Ireland's Largest Artificial Lake Is A Scenic Escape With Fishing, Hiking, And Mountain Views

Any morning you please, you could wake up in Dublin, Ireland, decide to take a drive in the country, and arrive at Pollaphuca Reservoir in about an hour. This lake is peaceful and scenic, and it's surprisingly close to the nation's capital. The edges are ringed with rolling hills, sandy shores, and patches of forest. Plenty of urbanites dream of a watery getaway like this, within easy reach of their small flats. Pollaphuca almost feels designed for this kind of escape.

Actually, it was designed: Pollaphuca Reservoir is an artificial lake, the largest such body of water in Ireland. For the past half-century, the reservoir has covered 5,000 acres, attracting boaters and anglers of all stripes to its calm surface. Set against the gentle slopes of the Wicklow Mountains, Pollaphuca (also written Poulaphouca) is open all year, free to explore, and particularly rewarding in the warmer months.

The lake also has an interesting history. Just before engineers flooded the valley in March of 1940, some 75 households were forced to relocate, and the water swallowed what remained of the village. Its name, Pollaphuca, is derived from Gaelic and means "the Púca's hole," referring to a shapeshifting creature from Irish folktales and the home it might occupy. Just a heads-up, lest you get confused trying to get there: "Pollaphuca Reservoir" is also widely known as "Blessington Lakes" (despite it technically only being one lake).

The easiest way to enjoy the lake is to walk around it. The Reservoir Loop is an impressive 17.5 miles in length, with a variety of surfaces. You'll climb more than 2,400 feet as you go, which is one reason AllTrails rates this route as hard. The scenery is a mix of woods and grasslands, which can be moist anytime and marshy after a good Irish storm. If there's even a possibility of inclement weather, you'd be wise to bring water-resistant footwear and rain gear. You can admire the lake from almost any vantage point and dip a toe in the water, but note that full-on swimming is prohibited.

A variety of boats are allowed on the water any day of the year, as long as you secure a boating license; this will cost between €25 and €90, depending on the type of craft you register. Paddling and rowing are quiet experiences that match the lake's tranquil atmosphere, though outboard motors up to 6 horsepower are permitted as well. You can also fish for pike and trout in these waters, as long as you secure one of the many fishing licenses available and follow local rules.

The wide-open lands are striking to behold, and you may find a lot of alone time, whether you're on land or water. One of the most striking landmarks is the Valleymount Bridge (also known as the Baltyboys Bridge), a long concrete structure that spans the water near the northwest corner of the reservoir. If you're looking to continue your rural getaway nearby, you could check out Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland's largest, just 20 minutes away.

Dublin is the closest major city to the reservoir, and if you're vacationing, driving a rental car is the easiest way to get here. If Dublin is a fun, friendly, social city, this lake is a convenient rural bonus. This makes for an easy day trip through the countryside, or you could stop here on your way toward Limerick or Cork. Without a car, you could take a combination of public buses and get here in 90 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on where and when you start in Dublin.

You can also hire a boat from several local outfits, including CP Adventure Centre, located just west of these shores. This dynamic company also rents out bicycles for the Reservoir Loop and arranges family-friendly activities. There are several different boat launches around the lake; ask for the most convenient options when you arrive.

For accommodations, there are several resorts and bed-and-breakfasts around the reservoir. These range from the luxurious Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, with its on-site spa and fine-dining Fairways Restaurant, to the Abhainn Rí Farmhouse, which is set in a traditional cottage and hosts intimate baking classes in its kitchen. If you're looking for something even farther afield, Ireland's Spike Island is a remote escape with scenic coastal views and ancient forts.