Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin: Monastic Site & Kilkenny

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Free cancellationExcellent qualityLikely to sell out

1/12

Duration9h

GroupUp to 58

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller 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.