Lough Dan Lake
Glacial lake in Wicklow Mountains, scenic valley
Glacial lake in the Wicklow Mountains, reached by narrow upland roads. Popular with hillwalkers and campers, it sits amid steep ridges and moorland suggesting classic Irish mountain walking.
Lough Dan at a Glance#
Address: Lough Dan, Wicklow Mountains, County Wicklow, Ireland
About Lough Dan#
Lough Dan is an upland lake in the Wicklow Mountains of County Wicklow, Ireland, set within a valley of heather moorland and upland forestry. It lies within a scenic mountain catchment and is valued for walking, short hikes and informal water activities.
The lake is visited by walkers following valley paths and by canoeists and anglers where permitted; its shoreline and surrounding slopes form part of wider hillwalking routes in the Wicklow range. Facilities are limited and visits are typically day trips from nearby towns.
The lake occupies a glacially formed valley typical of Wicklow’s upland topography and is framed by ridges and upland slopes. Over time the area has remained largely rural with private estates and public access routes crossing the surrounding land.
Geographically it sits in the western part of the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, Ireland, with local access from minor roads and trails that connect to nearby settlements and mountain walking routes.
- Recreation and access: Accessible by local roads and walking routes, the lake is commonly used for day hikes and light water recreation within the Wicklow Mountains.
How to Get to Lough Dan#
Access by road from the R759 (Sally Gap) or local approaches from nearby towns such as Roundwood; park at marked carparks and follow signposted walking trails into the Lough Dan valley.
Tips for Visiting Lough Dan#
- Many visitors come to Lough Dan as part of the Wicklow Way or lake-circuit walks - use local trailheads and allow a few hours for the area.
- Park at the nearby Carpark on R759 (Sally Gap approach) and follow signposted paths into the valley.
- Early mornings offer good chance of seeing deer and mist over the water; midges may appear in calm weather.
Best Time to Visit Lough Dan#
Visit late spring through early autumn for comfortable walking conditions and clearer weather in the Wicklow Mountains.
Weather & Climate near Lough Dan#
Lough Dan's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1025 mm/year), wettest in December, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 106 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 81 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 2° | 77 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 69 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 7° | 72 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 67 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.1 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 66 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 85 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 9° - 16° | 12° | 90 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 105 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 98 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 109 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
