Overview
Sally Gap is the high crossroads where the R115 Old Military Road meets the R759, on open blanket bog in the Wicklow Mountains. From the junction, the R115 runs north towards Dublin and south towards Laragh. The R759 runs west towards Blessington and east towards Roundwood. It’s not a single sight so much as the high point of a scenic drive along the R759 and the Old Military Road, taking in the dark waters of Lough Tay and the Glenmacnass Waterfall. Lough Tay lies below Luggala, and the authorised viewing area is in Ballinastoe Woods (see below).
History and the Old Military Road
The road you drive was built by British Army engineers after the 1798 Rebellion, to allow troops to move quickly through the mountains. The Military Road still crosses the plateau, and it crosses open, exposed mountain country.
Two worthwhile stops sit just off the pass: the Glencree valley, with its Visitor Centre, originally built to house the soldiers who garrisoned the road, and the nearby German War Cemetery.
What to see and do
The drive is best taken slowly, using designated parking rather than stopping on the road:
- Lough Tay viewing area – the striking dark lake below Luggala. Park at a designated trailhead and walk in Ballinastoe Woods to the J.B. Malone Memorial. The Luggala Estate access page identifies the woods as the authorised viewing area. The lake and its shore are private, so enjoy the view from the woods and go no further.
- Sally Gap crossroads – the junction itself, with unbroken views over blanket bog and granite hills. Keep the crossroads and narrow verges clear so other drivers can pass. It’s a brief stop.
- Glenmacnass Waterfall – a waterfall dropping into the valley on the Laragh side of the pass. Use designated parking and keep back from steep or slippery ground.
There are no cafés on the pass itself. The Wicklow Heather near Glenmacnass and the Coach House in Roundwood are both a short drive off the route for a hot drink or a meal; check they are open before you rely on them.
Walking and cycling
The pass works as a hub for walkers and cyclists. Popular routes include the Djouce Mountain climb from the JB Malone car park, the Lough Ouler hike from the Glenmacnass or Turlough Hill car parks, and the walks in Ballinastoe Woods. Stay on marked paths and designated routes, and don’t use the Lough Tay shore or Luggala Estate land as a route. Cyclists take on the loop regularly, but it demands respect: narrow bends, steep gradients, and no room for error on the descents.
Practical information
- Fuel first: don’t count on finding fuel along the route, so fill up before you start.
- Time: allow a couple of hours to do the viewpoints justice, longer if you plan to walk.
- Winter conditions: the open stretch near the pass is narrow and exposed, and snow, ice and fog can make driving difficult. Check Wicklow County Council’s winter road information and choose another route in poor conditions.
- Parking: use designated car parks and check the signs for any charges. They can fill up on summer weekends.
- Admission: the drive and viewpoints are free.
- Security: don’t leave anything visible in the car, particularly at the more isolated parking areas.
- Getting there: the Sally Gap crossroads links north to Dublin (R115), west to Blessington and the N81, south towards Laragh and Glendalough, and east to Roundwood on the R759.
Nearby attractions
- Aghavannagh – a small village deep in the mountains, with more walking and a traditional pub. (Aghavannagh)
- Avoca Valley – a wooded river valley and the historic Avoca Handweaving Mill. (Avoca Valley)
Aim for late spring or early autumn, when the heather is out and the roads are clear, and go early on a summer weekend before the pull-ins fill. The pass rewards patience more than speed, and the views up here are the whole point.