The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough

A long day in the wilds starts just outside Dublin. This 8.5-hour tour takes you from city coast views to the Wicklow Mountains, then into the monastic valley of Glendalough, with stops that most people never reach without a car. I especially loved the small-group coach ride and the way the guide, like Patrick, keeps the scenery moving with practical stories and clear timing. You do have one trade-off to plan for: lunch is own expense, so you will want to budget for a pub meal or a deli sandwich.

What makes the day feel worth it is the mix of viewpoints and guided time. You get a short walk up Killiney Hill for Dublin Bay views, a curated pass through wild Wicklow routes, and then guided Glendalough time plus free exploring. My other favorite part was the guided stop at Glendalough Monastic Settlement, including the Round Tower and a real chance to wander by the lakes.

Possible drawback? If weather turns rainy in the mountains, you may spend more time in viewpoints or under shelter than you hoped. The good news is the guide can adjust pacing, like Patrick did when conditions were rough.

Key things to know before you go

• A smaller-group coach (max 37) keeps the day feeling organized, with room to actually enjoy each stop.
• Killiney Hill first thing gives you Dublin Bay views early, before the rest of the day fills up.
• Sally Gap and Lough Tay take you into high country with heather and bog, then to Guinness Lake filming territory.
• A less common route through Enniskerry and Glencree helps you see parts of Wicklow that big coaches may not reach.
• Minimum 60 minutes at Glendalough gives you time for both the guided highlights and a slow walk among the two lakes.
• Glendalough whiskey taster at the end is included, plus you can sample locally where it fits your taste.

Getting out of Dublin: the route, the pace, and why it matters

This tour is designed for people who want Ireland’s countryside without a rental car headache. You start with a meet-up at convenient central pickup points in Dublin, then you head out in an air-conditioned coach with a small group.

The pacing is one of the real strengths. The day is built around short, focused walks plus longer photo and viewing stops. That means you are not stuck sitting for hours with nothing to do, and you also are not sprinting between attractions every ten minutes.

It also helps that the driving route is chosen to get you farther off the main roads. You go through places like Enniskerry and Glencree, then into deeper Wicklow country and Sally Gap, which is a big part of why the scenery feels more wild than “tour bus scenic.”

If you like a guide who actually talks, this tour can be a lot of fun. Guides such as Patrick and Ashley are repeatedly noted for keeping things entertaining, with history and geography that make the landscapes easier to understand while you ride.

Killiney Hill and the Dublin Bay coast walk

Your first stop is Killiney Hill, where you get a short walk with dramatic views over Dublin Bay. This is the moment that frames the whole day, because you start with water and cliffs near the city, then gradually climb into mountains and bog farther south.

What I like about starting here is timing. You get your legs moving early, and the views are often the clearest when you are fresh rather than at the end of a long travel day.

Practical note: it is a walk, so wear shoes with decent grip, even if it is not a long distance. The views are the point, so you will want to pace yourself for photos and a slow look around.

Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue: crafts, tea, and a real breather

Next you roll into the Avoca Handweavers stop in Kilmacanogue. This is not just a quick look. It is a proper break with time to browse Irish crafts and handmade goods, plus the chance to sit down for something warm like tea, coffee, and a scone.

I like this stop because it balances the natural scenery with everyday Irish culture. You are not forced into shopping, but you can pick up small, giftable items that feel tied to the place, not mass-produced souvenirs.

One consideration: anything food and drinks related at this stop is own expense. The tour includes the time and the opportunity, but you still pay for your tea or coffee.

The Wicklow Mountains route via Enniskerry and Glencree

Between Avoca and the high country, you head through Enniskerry and Glencree on routes larger coach tours may not take. This matters because it changes what you see through the windows, and it helps you feel like you are genuinely traveling through Wicklow, not just arriving at a highlight list.

You should expect a steady rise into more open, rugged terrain. Heather, boggy patches, and long views start to dominate. Even before you reach the main scenic stops, you can feel the landscape shift.

It is also a good time to ask questions. If your guide is like Patrick or John, you can get quick answers about what you are seeing, where to look next, and why the area looks the way it does.

Sally Gap and Lough Tay, the Guinness Lake

This is one of the most memorable parts of the itinerary. You enter Wicklow Mountains National Park and head to Sally Gap, with time to view upper slopes covered in heather and bog.

Then comes Lough Tay, often called the Guinness Lake. It is known as a film location, and it really does have that still, dramatic look that makes it feel like a set.

Why this stop works: it is scenic variety. You get a high-country view that shows scale and texture, then a lake view that feels iconic. You can also take photos from different angles in the time you have, which helps if the light changes quickly.

Weather reality check: in Wicklow, you can go from soft mist to hard rain without warning. If it is wet, you might spend more time under shelter or moving carefully between viewpoints. The good sign is that guides can adapt the timing so the day still feels complete, even when visibility is not perfect.

Lunch at a traditional Irish pub near Laragh

Lunch is your only built-in food moment, but it is not included in the price. You visit a traditional Irish pub in the Laragh area for lunch, and you pay on your own.

The advantage here is convenience. You do not need to pack food, and the lunch stop is placed at a point in the day when you are likely ready for a sit-down meal. It also gives you a taste of the Irish pub vibe, plus you can keep the whiskey theme going if that suits you.

The tour is also flexible if a pub meal is not your thing. You can ask your guide for alternative options, such as a deli sandwich, depending on what is available.

Glendalough: guided monastery sights plus time to wander the lakes

Glendalough is the reason many people book this day trip, and it earns its reputation. The tour takes you into the glacial valley known as the valley of the two lakes, with a focus on the monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin.

You get a guided tour through key historic features, including the Round Tower. The guide also connects the site to the broader idea of Ireland’s early monastic life, including places used for manuscripts and copying, plus other parts of the monastic complex like infirmary and guest areas.

Then you get time on your own. Minimum free time is listed as 60 minutes, and this is when the valley shifts from “tour stop” to “place you can actually feel.” If you want to walk toward the upper lake, you can. If you prefer to sit and take in the setting, you can do that too.

A smart way to plan your time in Glendalough is to start with what you care about most during the guided portion, then use your free time for whichever part calls you back. If you love photos, you might want to spend the free time near the lakes. If you care more about history, you might use the time for slower walking around the stonework and viewpoints.

The included whiskey taster at the end of the day

After you wrap up at Glendalough, you head back toward Dublin. The tour includes a complimentary taster of Glendalough Irish whiskey.

It is a small extra, but it feels like a good finish because it ties into the day’s theme. You are leaving a valley linked to Glendalough, then you get a sip that feels local and earned, not random.

If you do not drink alcohol, you can still enjoy the pause and the story that might come with it. Just remember it is a taster, not a meal.

Comfort and small details that make the day easier

This is a premium smaller-group tour using a luxurious air-conditioned coach. With a maximum of 37 travelers, it typically feels more manageable than the big mass tours that can feel like a conveyor belt.

You also get convenient pickup points in north and south Dublin, which matters if you are not staying right in the city center. The day starts with clear meet-up instructions, and once you are on the road you get regular stops where people can stretch, take photos, and regroup.

One more practical note: bring layers. Wicklow can be chilly even when Dublin feels mild. A light rain jacket is worth it because the mountains can turn damp quickly.

Price and value: what $66.51 buys you for 8.5 hours

At $66.51 per person, the price is not only paying for transport. You are also paying for the guide-led narration and the structured access to multiple major sights outside Dublin.

Here is what you are really getting for the money:

• Full-day coach transport from Dublin with a route that takes you beyond the main roads
• Included stops at Killiney Hill, Avoca Handweavers, Sally Gap and Lough Tay, and Glendalough
• Guided Glendalough monastery time plus free exploring time
• A complimentary Glendalough whiskey taster
• A small-group experience on an air-conditioned coach

The one thing you still need to budget is lunch, since it is own expense. But that is also part of the flexibility, since you can choose a pub meal or alternative options like a deli sandwich if you prefer.

If you already know you want to see Wicklow and Glendalough in one day without driving, this price can feel fair, especially compared with the cost of renting a car for a day plus parking plus fuel.

Who this tour fits best

This day trip is a strong fit if:

• you do not want to drive in Ireland, but still want countryside views that feel real
• you like a good guide who connects history and geography to what you see from the road
• you want both viewpoint time and a meaningful guided experience at Glendalough
• you prefer a smaller group, with less waiting and more movement

It may feel less ideal if you want a very long, slow hike in one location. The itinerary is full, and you get time to enjoy, but not a multi-hour trek. You get a walk at Killiney Hill and the option to walk toward the upper lake at Glendalough, but the day is designed for variety, not one big hike.

Should you book Wild Wicklow with Glendalough?

Yes, if your goal is one day that checks the big boxes without car stress. The itinerary makes sense: coast views at Killiney Hill, a culture pause at Avoca, the high-country drama at Sally Gap and Lough Tay, and then Glendalough with guided sights plus real time to explore the lakes.

I would especially book it if you care about the guide part, because guides like Patrick, Ashley, and John are often praised for keeping the day interesting and well organized, even when weather changes the plan.

Hold off if you are only interested in one or two places and hate structured schedules. This is not a “wander until you feel like it” day. It is more like a carefully paced best-of Wicklow sampler, with time built in for enjoying each stop.

FAQ

How long is the Wild Wicklow tour from Dublin?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price listed is $66.51 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is an own expense pub meal at the lunch stop, and alternative options like a deli sandwich are available if you prefer.

What is included besides the sightseeing?

You get a professional guide, travel by air-conditioned smaller coach, a complimentary Glendalough whiskey taster at the end, and guided time at Glendalough plus minimum 60 minutes free time there.

Do I get time to explore Glendalough on my own?

Yes. The tour includes guided monastery sights and then free time to explore, with a minimum of 60 minutes.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 37 travelers.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded. If minimum traveler numbers are not met, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.