From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour

Glendalough’s stone monastery sits in a quiet valley beneath the Wicklow Mountains, and this day trip pairs it with a stop in medieval Kilkenny. In nine hours, you move from mountain scenery and lakeside paths to narrow city lanes, with a guide linking the places through Irish history and folklore.

I like the variety: you get time outdoors at Glendalough, a short mountain photo stop and a guided introduction to Kilkenny. I also like that the coach ride is part of the experience, with guides sharing stories along the way. The main drawback is the full day on a fixed schedule, so neither Glendalough nor Kilkenny gets unlimited time.

• Glendalough’s monastery and lakes give you a close look at a historic settlement in a striking mountain valley.
• A 2.5-kilometre optional walk leads from the Lower Lake toward the Upper Lake and returns by boardwalk.
• The Wicklow Gap stop lasts about 10 minutes, enough for photos and a quick look at the mountain views.
• Kilkenny combines a guided walk with free time, so you can explore lanes, find lunch or see the castle from outside.
• Guides bring the drive to life with Irish history, folklore, songs and humour. Guides on this route have included Pat, Teresa, Mac and Philip, though who leads your departure can vary.

A day out from Dublin, with three different stops

This trip is a good choice if you want to see more than Dublin without arranging transport between several destinations. You leave from central Dublin by coach, visit Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains, then spend time in Kilkenny before returning to the city.

The balance is its strength. Glendalough gives you nature and early religious history; the Wicklow Gap adds a mountain viewpoint; and Kilkenny brings you back to streets, shops and a castle. It is not a hiking tour or a deep visit to any one site. Think of it as a broad introduction to Ireland beyond the capital.

The day lasts about nine hours, including the coach rides. The stated journey to Glendalough takes around 1.5 hours, while the return leg from the final stop is listed at about two hours. Traffic and the day’s pace may affect how the time feels, but expect a substantial amount of sitting between walks.

Meeting the coach near The Spire

The meeting point is the Collins bus near the front of Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, about a three-minute walk from the Spire. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own route to the start and arrive with time to spare.

The published route names College Green as the finish, while the meeting information says the tour returns to its starting point. Check your booking confirmation for the exact drop-off location. That small detail matters if you have dinner plans or a connection to make after a long day.

The coach has Wi-Fi and USB charging points, useful for checking maps, messaging home or keeping your phone ready for photos. Food and drinks are not allowed on board, so plan to eat during the stops rather than on the drive.

Glendalough: monastery, valley and lake paths

Glendalough is the emotional centre of the day for many people. The name means valley of two lakes, and the monastic settlement sits in a mountain setting that feels far removed from Dublin. Your guide introduces the site and its history, then you have time to explore at your own pace.

The included walking tour gives you context for what you are seeing. It helps turn a collection of old stone buildings into a place with a story, while still leaving room to wander, take photographs or pause at a local café. You do not need to choose between a guided visit and independent time.

If you want more exercise, take the route from the Lower Lake toward the Upper Lake. The walk is about 2.5 kilometres, with a return via boardwalk, and leads farther into the valley. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the path option is best for anyone comfortable walking on uneven outdoor routes.

Time here is valuable, but it is still a scheduled stop within a day trip. If you like to linger at historic sites or walk at a slow pace, you may wish you had longer. Decide in advance whether the monastery, the lake walk or a café break matters most, rather than trying to fit everything in.

Through the Wicklow Mountains to the Gap

After Glendalough, the coach continues through the Wicklow Mountains. The guide talks about the region’s geology and history, so the drive is more than a transfer between stops. You also pass places associated with the films P.S. I Love You and Braveheart, a light extra for anyone who enjoys seeing familiar screen locations in their real setting.

The Wicklow Gap stop is brief, around 10 minutes. Treat it as a photo break and a chance to take in the broad mountain views, not a walk or a chance to explore the area. If the weather is changeable, keep your jacket handy and be ready to make the most of the short pause.

This is one of the day’s most scenic stretches, but it is experienced largely from the coach. The tour suits you if you want to see the mountains without organising a separate hike or rental car. If your priority is spending hours on mountain trails, this route offers only a taste.

Kilkenny: medieval lanes and a castle stop

Kilkenny shifts the mood again. After the open mountain views, you arrive in a compact city of narrow lanes and historic buildings, with time for a guided walk and independent exploring. The guided portion helps you get oriented; the free time lets you choose between browsing, eating or focusing on the castle area.

Kilkenny Castle is a major landmark, but admission is not included. You can admire the exterior and spend time on the grounds, where a picnic is an option, or use your free time for a local pub or another meal. The tour does not include lunch, and the guide can point out possible places to eat.

This stop offers a useful choice: pay for castle entry if you want to go inside, or keep costs down and use your time for the city streets and a meal. The trade-off is time. Kilkenny is the final main stop, but the day’s schedule means you will have a limited window rather than a full city visit. One traveller wanted longer here, a fair point if you like taking your time in historic towns.

The guide can make the long drive feel shorter

The guide’s storytelling is a central part of this trip. Guides on different departures have included Pat, Teresa, Mac, Philip and Brian. Names are not guaranteed, but the style described across this route includes Irish history, local folklore, humour and, at times, songs on the bus.

That matters because there are long stretches between stops. A good guide gives you useful context before you arrive and keeps the drive engaging without turning the day into a lecture. People have also valued guides who check in with the group and make space for questions. If you enjoy learning through stories, the commentary adds real value.

There is a separate driver as well as a guide on some departures. The driver’s role is especially important on a day that includes mountain roads and a full coach itinerary. The experience depends on both people keeping the schedule moving while making the trip feel welcoming.

Is $45 good value?

At $45 per person, the price includes round-trip coach transportation, an English-speaking guide, and walking tours at Glendalough and Kilkenny. Wi-Fi and USB charging points are also available on board. For a day that links three destinations without requiring you to rent a car or plan separate transport, that is a useful package.

The price does not include lunch or entry to Kilkenny Castle. Keep those extras in mind when working out your day’s budget. You can bring your own food for the stops, but you cannot eat or drink it on the vehicle; alternatively, buy lunch in Kilkenny or use the suggested picnic option near the castle grounds.

The value is strongest if you want a guided overview and appreciate having transport handled for you. It is less suited to someone who wants a long hike, extensive time inside the castle or an unhurried visit to every stop. With 9 hours covering travel and three distinct places, the tour makes efficient use of a day, but it cannot replace several days in the region.

What to bring and who should book

Bring comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the weather. Conditions can change, and the outdoor portions are a core part of the day. A light layer you can take on and off is practical, especially for the short mountain stop.

This tour works well for a first visit to Ireland, a Dublin stay of more than a day, or anyone who wants scenery and history without driving. It is also a sensible choice if you enjoy guided commentary but want some free time at each main stop. Children under three are not suited to the activity, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The schedule is fixed, so keep evening plans flexible. The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check available departure times before booking.

Should you book this Wicklow and Kilkenny day trip?

Book it if you want one well-rounded day beyond Dublin, with a monastery, mountain views and a medieval city in the same itinerary. The guides’ storytelling, the choice to walk or take it easy at Glendalough, and the independent time in Kilkenny all help the day feel more personal than a simple coach transfer.

Skip it if you want to spend most of the day hiking or give Kilkenny a long, independent visit. For $45, it is a strong-value introduction to the countryside and two historic places, provided you are comfortable with a full day, coach travel and short stops.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about nine hours, including transportation and stops. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where does the tour start?

Meet the Collins bus near the front of Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, about a three-minute walk from the Spire.

Where does the tour finish?

The route details name College Green as the finish, while the meeting information says the tour returns to the starting point. Check your booking confirmation for the exact drop-off location.

What is included in the price?

Round-trip transportation, an English-speaking tour guide, walking tours of Glendalough and Kilkenny, Wi-Fi and USB charging points on board are included.

Is lunch included?

No. You have free time for lunch in Kilkenny, where you can buy food or bring your own. Food and drinks are not allowed on the vehicle.

Is Kilkenny Castle entry included?

No. Entry to Kilkenny Castle is not included in the tour price.

How long is the optional walk at Glendalough?

The walk from the Lower Lake toward the Upper Lake and back via a boardwalk is about 2.5 kilometres.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the weather.