Dublin to Wicklow, Glendalough Small Group Tour with Horse Riding

The most unusual part of this Wicklow day trip is also its best: you trade the tour bus for a horse and ride through fields and woodland near Enniskerry. Then the day shifts gears, taking you past mountain scenery and Guinness Lake to Glendalough’s old monastery and lakes.

I like two things in particular: the small group of no more than eight, which keeps the day personal, and the chance to see Wicklow from horseback before exploring it on foot. You also get round-trip transport from central Dublin, a real help if you don’t have a car.

One thing to weigh is the pace. The day fits in several stops, and Glendalough time can feel short if you want a long walk. Lunch is also at your own expense, and the horse ride is generally a gentle, beginner-friendly trek rather than an advanced riding session.

At a glance: horses, mountain views, and a full day out

• About 1.5 hours in the saddle: Killegar Stables pairs riders with horses and provides helmets and boots.
• An intimate group: The tour has a maximum of eight people, plus a driver-guide.
• A varied Wicklow route: Expect Enniskerry, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Guinness Lake, Sally Gap, and Glendalough.
• A proper day trip: The tour lasts about eight hours, leaving Dublin at 9:20am and returning to the meeting point.
• Bring weather-ready clothes: Jeans are recommended, and a raincoat and water-resistant trousers are useful in wet conditions.
• Plan for lunch and walking: Food is not included, and your time at Glendalough can involve a worthwhile walk to the lakes.

A countryside day that starts in central Dublin

Meet at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street at 9:20am. The pickup is central, but you’ll need to make your own way there. Arriving ten minutes early is sensible: the tour keeps to a schedule, and a late start can affect everyone’s day.

With a maximum of eight people, the group is small enough to make conversation with the guide easier than on a large coach tour. That matters on a route with frequent scenic stops and a fair amount of driving between them. The driver also provides commentary, so the day combines transport with an introduction to Wicklow’s sights and history.

The advertised duration is about eight hours. One group made it back to Dublin around 5pm, though timing can vary with conditions and the day’s schedule. Think of this as a full day away from the city, not a quick countryside add-on.

Killegar Stables: a gentle ride through Wicklow

The main event for many people is the visit to Killegar Stables, just outside Enniskerry. Before setting out, the stable staff assess riders and match them with horses according to size and ability. Helmets and boots are supplied, and the riding portion takes about 1.5 hours.

The route includes fields and woodland. Some of the trail is through woods rather than open mountain scenery, but the quiet pace offers a different way to take in the countryside. Horses are described as calm and sure-footed, and the stable staff explain the basics, making this a practical option if you have little or no riding experience.

Keep your expectations in line with a group trek. The ride is generally at a walk, with only limited trotting mentioned, so it is not designed as an advanced or fast-paced outing. Experienced riders may find the pace modest, but there is still pleasure in seeing the countryside from the saddle. A reported incident involving a loose saddle is a reminder to speak up if anything feels wrong before setting off.

Jeans are recommended. In wet weather, a proper raincoat, water-resistant trousers, and gloves can make the ride more comfortable. One useful clothing detail: tighter-fitting trousers work better with the boots provided. You don’t need to bring riding boots or a helmet.

Enniskerry: a short lunch break in a village square

After the ride, the group stops in Enniskerry for about 45 minutes. This Victorian village is a convenient place to stretch your legs and buy lunch before the mountain drive. Poppies Cafe is recommended for locally produced food and a range of dishes; one visitor particularly liked its Toblerone cake.

Lunch is not included, so budget separately. The break is useful, but it is short. If you like a leisurely meal or want to browse, you may feel pressed for time. This is a scheduled group outing, so it’s best to choose food promptly and keep an eye on the departure time.

Wicklow Mountains and Guinness Lake: the scenic drive

After Enniskerry, the route continues through Wicklow Mountains National Park. The drive is a large part of the day, with scenic stops that let you get out, take photos, and see more than you would from the vehicle window. The mountains offer a striking change from Dublin’s streets, and the open views are a strong counterpoint to the enclosed woodland ride.

Guinness Lake is a brief stop of about 20 minutes. The dark water and pale sand at its edge give it a distinctive look, and the site has appeared in Vikings and Braveheart. You’ll have time for photos and a look around, but not a long walk.

Sally Gap adds another scenic pause, with several stops along the way. The allotted time at the named stop is around 20 minutes. Weather can change the mood of these high, open areas quickly. A wet or windy day may mean less comfortable photo stops, but the route still offers views of Wicklow’s rugged countryside.

Glendalough: monastery, valley, and two lakes

Glendalough is the most historically significant stop and the place where the day’s walking matters most. The sixth-century monastic settlement associated with St Kevin sits in a valley framed by wooded slopes and lakes. You have about 30 minutes at the monastic site, followed by roughly an hour of free time around the upper lake and valley.

That sounds generous until you factor in walking. The lower and upper lakes are not simply one compact viewpoint, and the route from the parking area takes time. One practical approach is to decide what matters most before you set off: the monastic remains, a walk to the Upper Lake, or a longer loop that may include Poulanass Waterfall. A visitor described an easy walk combining the Green Road, Upper Lake, and waterfall, but the available time and your walking pace determine how much you can fit.

This is where the schedule can feel tight. Some people appreciate the chance to stretch their legs and see the valley; others want more time to explore. If Glendalough is your main reason for coming to Wicklow, a dedicated visit may suit you better. On this tour, it is one part of a day that also includes horseback riding and several mountain stops.

Guides, group size, and what the day feels like

The small group gives the trip a more personal feel, but the guide’s style can shape the day. Guides on this route have included Derek, Derrick, Kevin, Linda, and Lisa. People have valued friendly drivers who share stories, give useful directions, and help the group make the most of its time at Glendalough. One guide even accompanied the group to help them find both lakes.

The role is a demanding one: the driver handles the road and gives commentary, while keeping the schedule moving. That can mean the historical detail is more of an overview than a deep account, and the pace may feel brisk at lunch or Glendalough. There has also been a complaint about rude treatment, so no guide’s manner can be guaranteed. If you need extra time or have a question, ask clearly and early.

The trip has a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 522 reviews, and 92% of travelers recommend it. The strongest appeal is consistent: the horse ride, the scenery, and a friendly guide. The less consistent part is how much time you feel you get at each stop.

Is $151.16 good value?

At $151.16 per person, this is more than a simple bus excursion. The price includes round-trip transport from central Dublin, a driver-guide, live commentary, a local guide, and the horseback ride. It also saves you from arranging a stable visit and mountain transport separately.

You still need to pay for lunch and drinks, and the value depends on whether you want both the ride and the sightseeing. If horseback riding is a priority, combining it with Wicklow and Glendalough in one day makes the fare easier to justify. If you only want to see the monastery or spend hours hiking, a tour with more time at Glendalough may be a better use of your money.

Booking about six weeks ahead is typical, so don’t leave it to the last minute if your Dublin dates are fixed. Children must be at least 14 and accompanied by an adult. Riders also need to meet the stated weight limits: up to 15 stone for males and 16 stone for females. The activity calls for moderate physical fitness.

Should you book this Wicklow day trip?

Book it if you want a varied day outside Dublin and are excited by the idea of a calm, scenic horse ride. It suits beginners, couples, outdoor-minded visitors, and anyone who would rather combine riding, a mountain drive, and a short Glendalough walk than organize each part alone.

Skip it if you want a long, unhurried visit to Glendalough, an advanced riding lesson, or a relaxed lunch. The schedule is full, and weather can make the open stops wet or windy. In return, you get a compact introduction to Wicklow, a memorable ride, and transport back to the city without needing to rent a car.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin 2. The scheduled start time is 9:20am, and you should arrive ten minutes early.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about eight hours and ends back at the meeting point in Dublin.

How long do you ride horses?

The riding portion at Killegar Stables is about 1.5 hours.

Is the horse ride suitable for beginners?

The stable assesses riders before the ride and provides instruction. The trek is generally gentle, with walking and limited trotting.

What should I wear for the horse ride?

Jeans are recommended. The stables supply boots and helmets. For wet weather, a raincoat and water-resistant trousers and gloves are useful.

What are the minimum age and weight requirements?

Children must be at least 14 and accompanied by an adult. The stated maximum weight is 15 stone for males and 16 stone for females.

Is lunch included?

No. The group stops in Enniskerry for about 45 minutes, and lunch and drinks are at your own expense.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of eight travelers.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a driver-guide, live commentary, a local guide, and horseback riding in Wicklow.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time.