Dublin to Wicklow: Horse Riding, Glendalough & Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Ride horses through Wicklow hills then wander ancient Glendalough

You’ll start your day riding through Wicklow’s wild hills with a local guide before warming up over lunch in Enniskerry village. Walk among ancient stones at Glendalough and breathe in mountain air by Guinness Lake. If you want a small group day trip from Dublin that feels personal but never rushed, this one lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We started by weaving through Dublin’s morning shuffle, meeting right under the Molly Malone statue (she’s got that look — you’ll see). Our guide, Aoife, was already there, waving us over with this easy smile. The drive out of the city was quieter than I expected; just the hum of the van and some half-awake jokes about Irish weather. By the time we pulled into Killegar Stables, it smelled like wet grass and leather saddles — honestly, I was a little nervous about getting on a horse after so many years. They sized us up for boots and helmets (I had to swap mine twice because my head’s apparently bigger than I thought), then matched us with horses who seemed more patient than I’ll ever be.

The ride itself — about an hour and a half — took us along these winding tracks where you could actually hear your own breathing between the hoofbeats. There were moments when the mist rolled in across the hills and everything felt quiet except for someone up ahead laughing at their horse stopping to munch grass. Aoife kept chatting about local stories (there’s one about fairies stealing bridles — she swears it’s true) and pointed out where “Braveheart” was filmed. It’s weirdly grounding being up there, looking down at those valleys.

Lunch was in Enniskerry, at this place called Poppies Café where they know exactly how hungry people get after riding horses. I went for something hot and simple — can’t even remember what now, but it tasted like butter and salt and warmth. After that we drove deeper into the Wicklow Mountains; you catch flashes of Guinness Lake through the windows and it really does have that dark stripe across it, just like a pint. We stopped for photos but honestly I just wanted to stand there a bit longer, breathing in that cold air.

Glendalough came last — old stone walls tucked between lakes and forest. Some people wandered off to see St Kevin’s monastic ruins; I mostly trailed along quietly, shoes squishing on mossy ground. There’s something about those two lakes that sticks with me — maybe it’s how still they are, or maybe just how tired my legs felt by then. Anyway, we piled back into the van as the light faded out behind us. Still thinking about that view from horseback even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding and Wicklow sightseeing

• Pickup at Molly Malone statue
• Horse riding at Killegar Stables
• Lunch in Enniskerry village
• Drive through Wicklow Mountains National Park
• Visit Guinness Lake filming location
• Stop at scenic Wicklow Mountains spots
• Explore St Kevin's monastic site
• Free time in Glendalough valley

Top questions

Where does the Wicklow horse riding tour depart from?

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

How long is the horse riding part of this day trip?

The horse riding experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours near Killegar Stables.

Is lunch included on this Wicklow day trip?

Lunch is not included in the price but there is a stop in Enniskerry village with recommended options like Poppies Café.

Are boots and helmets provided for horse riding?

Yes, boots and helmets are supplied by Killegar Stables as part of your booking.

What age do children need to be for this tour?

Children must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by an adult to join this tour.

What sites are visited after horse riding?

The tour continues through Wicklow Mountains with stops at Guinness Lake and finishes at Glendalough monastic site.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Dublin?

Yes, pickup is included at Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street at 09:20am.

Are there weight restrictions for participants?

The maximum weight is 15 stone (210 lbs/95 kg) for males and 16 stone (224 lbs/102 kg) for females.

What’s included

Your day includes small group transport from Dublin with pickup at Molly Malone statue, all arrangements for horse riding near Killegar Stables (with boots and helmets supplied), live commentary from your local guide throughout Wicklow Mountain drives, plenty of time to explore Glendalough valley on foot, plus a relaxed lunch break in Enniskerry village before returning to Dublin in the evening.