden hour and you’ll understand why monks sought solitude here centuries ago.
For those wanting to experience Wicklow’s spectacular lakes and mountains efficiently from Dublin, guided tours offer brilliant value. The best ones venture beyond main roads to hidden viewpoints and combine famous sites like Glendalough with lesser-known gems. Local guides share stories about the landscape’s history and point out trails for your return visits. Plus, navigating those narrow mountain roads is much more relaxing when someone else is driving! Read more about The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough.
Aoife’s Recommendations:
- Lough Dan Access: Forest entrance 2km past Lough Tay viewpoint – park carefully, follow track to shoreline for incredible reflections
- Lough Ouler Hike: Start from Wicklow Gap car park – 5km round trip, bring map and compass, spectacular heart-shaped summit lake
- Art’s Lough: Hidden gem near Glenmalure – accessed via Drumgoff trail, wild swimming spot for brave souls
