On the way to Glendalough you can admire stunning scenery of the Lake Lough Tay. This is one of the most photographed location in Wicklow Mountains. Lough Tay is a great stop along the Wicklow Mountains Way and there are several walk opportunities from there. The lake is fed by the Cloghoge River. There’s also a beautiful beach with bright white sand on the northern side. I was driving from Dublin and decided to go Old Military Road (R115, at the end R759), which is my favourite when going through Wicklow Mountains National Park. The scenery of the National Park is amazing, you even have a chance to bump into wild horses, deers and other wild animals.
From Lough Tay to Djouce
Your starting point can be Ballinastoe Car Park or public carpark near the JB Malone Memorial, both located near Lough Tay view point. The trail toward Djouce is well maintained, it’s mostly wooden boardwalk. I don’t like such trails but it’s very useful in rainy conditions. You need to follow the path to reach Djouce (725m). If you want to hike the top of it at the end you need to turn left instead of following the boadrwalk. The rest of the trail goes directly to Maulin. The trail from the lake to Maulin has around 7,5 km in total and the walk is rather easy.
If you want to explore slightly more difficult trails you should try Glendalough loop walk in Wicklow Mountains. It’s located south from Lough Tay.
