Dublin & Wicklow: Rural Pub Tour with Music & Local Food

Summary

Wicklow’s winding roads pubs laughter and real Irish music

You’ll leave Dublin behind for winding mountain roads, six rural pubs (each one different), home-cooked lunch at an old lodge, and real Irish music with locals who make you feel welcome—even if your accent is hopeless. It’s not about seeing sights; it’s about feeling them linger after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I thought I’d seen enough pubs in Dublin — but this day trip out to the Wicklow Mountains changed my mind. We left the city behind in a little minibus (air-conditioned, thank god), and within half an hour, you could smell wet grass and peat instead of exhaust. Our guide, Brian, told stories that made us all laugh — he seemed to know every bend in the road and every pub owner’s cousin. First stop was a tiny place up in the Dublin hills where the Guinness tasted colder somehow, maybe just because it felt earned after that drive.

I still remember the way the light came through old windows at Johnnie Fox’s Pub. It used to be a farmhouse — you can tell by the uneven floors and all these bits of old farming gear hanging everywhere. There was a guy at the bar who greeted us like we were neighbors, even though I absolutely butchered “sláinte” (he laughed and tried to teach me again). The home-style lunch came later at this old hunting lodge — big plates of stew that steamed up my glasses. Everyone just relaxed into their seats; nobody rushing anywhere.

The best part? Somewhere between Roundwood village and our last stop, we ended up in this small country pub where locals drifted in after work. Someone started playing fiddle near the fireplace — not a show, just music because it was Thursday. We joined in on a chorus or two (badly). At some point I realized I’d stopped checking my phone hours ago. The whole thing felt easy, like you’re part of something ordinary but special at the same time. Hard to explain unless you’ve done it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dublin and Wicklow Mountains pub tour

• Travel over Dublin Mountains
• Visit 2 rural pubs
• Enjoy views and Guinness
• Visit Johnnie Fox's Pub
• Travel into Wicklow Mountains
• Visit local pub in Roundwood
• Enjoy scenic travel through Wicklow
• Have a delicious meal at hunting lodge
• Visit 2 more pubs
• Chat with locals in country pub
• Enjoy live traditional Irish music

Top questions

How many pubs do you visit on this Dublin & Wicklow pub tour?

The tour includes visits to six rural traditional pubs across the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains region.

Is there food included on the Wicklow pub tour?

Yes, a home-style meal is served midway through the tour at an old hunting lodge.

Does this day trip from Dublin include pickup?

Yes, there is convenient pickup and drop-off from Dublin city centre included.

Will there be live traditional Irish music on this tour?

Yes, your last pub stop always features live traditional Irish music performed by local musicians.

How big are the groups on this rural pub tour?

The group size is small—maximum 15 people per tour for a more personal experience.

Do I need to be physically fit for this day trip to Wicklow?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; minimal walking is required between stops.

Can I use public transport to get to the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for reaching the pickup location in Dublin.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned minibus transport from central Dublin with pickup and drop-off, visits to six rural traditional pubs scattered through both the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains (including Johnnie Fox’s Pub), a hearty home-style lunch at an old hunting lodge along the way, plenty of time with friendly locals and fellow travelers, plus live traditional Irish music before heading back into town as evening settles in.