Wicklow Mountains tour from Dublin: Glendalough & Sally Gap

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/17

Duration8h 30m

GroupUp to 37

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

8h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller 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.