Dublin to Wicklow: Guided Walk, Glendalough & Sally Gap Day Trip

Summary

Wicklow wild trails, Glendalough legends and coast views from Dublin

You’ll set off from Dublin for a day trip into Wicklow’s wild hills with a local guide leading a 1.5-hour walk along forest trails and scenic viewpoints. Enjoy lunch in Enniskerry village before exploring Sally Gap, Lough Tay (“Guinness Lake”), and finally wandering among Glendalough’s ancient monastery ruins — there’s space for quiet moments or chatting with your group along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s waving a laminated sign near the Molly Malone statue — that’s our guide, who grins and says “You can’t get lost if you start with Molly.” The city’s still waking up as we pile into the minibus. I didn’t expect to leave Dublin so quickly; one minute it’s Georgian doors and traffic, then suddenly green hills and sheep start popping up outside the window. Our guide, Dave (he told us to call him just Dave), starts talking about old mining chimneys and points out where the coastline flashes through gaps in the trees. There’s this smell — damp earth mixed with something sweet from the evergreens. We follow part of the Dublin Mountains Way, boots crunching on gravel, and at one point I stop just to listen to wind moving through leaves. It’s quieter than I thought Ireland could be.

The walk isn’t too tough but it wakes you up — there are some uphill bits where I definitely felt my legs. Dave jokes about “Irish flat” meaning “not actually flat.” At one viewpoint, someone asks if that’s really Dublin city way off in the haze, and he nods, telling us how you can see all the way to Wicklow on a clear day. My favorite part was when he pointed out an old chimney from Ballychorus mines; he said locals used to sneak up there as kids (he wouldn’t say if he was one of them). Lunch is in Enniskerry at Poppies Café — smells like fresh bread and coffee inside. The staff know Dave by name and tease him about his order being “the usual.” I tried a pie that was probably meant for someone hungrier than me but finished it anyway.

After lunch we wind deeper into Wicklow Mountains — Sally Gap is all open sky and boggy ground, kind of otherworldly honestly. We stop at Lough Tay (“Guinness Lake”), which looks exactly like its nickname because of that dark water edged with white sand. Someone mentions Vikings filmed here; hard not to imagine longboats gliding across. Then Glendalough: ancient stones tucked between two lakes, stories of monks and saints drifting around while Dave tells us about St Kevin hiding out here centuries ago. There’s time to wander by yourself after his tour ends — I found myself just sitting by the water watching ripples move across the surface, thinking about how many people have done exactly that over hundreds of years.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided walk and scenic Wicklow tour

• Pickup from Dublin city centre
• Guided walk at the Scalp
• Lunch in Enniskerry Village
• Tour through Wicklow Mountains
• Stop at Sally Gap for photos
• Stop at Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)
• Visit St Kevin's monastery in Glendalough
• Free time to explore Glendalough Valley

Top questions

Where does the Wicklow day trip from Dublin start?

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

How long is the guided walk during this tour?

The guided walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours along good trails through woodland and scenic viewpoints.

Is lunch included on this Wicklow tour?

Lunch is not included but there is a lunch stop in Enniskerry village where you can buy food; Poppies Café is recommended.

What are some highlights of this day trip from Dublin?

You’ll see Wicklow Mountains, Sally Gap, Lough Tay (Guinness Lake), Glendalough monastery ruins, and enjoy coastal views.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; meeting point is Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street.

Can children join this small group tour?

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

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking sections; not advised for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Dublin at Molly Malone statue, transport by minibus with live commentary from your local guide (who also leads the walk), a 1.5-hour guided hike through woodland trails above the Irish coastline, stops at Sally Gap and Lough Tay for photos, free time in Enniskerry village for lunch (at your own expense), plus entry to explore Glendalough monastery ruins before returning in the evening.