Sally Gap is one of the finest drives of Ireland
Sally Gap is a mountain pass at an elevation of 500m (1,640ft) above the sea level, located in County Wicklow, a region south of Dublin in Ireland.
Can you drive Sally Gap?
Set high in the Wicklow Mountains, the iconic road to the summit (Bearnas na Diallaite in Irish Gaelic), is totally paved. It’s called R759. The road was built after the Irish rebellion of 1798 by British Army forces looking to flush rebels from the hills.
How long is the Sally Gap?
The road is 25.4 km (15.78 miles) long, running south-east to north-west through the Sally from the R755 near Roundwood in East Wicklow to the N81 in West Wicklow.
Is the Sally Gap closed?
This winding, twisting feat of engineering is usually open all year round. In winter it is often dangerous or impassable due to snow and ice as it is not treated by the Local Authority. It can be prone to extremely cold weather conditions.
When was the road to Sally Gap built?
Tucked away on the eastern part of the country, the first road through the summit was built in 1798 by British Army forces, hence the name the Military Road. Since its construction, it has become an important route across the Wicklow Mountains.
How long does it take to drive Sally Gap?
Plan about 50 minutes to complete the drive without any stop. Allow at least twice this for stops along the way. The drive is definitely worth it, with spectacular views of the surrounding blanket bog and the Wicklow Mountains. Sally Gap is one of two east-to-west passes across the Wicklow Mountains and the narrow road running through it passes above the dark waters of Lough Tay and Lough Dan. The road provides views of some of Ireland’s most filmed scenery.