Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin: Monastic Site & Kilkenny

St. Kevin's round tower and the valley of two lakes, surrounded by forest and dramatic mountain views.

This day tour from Dublin takes you south through County Wicklow to Glendalough, a monastic site famed for its 10th-century round tower and Celtic crosses, with 1.5 hours to walk the ruins and lakeside woods. The route crosses the Wicklow Gap for panoramic mountain views and passes Turlogh waterfall before arriving in Kilkenny, the medieval capital, where you have 2 hours to wander cobblestone streets, visit the Norman Castle and Black Abbey, or grab lunch. A professional Irish guide leads the full 9-hour trip with hotel pickup and drop-off in Dublin, air-conditioned transport, and live commentary throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Glendalough1h 30m
2. Wicklow Mountainspassing by

Explore Glendalough and Kilkenny

• Depart Dublin for Wicklow Mountains
• Visit Glendalough monastic site
• Stroll along lakes and waterfalls
• Travel over Wicklow Gap
• View Turlogh waterfall and peat bogs
• Arrive in Kilkenny medieval city
• Explore Norman Castle and gardens
• Wander Kilkenny streets and landmarks
• Enjoy lunch and local pint
• Drive back to Dublin through Kildare

The experience

The day starts with pickup in Dublin and heads south into County Wicklow, passing the Sugar Loaf Mountains as the coach climbs toward Glendalough. Once there, you get 1.5 hours to explore on foot: the ruined monastic city of St. Kevin, the 10th-century round tower, Celtic crosses, and the two lakes the valley is named for. A leisurely walk takes you along the river through woods to waterfalls and brooks. The setting has featured in Hollywood films including Braveheart and PS I Love You.

After Glendalough, the route crosses the Wicklow Gap high into the mountains, where the panoramic views stretch across the landscape. You'll pass traditional Irish bogs and Turlogh waterfall, one of Ireland's highest and most dramatic. The coach then descends into Kilkenny, once the medieval capital of Ireland, where you have a guaranteed 2 hours on the ground. The Norman Castle dates back to the 1100s and its gardens are open to explore. The Black Abbey and the Cathedral of Saint Canice with its round tower are nearby. There's time for lunch (Kilkenny beer in Kilkenny itself is a common choice), and to wander the windy cobblestone streets at your own pace.

The return to Dublin follows through County Kildare and arrives in the early evening around 6 pm, leaving time for dinner or an evening out. The coach has WiFi and USB ports at every seat, and the guide provides live commentary throughout the 9 hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dublin are included. The exact timing depends on traffic and time of day.

What’s included

• Professional Irish-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Dublin.
• air-conditioned coach with WiFi and USB ports at every seat.
• live commentary throughout the day.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 28 Sep 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 58

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Paddywagon Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided full day hitting both Glendalough and Kilkenny with set stops at each. You'll have time to explore without coordinating pickups or managing your own schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.47★★★★★★★★★★

176 verified traveler reviews

5 ★128

4 ★24

3 ★10

2 ★6

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (under 13).

What is there to do at Glendalough for the 1.5 hours on the ground?

Glendalough is a ruined monastic city where you can explore St. Kevin's round tower and Celtic crosses dating back to the 10th century, then take a leisurely walk along the river through the woods to see the two lakes, waterfalls and brooks that give the valley its name.

How much time do I have in Kilkenny, and what can I see there?

You have a guaranteed 2 hours in Kilkenny, the medieval capital of Ireland. The Norman Castle with its gardens is the main attraction. The Black Abbey and the Cathedral of Saint Canice are also nearby, and there's time to grab lunch on the cobblestone streets or visit a pub.

Does the tour include entrance fees to Kilkenny Castle?

Kilkenny Castle is open to explore its gardens for free, but entry to the interior is optional and costs extra. It's not included in the tour price.

What's included in the price of this day tour?

The tour includes professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in Dublin, air-conditioned coach with WiFi and USB ports, live commentary, and all taxes and fees, but not food, drinks, gratuities, or paid entry to Kilkenny Castle.

What is the Wicklow Gap, and why does the tour go there?

The Wicklow Gap is a mountain pass high in the Wicklow Mountains that offers panoramic views across the landscape. The route takes you through it to see traditional Irish bogs and Turlogh waterfall, one of Ireland's highest and most dramatic.

What time does the tour return to Dublin?

The coach arrives back in Dublin around 6 pm, giving you time for dinner or an evening out after a 9-hour day.