Dublin to Glendalough & Wicklow: Small Group Day Trip

Summary

From Dublin statues to Wicklow sheep and Glendalough’s quiet lakes

You’ll start at Dublin’s Molly Malone statue before wandering through Powerscourt Gardens’ hidden corners and sharing lunch in Enniskerry village. Cross Wicklow’s wild hills with sheep for company, then walk among Glendalough’s ancient stones and silent lakes—moments that linger long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Molly Malone statue to be so shiny—her bronze dress almost glows in the morning light. That’s where we met our guide, who somehow remembered everyone’s name before we’d even left Dublin. The bus was small enough that nobody felt lost in the shuffle. I still had coffee on my breath when we pulled into Powerscourt Gardens, and honestly, I’d seen photos but nothing prepares you for the way the air smells there—sort of damp and green, with this weird sweet note from the flowers. Our guide (Aoife? I hope I’m spelling that right) pointed out a tree planted by Princess Grace. We wandered off-path a bit; I probably spent too long staring at some mossy stone steps, but nobody hurried me along.

Lunch in Enniskerry was more relaxed than I expected—Poppies Café is one of those places where you can tell locals actually eat. There were kids in uniforms, a couple of old men arguing over football scores. My soup came with brown bread so dense it nearly sank my spoon (in a good way). After that, driving up into the Wicklow Mountains felt like being let in on a secret—sheep everywhere, clouds dragging their feet across the hills. Aoife played us a song from “P.S. I Love You” before we stopped at that bridge from the film. It was quieter than I thought it’d be; just wind and someone’s laughter drifting back from the road.

Lough Tay really does look like a pint of Guinness—white sand at one end, black water at the other. Our guide told us about all the movies filmed there; Vikings fans perked up. But honestly, what stuck with me was how cold my hands got leaning on that stone wall and how suddenly you could hear nothing but birds for whole minutes at a time.

Glendalough was last—by then my legs were tired but I couldn’t not walk down to the lakes. The old monastery stones are rough under your fingers, older than anything back home by centuries. Some people wandered off for photos but I found myself just standing by the water thinking about how many people must’ve stood here before me. On the way back to Dublin, everyone was quieter—maybe tired or maybe just letting it all settle in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dublin to Wicklow and Glendalough tour

• Pickup at Molly Malone statue
• Visit Powerscourt Gardens
• Snack at Avoca shop
• Lunch in Enniskerry village
• Drive through Wicklow Mountains
• Stop at P.S. I Love You Bridge
• View Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)
• Stop at Sally Gap
• Visit Glendalough monastery and valley

Top questions

Where does this day trip from Dublin start?

The tour starts at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin at 09:20am.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not included; you’ll have time to buy your own meal in Enniskerry village, with Poppies Café recommended by guides.

How long do we spend at Powerscourt Gardens?

You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore Powerscourt Gardens during this day trip.

Are entry fees included for Powerscourt Gardens?

No, entry fees are paid separately at a reduced rate exclusive to this tour.

Is hotel pickup offered?

No hotel pickup is included; pickup is only from Molly Malone statue in central Dublin.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven paths and some walking involved throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to organizers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Dublin at the Molly Malone statue, travel by small group minibus with live commentary from your local guide and driver, stops at Powerscourt Gardens (with discounted entry), free time for lunch in Enniskerry village (lunch not included), scenic drives through Wicklow Mountains with photo stops including Sally Gap and Lough Tay, plus time to explore Glendalough’s monastic ruins and lakes before returning to Dublin.