The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough

Wicklow can steal your whole day. This small-group outing takes you out of Dublin and into wild County Wicklow, with coastal panoramas, mountain passes, and the stone-cold calm of Glendalough. You’ll also get a guided visit to the monastic settlement and finish with a Glendalough whiskey taste.

I especially like the way the route feels built for seeing real places, not just quick photo stops. I also like the balance of short walks (like Killiney Hill) with longer scenic windows in the Wicklow Mountains, so you’re not sprinting all day.

One thing to consider: lunch isn’t included, and weather matters. If it’s nasty in the mountains, you should expect the day to feel tighter, and the itinerary may run with adjustments.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Small coach experience (max 37) with an air-conditioned ride
• Killiney Hill coastal viewpoint plus a short walk for Dublin Bay views
• Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue for Irish crafts and a tea or coffee break
• Sally Gap and Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) with film-location scenery
• Glendalough Monastic Settlement guided tour plus 60+ minutes free time
• Free Glendalough whiskey taste to end the day the Irish way

Your coastal start at Killiney Hill (and why it sets the tone)

Your day begins in central Dublin with pickup points split across North and South Dublin. Then the coach slips out of the city, and you get your first taste of the Irish coast. The early highlight is Killiney Hill, where you’ll take a short walk and look out over Dublin Bay.

This stop is quick, but it’s a smart warm-up. It helps you recalibrate from city pace to wind-and-views pace. Even if the day turns grey, the headlands still deliver—because your goal here is sightlines, not comfort.

Bring layers you can adjust. A coastal breeze can feel colder than you expect, especially in shoulder seasons. Also, wear shoes with decent grip. You’re walking a bit, and the ground can be slick if rain moves in.

Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue: crafts, tea, and an easy break

After Killiney Hill, the coach heads to Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue. This stop is built for culture and browsing, not rushing. You can grab something like coffee and a homemade scone (cost extra), or you can slow down and shop for handmade Irish goods.

If you like bringing home something that isn’t just a generic souvenir, Avoca is a good target. You’ll see Irish craft traditions in a place designed for them, and you’re not limited to one tiny rack of postcards. It’s also a nice reset before you head deeper into the mountains.

The practical advantage? You get a scheduled break without needing to hunt for a café. That matters on a day trip where timing is tight and the rest of the scenery is the main event.

Sally Gap and Lough Tay, the Guinness Lake: big Wicklow scenery in one stop

Next comes the part most people book this tour for: the Wicklow Mountains. You’ll drive through Wicklow Mountains National Park and reach Sally Gap, where the upper slopes can look like heath and bog as far as the eye can see. From there, the day pivots to Lough Tay, also known as The Guinness Lake.

This is one of those “how is this real?” landscapes. The lake and surrounding slopes are famous for their contrast—dark water against bright sky, with mountain shapes layered in the background. Lough Tay has also been a film location for productions including Braveheart, P.S. I Love You, and the TV series Vikings.

The stop is long enough to stand, look, and get photos from a couple angles. It’s not so long that you forget you’re on a schedule, either. If weather is damp, don’t panic. This is where a thick cloud ceiling can still create dramatic views.

Lynhams of Laragh pub lunch: what’s included, what’s extra, and your backup plan

At some point before Glendalough, you’ll stop for lunch at a traditional Irish pub in Lynhams of Laragh. Lunch is own expense, but you do get the benefit of being fed without organizing anything yourself. The pub lunch includes Irish home-cooking, and there’s also mention of a creamy Guinness as part of the experience.

This stop is also your chance to handle dietary needs in a real-world way. If pub lunch isn’t your thing, there are alternative options mentioned by the guide, including deli sandwich options at the lunch village stop. The key move here is simple: ask your guide for what fits you when you arrive.

Plan for this timing mentally. You’ll have a full afternoon ahead at Glendalough, so use lunch to refuel and then get moving without lingering too long.

Glendalough Monastic Settlement: St Kevin’s valley of two lakes

Glendalough is the reason many people think Wicklow is more than just a scenic day out. The valley is known as the valley of the two lakes, and it’s tied to mystical lore, archaeology, and wildlife.

The monastic settlement was founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. This place wasn’t just ruins for monks to admire themselves in—it once had practical spaces like areas for manuscript writing and copying, an infirmary, guest houses, and a monastery. Today, you’ll join a guided tour covering the major historic sights, including the Round Tower.

What I like most about this portion is the pacing. You don’t just get a quick walk past stones and then leave. You also get a guided component, followed by some free time to explore at your own speed. The tour includes about 60+ minutes free time, and you can choose to head toward the Upper Lake on a walk through ancient forests if you want that extra stretch.

This is also where your day becomes quiet in a good way. Wicklow’s scenery outside the sites can be dramatic and wide-open, but Glendalough is slower, more enclosed, and more atmospheric.

Coach comfort, timing, and how the day actually feels

The full tour runs about 8 hours 30 minutes. That’s a lot of time, but the format helps. You’re on the coach for big-distance connections, then off the coach for short walks and scenic stops, then back onto the road again.

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned coach, and the group size is capped at 37. Reviews often mention smaller-feeling groups too, like around 20 people, which usually means you get smoother photo breaks and less chaos at viewpoints.

Guides are a big part of why this works. Names you might hear include Patrick, Ashley, John, Niall, and Anthony, and the common thread is that they share history and geography while also keeping the day moving. In rough weather, one guide adjusted timing to still deliver the experience, which is exactly what you want from a well-run day trip.

Safety and common sense matter in places like Sally Gap and near cliffy viewpoint areas. Even a “short” walk needs attention. I like that the tour keeps you on a schedule, but I also recommend you watch where others step and keep kids close near edges and around lakes.

Price and value: what you get for about $66.51

At $66.51 per person, the value mostly comes from the heavy lifting being handled for you. You’re paying for professional guiding, round-trip coach transport from Dublin, and a full circuit that hits multiple standout Wicklow locations without needing to rent a car or figure out back roads.

A few included items help the math:

• Professional Wild Wicklow guide
• Scenic driving on smaller roads beyond main routes
• Glendalough whiskey taste included at the end
• Guided time at Glendalough, plus 60+ minutes free exploration
• The main listed attractions are marked with admission ticket free on the stops provided

Your main extra cost is lunch. Lunch isn’t included, and Avoca refreshments are also own expense if you choose them. Still, that’s a pretty predictable set of costs on a day that otherwise bundles transport and multiple destinations.

If you’re only in Dublin for a short window, this is one of those “pay once, relax all day” choices. The drive out of the city is part of the experience here, and the stops are spaced so you’re not stuck in transit endlessly.

Should you book the Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour?

I’d book this tour if you want a one-day route that covers coastal views, Wicklow Mountains viewpoints, and Glendalough without stress. It’s a strong fit if you like guided context while still getting time to wander—especially at Glendalough with the option to head toward the Upper Lake.

I’d think twice if you hate bus schedules or if you want a slower, longer deep stay in one area. The stops are well planned, but you’re still doing a full circuit. Also, plan for Irish weather. This is a day trip that depends on conditions out in the mountains, and the provider notes that the experience requires good weather.

If you pack light, wear good walking shoes, and bring a rain layer, this day has a way of sticking in your memory. The mix of wide views and quiet monastic ruins is a good formula.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Wild Wicklow tour?

The tour runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start in Dublin?

You meet the guide and coach at convenient central pickup locations in North and South Dublin City.

Which stops are included during the day?

The day includes Killiney Hill, Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue, Sally Gap and Lough Tay (Guinness Lake), a traditional pub lunch stop in Lynhams of Laragh, and Glendalough Monastic Settlement.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. There are pub lunch options, and deli sandwich options may be available at the village lunch stop. If you do not want pub lunch, you can ask your guide for alternatives.

Is a whiskey tasting included?

Yes. You receive a complimentary taste of Glendalough Irish whiskey at the end of the tour.

Are entrance fees included for the stops?

The stop information provided lists Admission Ticket Free for each of the main attractions during the day.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 37 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What are my cancellation options?

Free cancellation is available 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.