Spending family time on the breathtaking Djouce Mountain, Co. Wicklow

Difficulty: Moderate      Distance: 8km          Time: 3hrs National Grid Reference: O 178 103 How do we get there? To get to Djouce Moutain take the M50 or N11 southbound. Exit on to the R755 at Kilmcanogue sign posted to Glendalough/Roundwood. Stay on the R755 for approximately 10 minutes and you will pass ‘Djouce Golf Club’ on the left. Take a right turning on to the R759 towards Sally Gap and you will reach the ‘JB Malone Car Park’ on the right-hand side in approximately 4km. Accessibility by Public Transport: No public transport routes found. Parking: The JB Malone Car Park is well marked on Google Maps. It is located at the foot of Djouce Mountain and opposite Lough Tay. The parking is free with better availability in the mornings as afternoons are generally busier.

Hike Description

Djouce Mountain overlooks the 6,000 acres Luggala Estate, owned by the Guinness family. Lough Tay is impossible to miss when arriving at the JB Malone Car Park. The private Lough is not only owned by the Guinness family but its dark peaty water and (imported) white sand beach makes it look like a pint of the famous stout too! There are different starting points to walk up to the summit of Djouce Mountain. From the car park take the stony track through the trees ahead of you, this eventually joins a studded wooden boardwalk. Continue up the steps where you will find the stone plaque in honour of  JB Malone and most of all stunning view over Lough Tay. It’s a very simple walk to navigate because of the boardwalk. There’s a small stile to hop over and as the walk slowly curves around to the left, you’ll eventually be looking straight at the summit. The boardwalk (Wicklow Way) takes a sharp turn to the right and at that point a stony track will split off to take you straight up the mountain. The walk is very easy for children because of the long gradual climb and no steep slopes posing as an immediate threat. However, there are some peat bog patches which can result in very muddy puddles on wet days. That Peppa Pig has a lot to answer for! The mountain has a barren top which therefore gives wonderful views over the bays, Wicklow Mountains and loughs nearby. It is worth remembering that the summit can be windy and the temperature is cooler. To return to the car park, you can either retrace your footsteps or follow the track down the other side of the mountain. There you will find a sharp right turn to head back along the Wicklow Way. djouce-mountain-walk-from-lough-tay

Additional Information:

PLEASE NOTE: Lough Tay is on private property and cannot be visited without prior permission from the Luggala Estate. Buggies: This walk is not buggy friendly. Dogs: A lovely ‘off lead’ dog walk. Most dogs will trot alongside the studded boardwalk. Mobile Reception: Good Nearest place to eat: A great walk to take a picnic to eat at the summit, but if you are looking for local places to eat Roundwood is only a 6.5km drive and has a couple of local pubs and local restaurants. Walk Extensions: The options to extend this walk are endless. You can walk a large loop from Djouce Mountain over to Fancy Mountain or extend your walk down to the Powerscourt Estate Waterfall. Perhaps explore the Wicklow Way a little further. History: John James Bernard (J.B) Malone who was an Irish hill-walking enthusiast was responsible for the establishment of the Wicklow Way in 1966.  The walking route is approximately  131km long, taking 6 days walking to complete. Useful Links: Photo Credits: Bee Sykes

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