Pollaphuca Reservoir Reservoir

Poulaphouca Reservoir, commonly called Blessington Lakes, is a large man-made lake on the River Liffey in Leinster, Ireland. It sits in the Wicklow/Kildare area and is a major freshwater storage and hydroelectric site for the region.

The lake was formed in the 20th century by damming the River Liffey to provide water supply and hydroelectric generation. The impoundment changed local land use by flooding low-lying areas and creating the present shoreline used for recreation.

The reservoir lies southwest of Dublin near the town of Blessington in eastern Ireland, occupying a broad valley where the River Liffey was impounded.

• Viewpoints: Best light for photos is in the late afternoon when the low sun picks out the shoreline and islands.
• Alternate name and function: The reservoir is often referred to locally as Blessington Lakes and serves both recreation and water-supply/hydropower functions for the region.

What to See#

• Poulaphouca Dam: The dam that impounds the reservoir and its hydroelectric plant sit at the western end of the lake and are the primary built features for visitors to view.
• Blessington Lakes: The area known as Blessington Lakes refers to the reservoir and surrounding shoreline popular for day trips and scenic drives from nearby towns.

• By car: Poulaphouca (Pollaphuca) Reservoir is reached from Dublin in roughly 35-45 km depending on start point - take the M50 southbound then follow the N81 west/southwest toward Blessington. From Blessington town follow local roads (R758/R759) to scenic parking and shore viewpoints.

• By public transport / on foot: Regular commuter and regional buses run from Dublin (via Tallaght) to Blessington; from Blessington village the main lakeshore viewpoints and trails are typically a 1-3 km walk along local roads and minor tracks.

• Visit early on weekday mornings to avoid heavy weekend traffic from Dublin and to enjoy calmer water for photography and fishing.
• Park in Blessington village and follow the marked lakeside paths of the Blessington/Poulaphouca Greenway to reach scenic viewpoints without driving around the reservoir.
• Explore quieter stretches of the eastern shoreline away from the main car parks for better vistas of the Wicklow hills that many day-trippers miss.