The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough

The best part of this day trip is how quickly Dublin gives way to wild County Wicklow. You walk above Dublin Bay at Killiney Hill, pass through quiet mountain roads, pause at Lough Tay, and finish among Glendalough’s medieval ruins and two lakes. It is a lot of Ireland in one day, without renting a car.

I like the small coach and the route through Enniskerry, Glencree, and Sally Gap, where large buses cannot easily go. I also like the blend of scenery, history, food, and local flavor: a handmade scone at Avoca, lunch in an Irish pub, and a small whiskey tasting on the ride home. The main drawback is time. Wicklow is broad and beautiful, so some stops can feel short, especially if you want longer walks.

Key points to know

• Killiney Hill opens the day with wide views across Dublin Bay.
• A smaller coach reaches mountain roads beyond the usual bus route.
• Lough Tay, known as Guinness Lake, is one of the day’s great photo stops.
• Glendalough combines a sixth-century monastic site with forest and lake walks.
• Lunch is not included, but you can choose a pub meal or a simpler deli option.
• The day ends with a complimentary taste of Glendalough Irish whiskey.

Why Wicklow makes such a good escape from Dublin

Dublin is easy to enjoy on foot, but its city streets tell only part of the Irish story. Within a short drive, County Wicklow gives you rocky coast, high moorland, mountain valleys, old stone ruins, and small villages. This tour is designed for the visitor who wants that change of scene but does not want the work of driving on unfamiliar roads.

The day lasts about eight and a half hours. That sounds long, but the route keeps changing. You are not parked beside one attraction for half a day. Instead, the coach carries you from the coast to the hills, then into the Glendalough valley.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Patrick is praised for his humor, careful driving, and detailed stories. Ashley is known for linking Irish history with social, political, and environmental subjects. John and Anthony also lead tours, and the exact guide depends on the departure. The best guides turn the coach ride into part of the tour, explaining what you are passing instead of treating the drive as dead time.

The group can reach a maximum of 37 people, though some departures are smaller. That matters on narrow Wicklow roads. A compact coach is easier to manage than a full-size bus, and it lets the company use routes through Enniskerry and Glencree that big coaches generally avoid.

Killiney Hill gives you a strong start

The first stop is Killiney Hill, reached after pickup in central Dublin. You take a short walk for views across Dublin Bay and the coast. At about 40 minutes, this is not a full hike, but it gives you fresh air and a quick sense of the scenery beyond the capital.

I like this opening stop because it puts the city in perspective. You can see the built-up edge of Dublin before the route turns toward the Wicklow Mountains. It also breaks up the morning drive early, which is useful if you prefer a day with some movement rather than hours spent seated.

Wear shoes with a decent grip. The walk is short, but Irish weather can make paths wet. The view depends on the day. Clear weather can open the bay and coastline, while rain and cloud give the hills a softer, more atmospheric look. Do not expect the same conditions on every departure.

Avoca Handweavers is part shopping stop, part morning break

At Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue, you have about 25 minutes. You can look at Irish-made crafts, order coffee, or have a homemade scone at your own expense.

This is not the main attraction of the day. Think of it as a useful pause before the mountain section. The stop gives you a chance to stretch, use facilities, and buy a small local item without spending time searching for a shop in Dublin.

The honest point is that some people find Avoca more of a rest break than a cultural visit. If you are eager to reach the mountains, the short stop may feel secondary. If you enjoy crafts, tea, and a little shopping, it adds a pleasant Irish touch.

Sally Gap shows you the quieter side of Wicklow

After Avoca, the route heads through Enniskerry and Glencree toward Sally Gap. This is where the tour earns its Wild Wicklow name. The coach leaves the main roads and enters a high area of heather, bog, and open mountain ground.

Sally Gap is not a single monument with a ticket booth. Its appeal is the ride itself and the broad views from the road. Your guide provides context as the scenery changes, explaining the geography and local stories while the coach handles the narrow, winding roads.

This section is especially useful if you do not want to drive. Wicklow roads can be unfamiliar, and some vehicles move quickly around bends. A careful driver lets you watch the views instead of concentrating on navigation. Patrick, in particular, receives warm praise for handling the roads safely and calmly.

Mountain weather can shift fast. One January outing had heavy rain in the hills, but the guide adjusted the timing so the group still saw the main sights. Bring a waterproof layer, even if Dublin starts dry. The mountain section can feel much colder and wetter.

Lough Tay, or Guinness Lake, is the day’s signature view

The stop at Lough Tay lasts about 30 minutes. From the viewpoint, you look across the dark lake and surrounding slopes. The shape and color have given it the nickname Guinness Lake, and its dramatic setting has appeared in films and television, including Braveheart, PS I Love You, and Vikings.

This is one of the places where a short stop works. You get time for photographs and a good look at the view without needing a long walk. Still, you should keep an eye on the clock. The tour has several stops to fit into one day, and the coach cannot wait indefinitely for extended photo sessions.

Do not expect to walk around the entire lake. The visit is a viewpoint stop, not a lakeside hike. If you want long, quiet walks in Wicklow, you would need a separate day or a self-drive trip.

Lunch in Laragh gives the day an Irish pub pause

The lunch stop is at Lynhams of Laragh, a traditional Irish pub, for about an hour. Lunch is not included, so you pay for your own meal. The available choice can range from pub food to a deli sandwich, and you can ask the guide about alternatives if a full pub lunch does not suit you.

This is a practical arrangement. You choose what fits your appetite and budget rather than paying for a fixed meal. A pub stop also gives the day a welcome change of pace after the mountain roads. You can sit down, warm up, and have a Guinness or another drink before the final major visit.

An hour is enough for a meal, but it is not a long village break. If you are slow at restaurants, order promptly. Also remember to keep room in your budget for lunch, coffee, or drinks. The advertised price covers the tour and guide, not food.

Glendalough brings nature and medieval Ireland together

Glendalough is the centerpiece of the day. The name means valley of the two lakes, and the setting combines forest, water, and an important early Christian settlement.

The monastic community was founded in the sixth century by St. Kevin. It once included areas for copying manuscripts, an infirmary, guest houses, and other buildings. Today, the Round Tower and remaining stone structures give you a clear sense of the site’s importance, even if much of the original settlement has disappeared.

You receive a guided introduction to the historic area, followed by free time. The stop lasts around 90 minutes, with at least 60 minutes set aside for your own exploring. That is enough to see the principal ruins and take a short walk, but you will need to choose your priorities.

You may walk toward the Upper Lake through ancient forest if conditions and timing suit you. This option is appealing because it lets you step away from the main ruins and see why the valley mattered as a place of retreat. The tradeoff is simple: more time at the lake means less time around the monastic buildings.

I recommend listening carefully during the guide’s introduction, then using your free time for photographs and a short walk. Glendalough rewards slower attention, but this is still a day trip, not a full walking tour. If you want several hours on the trails, book a longer stay in the valley instead.

The coach ride home includes a small local toast

Back on the coach, you receive a complimentary taste of Glendalough Irish whiskey. It is a modest extra, but it gives the day a fitting local finish. The drink is served as the group begins the return journey to Dublin, leaving you time to talk, rest, or simply watch the countryside pass.

The whiskey is a tasting, not a distillery tour. You should not book this expecting a detailed production visit. Its value is in the gesture and the chance to try a local product after seeing where the day’s name and scenery come together.

What the price means at $66.51

At $66.51 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want several Wicklow highlights in one day. The price includes transport in an air-conditioned small coach, a professional guide, the mountain route through Sally Gap and Lough Tay, the Glendalough visit, and the whiskey taste.

You still need to pay for lunch and the Avoca refreshments. That is worth remembering when comparing the tour with alternatives. A self-drive day may look cheaper at first, but you would also take on car hire, fuel, navigation, parking, and the stress of narrow mountain roads. The tour also gives you a guide who can explain the places you pass.

The value is weaker if you want long walks or a slow visit at every stop. The route covers a lot of ground, so the schedule has to keep moving. One of the few fair criticisms is that the day can feel rushed, especially for someone who wants to see more of Wicklow.

Who will enjoy this Wicklow day trip most

I would choose this tour if you have one free day in Dublin and want to see the countryside without renting a car. It suits solo visitors, couples, families, and small groups who want a mix of scenery and history rather than a single long hike.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy learning during the drive. Guides such as Patrick and Ashley are praised for stories about Irish history, geography, geology, politics, and daily life. The commentary can make the long stretches between stops feel purposeful.

You should think twice if you dislike fixed schedules, group transport, or short photo stops. The coach can carry up to 37 people, and an energetic group may make some moments feel less peaceful. Basic courtesy matters here: stay near the guide, respect the marked areas, and do not approach cliff edges or throw objects into the lakes.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can take part, but the itinerary includes a short walk at Killiney Hill and walking around Glendalough. If mobility is a concern, ask the provider before booking about the day’s walking requirements.

Weather, cancellation, and planning tips

Wicklow is weather-dependent, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. Winter departures also need a minimum number of participants, so a confirmed booking can still be canceled if that minimum is not reached. In that case, you are offered another option or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

For the day itself, bring waterproof clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a little spending money for lunch and Avoca. Keep your phone ready at the scenic stops, but do not let photographs make you miss the guide’s explanation or the coach departure time.

Should you book the Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour?

Book it if you want an efficient escape from Dublin with coastal views, mountain scenery, Lough Tay, and Glendalough in one day. The small coach, skilled drivers, and strong guide commentary make it a sensible choice for anyone who does not want to drive.

Skip it if your main goal is serious hiking or a slow, independent exploration of Wicklow. You will see several beautiful places, but you will not have unlimited time at any of them.

For most Dublin visitors with only one free day, I think this is a well-balanced choice. It gives you the coast, the high country, an Irish pub, ancient ruins, and a small whiskey tasting without asking you to organize the transport yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Wild Wicklow tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

You meet the guide and coach at one of the central pickup locations in Dublin. Convenient pickup points are available in the north and south of Dublin city.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can choose from a pub meal or a deli sandwich at the village lunch stop, and you pay for your own food.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Killiney Hill, Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue, Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Lynhams of Laragh, and the Glendalough monastic settlement.

How much free time do I get at Glendalough?

You receive approximately 90 minutes at Glendalough, including at least 60 minutes of free time to explore the monastic site and lakes.

Is the whiskey tasting included?

Yes. A complimentary taste of Glendalough Irish whiskey is provided on the return journey.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 37 people. The tour uses a smaller coach rather than a full-size sightseeing bus.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

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

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another experience or a full refund.