The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough

This tour is interesting because it strings together Dublin Bay coastline, the Wicklow Mountains National Park, and the monastic ruins of Glendalough in one logical loop, without you needing a car.

I love that the ride is built for comfort and access, using a premium smaller-group coach that can get you beyond the main roads for real viewpoints. I also love the storytelling factor, and guides like Patrick (and other guides you may meet) bring the places to life with history and practical context as you travel.

One consideration: lunch is on your own dime. You can eat Irish pub-style at the lunch stop, or ask for alternative options, but you should still plan for that extra cost.

Quick hits

• Killiney Hill first for early Dublin Bay views and a short, scenic walk
• Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue for Irish crafts, plus coffee or tea if you want it (own expense)
• Sally Gap and Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) for heath and bog scenery, plus famous filming locations
• Glendalough Monastic Settlement with a guided walkthrough, Round Tower, and time to explore the Upper Lake area
• Complimentary Glendalough whiskey taste at the end, before you head back to Dublin
• Small-group cap of 37 with pickup points in north and south Dublin city

Killiney Hill, then straight out of Dublin to start strong

The day starts with a morning pickup in central Dublin, with options across north and south of the city, so you are less likely to waste time crossing town. From there, you head toward the coast and get your first real payoff right away with Killiney Hill.

At Killiney Hill you get a short walk aimed at views over Dublin Bay. It is not a long hiking day, but it is enough to feel like you have escaped the city. This is also a smart warm-up for the rest of the route, because the terrain and wind up top will make the Wicklow Mountains feel even more dramatic later.

Practical tip: come dressed for quick weather swings. Coastal air can be bracing even when the city feels mild. Comfortable walking shoes matter here because it is a walk, not just a viewpoint you stand at.

Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue for crafts and a proper break

After the first scenic stop, the coach heads to Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue. This is one of the best places on the route to buy something you can actually take home, because the focus is on Irish-made, handmade goods.

You get a brief window to either shop or reset with a cafe-style break. The stop is positioned as time to do something simple: grab a coffee and homemade scone, or browse and shop. If you are budgeting tightly, remember that food and tea here are own expense, so decide early if you want the full cafe moment or just a quick look through the shops.

The value of this stop is timing. You are not hungry in the middle of the mountains, and you are not stuck with a rushed shopping stop while everyone is already thinking about lunch. Even if you do not buy much, it is a good chance to see Irish craft culture up close without turning the day into a shopping tour.

Sally Gap and Lough Tay, the Wicklow Mountains you came for

Once you leave Avoca, the route turns more adventurous. You travel through areas such as Enniskerry and Glencree, heading deeper into the Wild Wicklow Mountains than the big, long-route coach options usually can.

The main viewpoint hit here is Sally Gap, inside the Wicklow Mountains National Park. This is where you see the “wild” side of Ireland: heath, bog, and open slopes that look like they go on forever. You get a stop built for photos and a chance to take in the scale, not just a drive-by.

Then comes the star stop: Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake. This is a film location tied to several well-known titles, including Braveheart, PS I Love You, and the TV series Vikings. Whether you recognize the spots from screen or not, the lake is visually striking, and the setting explains why filmmakers keep coming back.

Practical tip: bring a layer for the stops. Even on a clear day, it can feel colder and windier near open upland terrain. Also, keep your camera ready, because the best angles tend to be at the moment you arrive, not after you have walked back to the coach.

Lunch at Lynhams of Laragh, what you’re paying for

After the mountains, you hit the lunch stop at Lynhams of Laragh. This is one of the more flexible parts of the day because you get about an hour for food.

Lunch is not included. The intended plan is pub-style Irish home cooking, with time to sip something creamy like a Guinness. If you are not a pub lunch person, you can ask your guide for information on alternatives, so you are not forced into one option if it does not fit you.

This is the one spot where I recommend you manage expectations. You are not just eating, you are resetting for the long stretch to Glendalough. If you want to keep the day smooth, choose something you can digest comfortably and that does not leave you feeling sluggish for the next part.

Glendalough Monastic Settlement, Round Tower, and the two-lake feel

The final big destination is Glendalough, the glacial valley often described through its two-lake setting. You visit the monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, a place tied to manuscript writing and copying, plus the practical side of monastic life like an infirmary, guest houses, and a monastery.

What makes Glendalough work in a day trip is the pacing. You get a guided tour through key historic sights, including the Round Tower, and then you get at least 60 minutes of free time to wander at your own pace.

That free time matters because Glendalough is not just a museum walk. You can choose how active you want to be. If you feel up for it, you have the option to walk to the Upper Lake, going through ancient forests along the way. You do not need to commit to a long trek for the visit to feel complete, but having the option is a big plus.

Practical tip: for the lakeside paths and any forest walk, wear shoes with solid grip. Weather can change fast here, and wet ground makes footing more important than it looks. Also, pack a small amount of patience. This place rewards slow looking, even when your timeline is tight.

The coach ride back, and a complimentary whiskey taste

After Glendalough, you return by coach to Dublin. The vehicle is a premium smaller-group tour by air-conditioned coach, and the smaller scale matters because you can hear the guide and you often get more interactive storytelling time along the road.

Before you get fully settled for the return trip, there is a complimentary taste of local whiskey from Glendalough. It is not a heavy tasting event. It is more like a small finish to the day, a final nod to the region before you head back to the city.

If you like your Ireland days to end with something memorable and local, this is a good choice. It is also an easy moment to ask your guide questions you did not have time for earlier, since everyone is still together on the coach.

Price and value, including what is extra

At $66.51 per person, this is one of those Dublin day trips that feels priced for value because the cost is tied to the whole package: transport out of the city, guided stops, and entry-included experiences where relevant.

Here is what you generally get for the price:

• A professional Wild Wicklow guide
• A premium smaller-group coach ride designed to reach scenic spots
• The Wicklow Mountains route that includes Sally Gap and Lough Tay
• A guided experience in Glendalough plus significant time to explore on your own
• A complimentary Glendalough Irish whiskey taste at the end

What is extra:

• Lunch is not included, though you eat at the pub lunch stop or choose alternatives if you ask your guide
• At Avoca, coffee or tea and any purchases are own expense

So, if you are comparing this to doing everything by car rental plus parking plus multiple ticketed stops, this pricing often looks fair. You are paying for a smooth plan, local expertise, and access to viewpoints you might not reach without some planning.

Who should book this Wild Wicklow day from Dublin

This is a strong fit if you:

• want Wicklow Mountains National Park highlights without driving yourself
• are excited about Glendalough’s monastic history and scenery around the lakes
• prefer a plan with a guide who talks through what you are seeing as you go
• like the idea of a short walk at Killiney Hill, but you are not looking for a long, strenuous hike

It is also a good option if you are traveling with limited time in Dublin. The total day runs about 8 hours 30 minutes, so you are out long enough to feel like you left the city behind, but not gone so long that the day becomes exhausting.

If you want maximum time to wander each location for hours, this may feel a little structured. The day does include substantial Glendalough time, but most other stops are shorter.

Tips to make the day feel effortless, not rushed

Weather is a real factor on this route. The experience is stated as requiring good weather, and the provider also notes you may be offered another date or a full refund if it has to be canceled due to poor conditions. Even if you do not get a full cancellation, wind and rain can change the mood of upland viewpoints and lake walks.

My practical advice:

• Bring a rain jacket and a warm layer. Mountains and coastal stops can feel colder than you expect.
• Plan for short, timed stops rather than long hangouts at every viewpoint.
• Bring cash or card for lunch at Lynhams of Laragh, since lunch is not included.
• If you care about photos, arrive ready. The best angles at places like Lough Tay happen right when the group stops, not after you finish a snack.

One more tip: this is a group day, and the tone tends to be good when everyone stays aware of others at stops. You want time to enjoy viewpoints and the lakes, so keep phones and cameras friendly, and step aside when people are trying to take pictures.

Should you book this tour to Glendalough?

I think you should book this if your goal is a one-day Ireland hit outside Dublin that mixes scenery and history in a way that feels planned, not complicated. The big wins are the pairing of Sally Gap and Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) with Glendalough’s guided monastic visit, plus the finishing touch of the Glendalough whiskey taste.

Skip it or think twice if you do not want to pay for lunch on the day, or if you hate structured stop timing and want hours and hours to linger in just one place. If that is your travel style, you might prefer a self-drive plan or a longer stay in Wicklow.

For most people doing Dublin for the first time, this is one of the simplest ways to see the Wicklow Mountains and still feel like you had a real day out.

FAQ

How long is the Wild Wicklow tour including Glendalough?

The tour runs about 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What stops does the tour include?

You visit Killiney Hill, Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue, Sally Gap and Lough Tay (Guinness Lake), a pub lunch stop at Lynhams of Laragh, and the Glendalough Monastic Settlement.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. The tour uses a pub lunch option, and alternatives may be available if you ask your guide. You can also find deli sandwich options at the village lunch stop.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Does the price include entry or tastings?

You get a complimentary taste of Glendalough Irish whiskey. The tour also includes guided time at Glendalough and stops like Sally Gap and Lough Tay as part of the tour experience. Lunch is not included.

Where are the pickup points in Dublin?

Pickup points are available in both north and south of Dublin city, and the tour is near public transportation.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size is 37 travelers.