Wicklow Mountains tour from Dublin: Glendalough & Sally Gap

A full day into the Wicklow Mountains: coastal views, a glacial valley, and the routes the larger coaches can't take.

This is a full-day guided coach tour from Dublin into the Wicklow Mountains, visiting Killiney Hill, Avoca Handweavers, Sally Gap, Lough Tay and Glendalough: a monastic site founded in the 6th century. The smaller coach reaches secluded valleys and viewpoints beyond the main roads. You get 60 minutes free time at Glendalough's two lakes, a guided walk through the historic sites including the Round Tower, and a complimentary taste of Glendalough Whiskey on the return journey. Lunch is your own expense at a traditional Irish pub or alternative option in the village. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Wicklow Mountains30m
2. Glendalough1h 30m

Wild Wicklow and Glendalough tour

• Meet guide and board coach in Dublin
• Drive along Dublin’s southern coast
• Walk up Killiney Hill for views
• Visit Avoca Handweavers for coffee and shopping
• Drive through Enniskerry and Glencree
• Explore Wicklow Mountains and Sally Gap
• Stop at Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) viewpoint
• Lunch at traditional Irish pub (own expense)
• Guided tour of Glendalough monastic city
• Free time to explore Glendalough valley
• Return coach ride with Glendalough Whiskey tasting

The experience

The day starts with a pickup from one of three central Dublin locations (Cathal Brugha Street, opposite the Grand Canal Hotel, or St Stephen's Green North) between 8:45 and 9:15 am, depending on which departure you choose. From there, the coach heads south along the coast to Killiney Hill, where you walk to a viewpoint over Dublin Bay before the route cuts inland into the Wicklow Mountains. The smaller coach is the difference here: it takes roads the big tour operators skip, threading through Enniskerry and Glencree to reach places most visitors never see.

A stop at Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue gives you time for coffee and a homemade scone (at your own cost) or to browse handwoven goods. Then the coach climbs deeper into the mountains through Sally Gap, where the landscape opens into rolling heather fields and boglands. Lough Tay (known as the Guinness Lake for its dark water) appears as a film location that's been used for Braveheart, PS I Love You and Vikings. After that comes lunch at a traditional Irish pub in the village, where you order and pay for your own meal. If a pub doesn't suit you, the guide can point you toward other options.

Glendalough, the valley of the two lakes, is where the day settles. Founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, it was once a monastic city with scriptoriums, an infirmary and guest houses: now it's an archaeological site set in a glacial valley. Your guide leads a walk through the key sites, including the Round Tower, and then you have 60 minutes to explore on your own, walk to the Upper Lake through ancient forest if you want, or simply sit with the views. On the return journey to Dublin, the coach serves a complimentary tot of Glendalough Whiskey as you wind back through the mountains, giving you time to talk and reflect before arriving back in the city around 5:15 pm.

What’s included

• Small air-conditioned coach with professional guide.
• entry to Glendalough and 60 minutes free time to explore the monastic valley and lakes.
• guided walk through Glendalough's historic sites including the Round Tower.
• scenic stops at Killiney Hill, Sally Gap and Lough Tay.
• complimentary taste of Glendalough Whiskey on the return journey.

Options for this experience

3 options

St Stephens Green North, departing at 8.45amGuide in English · 08:45Starting point at St Stephen's Green North, Bus Stop 791: Stephen's Green Nth, stop 791, Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland

9:15 am, opposite the Grand Canal HotelGuide in English · 09:15Wait outside the white gates of the red brick building across from the Grand Canal Hotel. Starting point: Grand Canal Hotel, Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin, D04 X5X7, Ireland

Departing at 9am from Cathal Brugha St/Thomas LnGuide in English · 09:009 am on Cathal Brugha Street, at the corner with Thomas Lane. Look for Bus Stop 286, which has a WILD WICKLOW sign on the pole. Starting point: North City, Dublin 1, Co. Dublin, D01 F9K7, Ireland

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDepartures at 08:45, 09:00 and 09:15

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 37

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Wild Wicklow Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the Wicklow Mountains beyond the standard routes. The smaller coach reaches secluded valleys and viewpoints that larger tour groups can't access, and the 60 minutes at Glendalough gives you real time to walk the lakes and explore the monastic ruins instead of a quick photo stop.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much time do I actually get to walk around Glendalough?

Glendalough includes a guided tour of the main sites like the Round Tower, then 60 minutes of free time to explore on your own: enough to walk the valley floor, visit the lakes, or hike to the Upper Lake through the forest if you choose.

What's included in the price and what do I pay for separately?

The tour includes the coach, your guide, entry to Glendalough, and a complimentary Glendalough Whiskey at the end. Lunch at the pub stop and coffee at Avoca Handweavers are at your own expense, and you can browse the handweavers' shop without buying anything.

Why is this tour different from the big coach tours?

The smaller coach takes roads through Enniskerry, Glencree and Sally Gap that the larger tour operators can't access, reaching secluded valleys and viewpoints in the real Wicklow Mountains instead of staying on the main routes.

What is Lough Tay and why is it called the Guinness Lake?

Lough Tay is a glacial lake in the Wicklow Mountains known for its dark, deep water that resembles a glass of Guinness. It's been a filming location for Braveheart, PS I Love You and the Vikings TV series, and the tour stops there for views across the heather-covered slopes.

How long is the full day and when do we get back to Dublin?

The tour runs for 8.5 hours from pickup to return, so a 9 am departure gets you back to Dublin around 5:15 pm. The exact return time depends on traffic and which pickup location you use.