From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour

This is a fun day out because you get a whole bunch of Ireland in one sweep, Wicklow Mountains views, Glendalough monastery, and then medieval Kilkenny. I like how the day is paced with guided time plus room to breathe, take photos, and choose your own lunch. I also like that the tour includes story-driven explanations on the drive, not just stop-and-go sightseeing.

One possible drawback is that it is a long day with walking options, so you’ll want comfortable shoes and realistic expectations about how much time you get at each place. If you cannot do uneven ground or longer lake trails, Glendalough may feel like “see it from the base” rather than “do everything.”

Key things to know before you go

• Glendalough lakes and monastery walking: a guided monastic visit plus optional hikes to the Upper Lake and a boardwalk route.
• Wicklow Gap photo stop: quick, high-impact views on the way between mountains and town.
• Movie-location driving routes: you may spot places tied to P.S. I Love You and Braveheart while traveling.
• Kilkenny on your terms: free time for narrow lanes, shops, and lunch choices, with an optional guided city tour.
• Castle access is not included: you can picnic on the grounds, but Kilkenny Castle entry costs extra if you want inside.
• Comfort on the road: round-trip coach travel includes onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging points.

From Dublin to three big hits in one day

This trip works best if you want a single day that feels like a mini road trip. You start in Dublin, then the coach heads south into County Wicklow, where the scenery turns into open countryside and steep hills. After Glendalough, you continue through the Wicklow Mountains region before finishing in the medieval streets of Kilkenny.

The flow matters. You get a guided experience in the two anchor towns and valleys (Glendalough and Kilkenny), then you get breaks that keep the day from feeling like nonstop school trips. On some departures, the guide’s style can be very story-forward, with lots of humor mixed into the driving commentary, which makes the long road time feel shorter.

Meeting at the Gresham and settling into the coach

You meet at the Collins bus near the front of Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. The location is convenient to find, about a 3-minute walk from the Spire, so it’s easier than hunting for a random street corner on the edge of town.

Once everyone boards, you’re on a luxury-style coach with Wi-Fi onboard and USB charging points. That sounds like a small detail, but it helps a lot if you want to keep your phone charged for maps and photos. One rule to note: no food and drinks are allowed in the vehicle, so plan for snacks outside the coach during your breaks.

Also, this is not a “pick you up at your hotel door” kind of tour. The meeting point is fixed, so you’ll want to budget time to get there and arrive a bit early, not right at the start time.

Glendalough monastery and the lakes: the valley plan that works

Glendalough is the part of the day that most people remember. The site is built around the monastic settlement in the valley, and the place has that rare feeling where history and scenery overlap naturally. You start with a walking tour of Glendalough, which is the best way to make sense of what you’re looking at.

The monastic walk

The guided portion helps you connect the visible remains to what the valley meant in earlier centuries. Even if you do not consider yourself a big-history person, this is one of those settings where a guide’s explanations help you see more than just stones and ruins.

You also get free time afterward. That matters because Glendalough is the sort of place where you want a slow moment, to sit near the lakes or duck into a café. If you prefer to keep moving, you can use the free time to continue along trails rather than waiting for the group to move on.

Optional hike: Lower Lake to Upper Lake (and a boardwalk)

For the more adventurous, you can opt to hike toward the Upper Lake and return via a boardwalk route, about 2.5 km. The description is important because it tells you the effort level is manageable for many adults, but it is still a proper walk.

The usual path mentioned goes past the Lower Lake through a nature trail that leads deeper into the valley. The Upper Lake tends to be where the views feel most open and memorable, and the boardwalk return is a nice touch for anyone who wants a route that feels a bit easier on the footing.

Practical tip: if the weather is wet, boardwalk sections can still be slick. Wear shoes with solid grip, and plan to spend at least part of your “optional” time there, not just a quick look.

Wicklow Mountains National Park: Wicklow Gap and the movie-road drive

After Glendalough, the coach heads into the Wicklow Mountains area. The guide provides commentary along the way, with explanations tied to geology and local history. This is where you learn how the region formed and why the valleys and slopes look the way they do.

Wicklow Gap: the short stop that delivers big views

There’s a 10-minute photo stop at Wicklow Gap. Ten minutes is short, but that is the point. This stop is less about wandering and more about getting your “wow” photo, then moving on before the group starts to get restless.

If you want the best shot, pick a spot quickly, then leave yourself a minute to check the angle. The views change with every step, so you do not need a lot of time to get something great, just enough to get oriented.

Scenic drive with P.S. I Love You and Braveheart locations

You’ll also drive past sites connected to movies like P.S. I Love You and Braveheart. Even if you do not remember every scene, it helps to think of these drives as a “scenery reading exercise.” The guide points out the road-to-view relationships, and suddenly the countryside has a story beyond your own camera.

This part of the trip is best if you enjoy being told what to notice. If you prefer quiet riding without commentary, you can still use the time to enjoy the window views, but you may miss some of the context.

Kilkenny: medieval lanes, lunch choices, and castle grounds

Kilkenny is your payoff after the mountains. You arrive with free time, so you can wander the narrow lanes at your own pace, pop into shops, and choose where to eat without feeling locked into a group schedule.

Free time plus an optional guided walking tour

You’ll have time to explore and then there’s an optional guided tour of Kilkenny. That option is great if you want help understanding what you’re seeing, especially the way the town evolved and why certain corners feel more important than others.

But the structure still gives you personal control. If you’re the type who likes to linger with a coffee, you can do that. If you want to see the biggest sights fast, you can do that too.

Lunch and the Kilkenny Castle area

Lunch is not included, but the guide points out options. You can enjoy a picnic on the Kilkenny Castle grounds if you want a cheap and scenic meal, and there are also local pubs and other places you can purchase food.

One key detail: entry to Kilkenny Castle is not included. So if you are hoping to tour inside, you’ll need to plan and pay separately. For many people, the castle grounds plus views from outside are enough. For others, inside access is a must.

What you should aim to see

Since you do not have unlimited time, I’d prioritize:

• A slow walk through the medieval lanes to get the feel of the town
• The castle area for photos and atmosphere
• One place to sit down and eat without rushing

The tour timing can feel long, but Kilkenny tends to make that okay because it is fun to simply wander.

How much walking you should plan for

This is a day trip with options, not a single fixed walking plan. Here’s how to think about it:

• Glendalough includes a guided walk for the monastic settlement.
• You can stay with the easier parts and relax after the guide, with free time to explore at your own pace.
• If you want the lake hike, the Upper Lake route is listed as around 2.5 km, with a return via boardwalk.

If you have mobility limitations, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and that’s a big factor. Also, the tour is not suitable for children under 3 years, which matters for families planning their day around little kids.

Weather is another factor. Wicklow can shift quickly from bright to rainy, and trails can get muddy. Dress in layers, and pack something that cuts wind and drizzle.

Price and value: is $45 a fair deal?

At about $45 per person, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to get out of Dublin and see the countryside without dealing with trains, buses, and rental logistics. The value comes from the combination, not any single element.

You are paying for:

• Round-trip transportation from Dublin
• Guided walking tours in Glendalough and Kilkenny
• A full day that strings together multiple major sights, including a Wicklow Gap photo stop and driving past notable film locations

Lunch is not included, and castle entry is not included, so you’ll still budget extra if you want those. But even then, you can keep costs down by doing a picnic on the castle grounds, or by buying a simple pub lunch.

If you are visiting Dublin and you want your first taste of Irish scenery plus medieval town vibes, this is strong value for a one-day slot.

Who should book this Wicklow, Glendalough, and Kilkenny day trip

I think this tour suits you if:

• You want a guided overview of two major heritage areas, without planning transport
• You enjoy scenic drives with commentary, not just quiet bus time
• You are happy to do light to moderate walking, with an optional hike if you feel good that day
• You want a structured day that still includes freedom for lunch and wandering

It’s also a good option if you have limited time in Dublin. One day outside the city changes how your whole trip feels. You get the countryside, then you get a town that feels like it time-traveled.

If your priority is deep, slow exploration with lots of museum-style time, you might feel this is too “one day, many stops.” But if your priority is seeing a lot while keeping the day manageable, this fits well.

Should you book it or skip it?

Book this tour if you want an efficient, scenic day that combines Glendalough’s monastery setting with Kilkenny’s medieval streets, all with transportation handled and guides running the key walking portions. For most first-time visitors from Dublin, it’s a smart use of limited time.

Skip it or reconsider if you:

• Cannot do uneven ground or longer walks, since the tour is not suitable for mobility impairments
• Expect castle entry to be included, because Kilkenny Castle entry is not included
• Really want a long sit-down lunch or lots of time in town, since the schedule includes driving and multiple stops

FAQ

How long is the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny day trip?

The tour runs about 9 hours, with starting times that can vary by availability.

Where do I meet the tour in Dublin?

You meet at the Collins bus near the front of Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, close to the Spire.

What does the tour include besides transportation?

It includes round-trip transportation, onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging points, and tour guides. It also includes walking tours in Glendalough and Kilkenny.

Is Kilkenny Castle entry included?

No. Entry to Kilkenny Castle is not included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. The guide will point out options in Kilkenny, including a picnic idea on the castle grounds.

Can I take my own food on the coach?

Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, but you can bring your own food for lunch options on land.

What activities are optional at Glendalough?

You can take an optional hike to the Upper Lake, described as about 2.5 km, with a return via a boardwalk route.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.