Ballinastoe, County Wicklow
Lough Tay Guinness Lake
Guinness Lake Ballinastoe County Wicklow
Lough Tay, or the “Guinness Lake,” is a stunning, privately-owned lake in the Wicklow Mountains, Ballinastoe, Co.Wicklow, Ireland. Sometimes nicknamed ‘The Garden of Ireland’, it is famous for its dark waters and white sand tip on one side; resembling a pint of Guinness.
Owned by the Guinness family (Luggala Estate), it’s a popular photography spot, accessible via viewpoints along the Military Road and Wicklow Way. The lake and the surrounding landscapes offer incredible views but with strict no-access rules for the lake itself. Its dramatic landscape has been used in the world’s most iconic movie productions including Vikings, Braveheart, and P.S. I Love You.
5 Facts Before You Visit Guinness Lake Wicklow
- The Guinness Connection: The lake sits on the private Luggala Estate, once owned by the Guinness family, who even added imported white sand to the shore to make it look like a frothy pint head.
- “Tea Lake”: Its Irish name is Loch Té, which translates to “Tea Lake,” although its dark, peaty water gives it the Guinness pint appearance.
- Scenic Location: It’s located in the Wicklow Mountains, between the mountains of Djouce and Luggala, making it a popular spot for photographers and hikers.
- Filming Location: Its dramatic beauty has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV, including the series Vikings.
- Water Source: The Cloghoge River flows into Lough Tay and then continues south to drain into Lough Dan, creating a picturesque waterway.
“A pint of stout from above”
Glendalough Glacial Valley
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
St. Kevin’s Cave
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