Wicklow feels worlds away from Dublin city. This Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour gets you beyond the city fast, with an air-conditioned small-coach ride that reaches viewpoints many bigger tours miss, then slows down at Glendalough for a proper guided visit and serious lake-time. I especially like the 60+ minutes to explore Glendalough and the lakes at your own pace, plus the way the day layers scenery and story instead of just rushing from stop to stop.

I’ll be honest about one planning note: pub lunch costs extra, and you’ll also want to dress for weather because Wicklow can be wet and windy. The upside is that guides like Patrick have earned praise for keeping the experience on track even when the mountains throw rain at you, so you’re not just stuck inside watching clouds go by.

Key reasons this Wild Wicklow day trip earns strong scores

• Off-main-road routing: you go deep into Wild Wicklow via Enniskerry and Glencree, not only the standard highways
• Killiney Hill viewpoints early on: a short walk with big Dublin Bay views before the mountains
• Sally Gap and Lough Tay timing for photos: heather-and-bog scenery plus the Guinness Lake stop
• Glendalough has structure plus freedom: guided Round Tower tour, then free time to wander (even toward the Upper Lake option)
• Little Irish touches matter: Avoca crafts/tea stop and a complimentary Glendalough whiskey taste at the end

Beyond Dublin Without Stress: How the Coach Route Beats DIY

This is the kind of day trip that works when you want the best of Wicklow but don’t want to think about directions, parking, or driving on unfamiliar roads. The tour’s pitch is simple: leave Dublin with a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and then use that vehicle power to reach places where time gets eaten up fast if you drive yourself.

What I like most is that you’re not just collecting postcard stops. You’re taken out past the coastal scenery, then up into the Wicklow Mountains area, and later into the glacial valley at Glendalough. The route also includes smaller roads that bigger coaches can struggle with, which is why the day feels like you’re actually getting into the wild part of Wicklow—not just peeking over a fence.

And since the group max is 37 travelers, it stays under control. In practice, the day can feel even tighter than that—one departure ran with a group around twenty—so you’re more likely to feel included rather than herded.

Dublin Pickup and Killiney Hill: The Morning With Sea Views

The day starts with central pickup points in North and South Dublin, then a drive out of the city. You’re given that all-important “settle in” time early—grab a seat, get comfortable, and watch the scenery switch from urban to coastal. One of the early wins is that you don’t go straight into mountains mode. Instead, you get an ocean-and-cliff kind of vibe first.

Stop one is Killiney Hill, and you’ll do a short walk for views over Dublin Bay. It’s not a marathon, but it’s long enough to stretch your legs and snap a few photos before the hills start pulling your attention inland. The timing is about 40 minutes, and because the walk is described as short, it’s a good warm-up for the day’s later walking at Glendalough.

Practical tip: wear grippy shoes. Wicklow paths can be slick, and even a “short walk” can mean muddy ground if it’s been raining.

Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue: Crafts, Tea, and a Real Break

Next you head to Avoca Handweavers, Kilmacanogue. This stop is all about stepping into traditional Irish craft culture without turning it into a hard sell. You’ll have around 25 minutes, which is enough to either browse the handmade goods or grab a quick bite.

The options here are clear: you can have a coffee and a homemade scone (priced on your own), or you can shop for fine handmade items. Either way, it works as a reset point after the morning drive.

Why this stop matters: it gives you a break that isn’t just another viewpoint. It’s also one of the few moments in the day where you’re not constantly “on” for photos. You can slow down, read labels, and pick up something small that actually connects to Wicklow culture.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, remember that tea/coffee and shopping are optional extras. The coach ride and sightseeing are included, but Avoca’s café and products are not.

Sally Gap and Lough Tay: The Guinness Lake Stop That Everyone Talks About

After Avoca, the tour takes a route that’s specifically described as off-limits to the largest coach routes. You’ll pass through Enniskerry and Glencree, and then you’ll head deeper into the Wicklow Mountains via Sally Gap and the National Park area.

Sally Gap is where the scenery gets properly wild. The description points to upper slopes blanketed in heath and bog—exactly the kind of Irish highland look that makes you understand why artists and filmmakers keep returning to Wicklow.

Then comes the star: Lough Tay, also called the Guinness Lake. This stop is about 30 minutes, and it’s timed so you can take in the water-and-mountain views without the stop feeling rushed.

It also has film history. Lough Tay has been used in Braveheart, P.S. I Love You, and the Vikings TV series. Even if you’re not a movie trivia hunter, it’s the kind of place where that cinematic reputation makes sense. You’ll get that “how did they make this look this good on camera?” feeling in real life.

Rain note: if it’s wet, the lake still shows off. Wind makes it feel colder than you expect, though, so bring a layer you can keep on.

Lynhams of Laragh Pub Lunch: Where the Day Lets You Eat Like a Local

Lunch happens at a traditional Irish pub stop in the Lynhams of Laragh area, with about 1 hour set aside. Lunch is not included, so this is where you choose how you want to spend your day’s food budget.

The tour describes options: you can do a pub lunch, and there are alternative lunch types available if you don’t want the pub format. Your guide can help with suggestions on the day.

One fun detail: the day’s wording includes the idea of trying a creamy Guinness, which makes this more than just a typical meal stop. It’s also a nice change of pace after the mountain air.

Food practicalities: since lunch is on your own, I’d suggest you check menu options when you arrive and don’t assume your first choice is the best value. Wicklow can be touristy even in small ways, and pub lunches can vary a lot.

Glendalough Monastic Settlement: Round Tower + Two Lakes Time

Glendalough is the core payoff. You’ll spend around 1 hour 30 minutes at the monastic settlement area, with a guided look at the historic sites and then time to explore on your own.

This is described as the valley of the two lakes, historically visited for its mystical atmosphere, archaeology, and wildlife. The monastic settlement began in the 6th century, associated with St. Kevin, and it grew into a major spiritual center with areas linked to manuscript work, an infirmary, guest spaces, and monastic buildings.

What you do on the day:

• You get a guided tour that includes the Round Tower
• You have time to wander independently afterward
• You may choose to walk toward the Upper Lake (the option is described as through ancient forests)

The practical benefit is that you’re not stuck inside with a rushed photo stop. The tour includes a minimum of 60 minutes free time to explore Glendalough and the lakes, so you can adjust based on weather and energy. If the paths are muddy, you can take the easy route. If the sky clears, you can push a bit farther.

This is also where the guided part pays off. A Round Tower isn’t just a tall stone. With a guide explaining context, it becomes a readable landmark—why it’s there, what the settlement was doing, and how the valley shaped life there.

The Return Trip and Glendalough Whiskey Taste

After Glendalough, you re-board the coach and head back toward Dublin. Before you leave the day behind completely, there’s a included free tasting of Glendalough Irish whiskey.

It’s a small add-on, but it’s well placed. By the time you reach the end of the tour, you’ve already done the heavy mental and walking part. A short whiskey tasting is a simple way to close the loop and keep the day feeling special.

If you’d rather not do alcohol, you can still enjoy the rest of the day’s moments. The tasting is described as a complimentary taste/tot, not a requirement.

Coach Comfort, Group Size, and What to Bring

This day trip is sold as a premium smaller-group tour with a luxury, air-conditioned coach. That matters more than people think. Wicklow’s weather is unpredictable, and the comfort inside helps you stay relaxed when the mountain air turns cold or wet.

You’re also not stuck in a huge crowd. With a maximum of 37 travelers, the guide can actually manage the group on stops, and you’ll have a better chance of getting answers to questions rather than shouting into a wind tunnel.

Here’s what you should bring, based on what the tour experience implies:

• A warm layer (mountains can cool fast)
• A rain layer just in case (Wicklow weather is part of the story)
• Non-slip shoes for short walks at Killiney Hill and paths at Glendalough
• A small day bag for water and a snack if you want one for the gaps between stops

Language is English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket.

Accessibility note: the tour states that most travelers can participate. That doesn’t mean zero walking, but it does suggest the itinerary is designed for a broad range of visitors.

Price and Value: What $66.51 Covers (and What Costs Extra)

At $66.51 per person, this tour can feel like a steal—or like a splurge—depending on what you’d otherwise do. Here’s what’s included:

• Professional Wild Wicklow guide
• Guided sightseeing that covers Sally Gap, Lough Tay, and Glendalough
• Killiney Hill and the Glendalough guided portion
• Complimentary Glendalough whiskey taste at the end
• Air-conditioned coach transportation on a smaller-group format
• Pickup points in Dublin

What costs extra:

• Lunch at the pub (or a deli-style alternative)
• The Avoca café items if you choose scone/coffee
• Any shopping you do at Avoca

So the value equation is mostly about time and convenience. You’re spending a full 8 hours 30 minutes on a curated route that would take real planning if you drove yourself. If you count the cost of a rental car plus fuel plus stress, the day trip can look very reasonable.

Also, you’re not just buying seats. You’re buying the guide’s ability to connect the scenery to places’ meaning, especially at Glendalough and along the Wicklow route.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This works great for:

• People with one day in Dublin who still want countryside highlights
• Visitors who don’t want to deal with driving and parking outside the city
• Solo travelers who like chatting during scenic road stretches and small stops
• Couples who want a guided day but still like having time to wander at Glendalough

It might not fit as well if:

• You want to spend lots of time deep in just one village or one hike (this day is packed)
• You hate the idea of weather-dependent outdoor viewpoints
• You prefer fully independent timing for meals

Should You Book the Original Wild Wicklow Tour with Glendalough?

Yes, I’d book it if your goal is a high-impact Dublin day trip: coastal views at Killiney Hill, mountain scenery at Sally Gap and Lough Tay, then the real “slow down” moment at Glendalough with time to explore the lakes. For $66.51, you’re getting transportation, guided stops, and included tastings—plus the big benefit of not needing a car.

If you’re the type who wants to linger for hours at every pull-off or build your day around late lunches, you might prefer a more flexible plan. But for most first-time Wicklow visitors, this is a strong, practical choice that balances big scenery with enough structure to feel meaningful.

FAQ

How long is the Wild Wicklow tour from Dublin?

It runs about 8 hours 30 minutes.

What are the main stops on the tour?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is an own-expense pub meal, with alternative options if you don’t want the pub lunch.

Do you get whiskey on this tour?

Yes. There’s a complimentary taste/free tot of Glendalough Irish whiskey at the end of the day.

How much time do I get in Glendalough?

You get at least 60 minutes free time to explore, plus a guided tour of historic sights including the Round Tower.

What language is the tour offered in, and do I get a ticket on my phone?

The tour is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket.

How big is the group?

There is a maximum of 37 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad or the tour doesn’t meet the minimum group size?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In winter months, there’s a minimum number of travelers required, and if that isn’t met you’ll be offered an alternative or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.