Ireland's Wicklow Mountains Hides A Serene Heart-Shaped Lake For Hikers Taking On A Challenging Trail

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Ireland is home to breathtaking mountain ranges, carved by glaciers millennia ago. Following the Ice Age, gigantic ice formations melted, chiseling through the landscape to create impressive geological remains. One of these natural phenomena is a serene heart-shaped lake between the hills of the Wicklow Mountains. Lough Ouler is tucked between Stoney Top Mountain and Tonelagee Peak in Wicklow Mountains National Park in the east of Ireland. The lake can only be fully appreciated from a height, but fortunately, visitors can hike the surrounding mountains for a bird's-eye view. 

Although Dublin's bustling city is only an hour away, this expansive mountain range can make you feel like you're the only person in the country — that's the beauty of Ireland. The park's close proximity to the country's capital city makes Lough Ouler an ideal day trip for tourists and welcomes hikers, bikers, and anglers. The admission-free park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. all throughout the year, but it's recommended to visit between January and October for safer hiking conditions. Dogs on a leash are also welcome. The area surrounding the park is quite rural, making public transport scarce, so consider renting a car. If you're visiting from across the Atlantic, make sure to follow these tips for Americans driving on the "wrong side of the road" in Ireland. Parking is free at the Tonelagee entrance, however, other parking lots such as the Visitor Centre Car Park and the Upper Lake Car Park charge a fee.

While most tourists flock to the west of Ireland to admire the country's mountainous landscape and picturesque cliffs, like the immaculate mountain views at Bantry House in Cork and Erris Head's dramatic cliffs in Mayo, the eastern region has stunning, underrated terrain just waiting to be explored. 

To view Lough Ouler's heart-shaped lake, visitors can choose between two routes. The Tonelagee entrance leads you up a 2.4-mile hiking trail, and the intensity of the climb is moderate, taking roughly three hours to complete. However, since this route is quicker, the path is steeper, which can be tricky if the trail is wet and muddy. After reaching the peak at 2,680 feet, hikers need to make their way down the other side of the mountain to view the heart-shaped lake. Trekkers can then take the same path back down, while being cautious of the slippery terrain on the descent. Furthermore, although the view of the lake from this route is undeniably magnificent, it provides only a single viewpoint.

The second and more challenging route is Lough Ouler Circular. The loop starts at the rocky, cliffside Glenmacnass Waterfall (a perfect photo opportunity) and takes approximately four and a half hours to complete across 4.9 miles. This route is less of a path and more of an actual mountain-climbing endeavor with rough terrain and river-hopping. However, due to the circular route around the lake, this hiking trail offers a variety of different viewpoints and perspectives of the heart-shaped corrie.

Since Ireland is prone to rainfall and damp lands, when visiting the national park, we suggest wearing a pair of Columbia Transverse Waterproof Hike Boots, a waterproof jacket and pants, and bringing a bottle of water and snacks. We also recommend downloading the free AllTrails app and preloading the hiking route before you set off. Apart from hiking, visitors of the park can cycle on the hard-surface trails, swim in the Upper Lake in Glendalough, and fish with artificial bait.

While exploring Lough Ouler in Wicklow Mountains National Park, be sure to visit the stunning Glendalough Valley — a historic gem also located in the park. This early medieval monastic settlement is rich in history and natural beauty, featuring an iconic stone round tower used for defense against attacks and raids, a 12th-century church, and picturesque views of the surrounding valleys and lakes. The site is free to enter and open 24 hours a day, but note the car park may be closed outside normal business hours.

If you plan on spending the night near Wicklow Mountains National Park, the seaside town of Bray is only 13 miles away. Visitors can choose between several charming accommodations, like The Palm — a luxurious boutique hotel featuring outdoor barrel hot tubs overlooking the beach, with rates starting at roughly $160 per night. For a longer stay, consider the endearing railway cottage on Airbnb with a three-night minimum policy starting at approximately $550 per night. This quaint bungalow boasts pretty garden views just 40 minutes from Lough Ouler and a short stroll from Bray's beach.

Bray's quaint town is lined with a variety of eateries serving local seafood, Indian cuisine, and award-winning pizzas. The Harbour Bar, established in 1872, features cozy nooks, a cozy fireplace, and live traditional music, while Koo Nightclub is open Fridays and Saturdays for visitors looking to experience Irish nightlife. Bray is full of rich culture and heritage, like the Mermaid Arts Centre, which hosts plays, musicals, and free interactive art drop-ins. The town also takes pride in its vibrant coastal culture, where visitors can enjoy kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding along the scenic waters of the Irish Sea.