Dublin to Glendalough & Kilkenny: Day Trip with Guided Walks

Summary

Wicklow mountains mist Glendalough ruins Kilkenny lanes old stone walls

You’ll leave Dublin behind for wild Wicklow valleys, walk among Glendalough’s ancient stones with stories from your guide, and roam Kilkenny’s lively medieval streets at your own pace. Expect quiet moments in nature, laughter on the coach, and maybe even a new favorite Irish pastry if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s the spot where Saint Kevin supposedly slept,” our guide said, pointing at this mossy hollow between two old stones in Glendalough. I half expected a raven to land nearby—it just felt that ancient. The air smelled like wet leaves and sheep, honestly, and my boots squelched a bit on the path. We’d left Dublin early (I almost forgot my phone charger—thank you USB ports), but by the time we got out here, the city felt miles away. There was this hush in the valley, broken only by a couple of crows and someone laughing behind us about how their raincoat wasn’t as waterproof as they thought.

I liked how our guide didn’t rush us—he let us wander off a bit after sharing some stories about monks hiding out here ages ago. At one point I just stopped walking and listened. It’s weird how quiet it gets in Wicklow, except for the wind that kept tugging at my hood. We did a quick photo stop up at Wicklow Gap—clouds rolling over hills that looked like they belonged in an old movie (apparently, some were filmed right here). I tried to capture it on my phone but gave up; it’s one of those things you can’t really save for later.

Kilkenny was next—busier, with school kids darting around and shop windows full of pastries I couldn’t pronounce. Our walking tour there was just long enough to get a sense of all the crooked lanes and medieval bits (I nearly tripped over uneven cobblestones twice). Lunch was on our own, so I grabbed soup from a tiny café where the owner called everyone “pet.” There was enough time to wander around Kilkenny Castle gardens—the grass looked impossibly green even under grey skies—and then we all piled back onto the coach for Dublin. By then I’d stopped checking my emails entirely. Still think about that valley silence sometimes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Wicklow, Glendalough and Kilkenny

• Travel from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains
• Photo stop at Wicklow Gap mountain pass
• Guided tour of Glendalough monastic settlement
• Free time walking in Glendalough Valley
• Travel to Kilkenny City
• Lunch and walking tour in Kilkenny
• Free time for sightseeing in Kilkenny
• Return to Dublin at 6pm approx

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Dublin to Glendalough & Kilkenny?

The tour lasts approximately one full day, returning to Dublin around 6pm.

Is lunch included on the Glendalough & Kilkenny day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there is free time in Kilkenny to eat at local cafés or restaurants.

Are entry tickets for Kilkenny Castle included?

No, entrance to the castle interior is not included but you can visit the gardens and park for free.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central location in Dublin before departure.

What should I bring on the Wicklow & Kilkenny day trip?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and no hot food or drinks on board.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from central Dublin in an air-conditioned luxury coach with free WiFi and USB charging points; guided walks at both Glendalough and through medieval Kilkenny; plenty of live commentary from your professional guide; plus free time to explore valleys or city streets at your own pace before heading back in the evening.