The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough

Wicklow gives you a striking change of pace from Dublin: one moment you’re looking across Dublin Bay, and later you’re among the heather-covered slopes and lakes of the mountains. This guided day trip pairs that scenery with the early Christian site at Glendalough, without asking you to drive unfamiliar country roads.

I like two things in particular: the route reaches viewpoints beyond the main roads, and the day balances short walks with relaxed time at Glendalough. Guides such as Patrick and Ashley are often praised for combining Irish history with humor and practical care.

One consideration: it is a full day, but not a slow one. The schedule gives you about 90 minutes at Glendalough, and some people wish they had more time to walk around the valley.

The day at a glance

• Start with a view over Dublin Bay: A short walk at Killiney Hill opens the day with coastal scenery.
• Travel the narrower Wicklow roads: The small coach can take a route through Enniskerry and Glencree that large coaches cannot.
• See Sally Gap and Lough Tay: Expect open mountain views, heather and bog, plus a stop at the lake known as Guinness Lake.
• Leave room in your budget for lunch: The pub meal, coffee, scone and any Avoca purchases cost extra.
• Walk through Glendalough’s monastic remains: A guided introduction is followed by free time, including the option to walk toward the Upper Lake.
• Expect changing weather: Rain and cold are possible in the mountains, and the schedule may be adjusted to suit conditions.

From Dublin Bay to the Wicklow Mountains

The trip begins at one of the central Dublin pickup locations, with options in the north and south of the city. Once aboard the air-conditioned coach, you leave the city and head along the coast toward Killiney Hill. This first stop makes a useful transition: Dublin is still close, but the bay and open views begin to put the city behind you.

Allow about 40 minutes for the stop, including a short walk to take in the view. It is not a demanding hike, but you will be on foot, so wear shoes that feel steady outdoors. This early outing is a good reason not to treat the day as a coach ride with no walking at all.

After Killiney, the route turns inland toward Wicklow. The drive itself is part of the appeal. A guide can point out local history and places along the way, while you can watch the setting shift from coast to country. Several guides, including Patrick, Ashley, John, Anthony and Niall, have earned praise for making the ride informative and entertaining, not just filling the miles.

Avoca Handweavers: a short stop, not a full visit

At Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue, you have about 25 minutes. You can browse Irish handmade goods or pause for coffee and a homemade scone, both at your own expense. It is a brief taste of traditional craft and a convenient break before the mountain drive.

Keep your expectations in scale with the time available. This is not a long visit to a workshop or a dedicated craft tour. Some people find it functions mainly as a rest stop, so it is most worthwhile if you want a quick browse, a snack or a look at the goods.

From Avoca, the coach continues through Enniskerry and Glencree, then farther into the Wicklow Mountains. The smaller vehicle matters here: the route is described as using roads that large tour coaches cannot take. That brings you away from the main-road approach and into the quieter mountain scenery that gives the day its name.

Sally Gap and Lough Tay: Wicklow’s open country

At Sally Gap, the upper slopes are covered in heather and bog. The stop lasts around 30 minutes, with time for views and photographs. The scenery feels broad and spare, a sharp contrast with Dublin’s streets and the more enclosed green lanes below.

Lough Tay, often called Guinness Lake, is a major feature of this part of the route. The lake and its setting have appeared in Braveheart, P.S. I Love You and the television series Vikings. Film connections add a bit of trivia, but the place is worth seeing for its mountain setting, even if you have never watched those productions.

Weather can change the feel of this stop. One visitor described heavy rain and cold in the mountains, while still finding the day worthwhile because the guide adjusted the timing. Pack a waterproof layer and warm clothing, even if Dublin looks mild when you leave. The views can be impressive in rain, but you may spend less time lingering outside if conditions turn rough.

Lunch in Laragh: plan to pay separately

The group stops for about an hour at Lynhams of Laragh, a traditional Irish pub. Lunch is not included in the tour price. Pub food is one option, and a deli sandwich is available in the village for anyone who would prefer something lighter or faster. You can also ask the guide about alternatives.

This hour gives the day a useful pause before Glendalough. A pub meal and a pint of Guinness can make lunch part of the Irish countryside experience, but you do not need to order a full meal to take advantage of the stop. Bring some spending money and decide once you know what suits your appetite.

The timing is practical, though it does mean the day has several scheduled stops rather than long stretches to explore at your own pace. If you prefer to linger over lunch, keep an eye on the return time and follow the guide’s instructions about when to rejoin the coach.

Glendalough: ruins, lakes and limited free time

Glendalough means the valley of the two lakes. Its monastic settlement was founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin and once included a monastery, guest houses, an infirmary and spaces for writing and copying manuscripts. Today, the surviving remains offer a tangible introduction to early Irish religious life.

A guide takes you around several historic sites, including the Round Tower, then you have free time to explore on your own. The total stop is about 90 minutes. That is enough to see the main historic area and get a feel for the valley, but it is not enough for every possible walk at a leisurely pace.

You can use your free time to walk toward the Upper Lake through ancient forest. This is the best choice if you want more of the natural setting, but be realistic about the clock and your pace. If you would rather stay near the main ruins, you can spend the time there instead. The flexibility is welcome, though the short window is the clearest drawback for anyone who wants a long lakeside walk.

The historic site and the landscape work well together. The ruins give the valley a human story, while the lakes and woodland show why people have long been drawn to this place. I’d give the guide’s introduction your attention, then use the independent time to focus on whichever part interests you most.

The ride back, with a whiskey taste

After Glendalough, you return to the coach for the trip back to Dublin. The tour includes a complimentary taste of Glendalough Irish whiskey. It is a small final extra, not a substitute for a distillery visit or a full tasting, but it makes a pleasant end to a day spent in the area.

The drive also gives you room to rest after a busy schedule. Several people value this kind of organized day because it removes the need to rent a car and handle unfamiliar roads. That is a real benefit in Wicklow, where narrow routes and mountain weather can make driving more work than it looks on a map.

What the $66.51 price covers

At $66.51 per person, the fare includes transport in an air-conditioned small coach, a professional guide, the Wicklow route through Sally Gap and Lough Tay, at least 60 minutes of free time at Glendalough, and the whiskey taste. Pickup points in both the north and south of central Dublin make the start more convenient.

The price does not include lunch, coffee, a scone or purchases at Avoca. Budget for those separately. The main value is not a long list of included extras; it is getting a full day of varied stops, local commentary and access to roads that are less suitable for large coaches, without taking on the job of driving.

The group size is capped at 37, though some departures may be smaller. A smaller group can make it easier to hear the guide and get moving between stops, but this is still a shared coach trip, not a private outing. The average booking is made about 31 days ahead, so consider reserving early if your Dublin dates are fixed.

Who will enjoy this Wicklow day trip

This is a good fit if you have one day to spare in Dublin and want to see both mountain scenery and an important historic site. It suits people who prefer having transport and a guide arranged, and who are content with a mix of short walks, coach time and scheduled stops.

It is also a strong choice if you like stories along the way. Guides such as Patrick, Ashley and John are repeatedly praised for their accounts of Irish history and local life, as well as for keeping the group engaged. One guide even helped take photos for a couple, and visitors have appreciated the care shown in driving the mountain roads safely.

You may prefer a different plan if you want a long hike, many hours beside the lakes or the freedom to stop whenever a view catches your eye. The tour covers several places in one day, so it trades depth at any single stop for variety. Keep an open mind about the weather, too. The mountain views are not guaranteed sunshine views, and a wet day can call for an adjusted schedule.

Most people can participate, but do remember that the day includes walking at Killiney Hill and time outdoors at the stops. The experience is offered in English. Winter departures require a minimum number of participants; if that minimum is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a convenient, well-paced introduction to Wicklow’s coast, mountain roads and Glendalough, without driving yourself. Its strongest points are the route beyond the main roads, the variety of scenery and the guides’ storytelling. Just budget extra for lunch and Avoca, dress for mountain weather, and go in knowing that Glendalough’s free time is limited. If that balance suits you, this is a practical way to trade a day in the city for a day in the Irish countryside.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours and 30 minutes, including the return trip to Dublin.

What is the price?

The listed price is $66.51 per person. Lunch, coffee, a scone and purchases at Avoca are extra.

Is lunch included?

No. The group stops at Lynhams of Laragh for about an hour. Pub lunch and a deli sandwich are available at your own expense.

How much time do I get at Glendalough?

The stop lasts about 90 minutes. It includes a guided visit to historic sites and free time to explore, with the option to walk toward the Upper Lake.

Is the whiskey included?

Yes. The tour includes a complimentary taste of Glendalough Irish whiskey on the return journey.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 37 participants. Some groups may be smaller.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the tour is cancelled because of weather or low numbers?

If poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If a winter departure is cancelled because the minimum number of participants is not met, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.