Dublin: Full-Day Wicklow Mountains Tour W/ Glendalough Visit

Dublin’s Wicklow Mountains offer a remarkable day trip from the city, showcasing Ireland’s stunning natural beauty. This full-day tour takes visitors to the iconic Glendalough National Park, where they’ll explore the historic monastic site and picturesque lakes. The journey also includes a visit to the magnificent Powerscourt House and Gardens, providing an enriching blend of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an escape from the city, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Dublin takes visitors to the scenic Wicklow Mountains and the historic monastic site of Glendalough.
• The tour includes a 1.5-hour bus transfer to Glendalough, a 75-minute guided tour, and free time to explore the lakes and gardens.
• Visitors can also spend 1.5 hours at Powerscourt House and Gardens for self-guided exploration.
• The tour offers optional lunch at Johnnie Fox’s Pub, known for its traditional Irish stew.
• While suitable for most, the tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments due to the walking involved.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day Wicklow Mountains Tour with a visit to Glendalough offers travelers an opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes just outside of Dublin.

The 8-hour tour departs from the RIU Gresham Hotel and includes a 1.5-hour bus transfer to Glendalough National Park. Visitors will enjoy a 75-minute guided tour of the monastic site and free time to wander the lakes and gardens.

The tour also includes a 1.5-hour stop at the Powerscourt House and Gardens for a self-guided exploration. Lunch at the iconic Johnnie Fox’s Pub is optional.

The tour ends with a 1-hour bus transfer back to Dublin.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs from Dublin with a 1.5-hour bus transfer to Glendalough National Park.

Once there, visitors enjoy a 75-minute guided tour and free time to explore the lakes and gardens.

Next, they visit Powerscourt House & Gardens for a 1.5-hour self-guided tour of the award-winning gardens.

Lunch is optional at Johnnie Fox’s Pub, where traditional Irish stew is available for an additional fee and 1.5 hours is allotted.

The tour then returns to Dublin with a 1-hour bus transfer.

Tour Features

The tour features a live guided tour available in Spanish or Italian, which ensures visitors can fully engage with the experience regardless of their language proficiency.

It includes bus transport, a guided visit to Glendalough’s monastic site, and a self-guided tour of the Powerscourt gardens. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making it a convenient option.

However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes and rain gear, and they may want to bring a student card for potential discounts.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes are essential for this tour, as visitors will be doing a significant amount of walking through the Wicklow Mountains and gardens.

Dressing in layers and packing a rain jacket or poncho is recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable. A small backpack or day bag is useful for carrying any extra items, like a camera, snacks, or water.

Students should also remember to bring their student ID card, as it may entitle them to discounts.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about the Wicklow Mountains tour? Based on 40 reviews, the overall rating is 4.1 out of 5.

Customers highlight positive experiences with the tour guides and the scenic beauty of the landscapes.

The transportation rating is 4.3 out of 5, indicating a smooth and comfortable journey.

However, the value for money rating is 3.7 out of 5, suggesting there’s room for improvement in terms of perceived cost versus the overall experience.

Departure and Duration

The Wicklow Mountains tour departs from the RIU Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street in Dublin 1.

The full-day excursion lasts 8 hours, with approximately 1.5 hours spent on each bus transfer to and from the Wicklow Mountains.

The full-day excursion to the Wicklow Mountains takes 8 hours, with approximately 1.5 hours spent on each bus transfer.

At Glendalough National Park, visitors get 75 minutes for a guided tour and free time to explore the lakes and gardens.

The tour also includes 1.5 hours at Powerscourt House & Gardens for a self-guided visit.

Lunch at Johnnie Fox’s Pub is an optional 1.5-hour experience.

This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Starting Location and Inclusions

The Wicklow Mountains tour departs from the RIU Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street in Dublin 1.

This full-day tour includes round-trip bus transportation, a guided visit to the Glendalough monastic site, and a self-guided tour of the Powerscourt estate’s award-winning gardens.

An optional traditional Irish stew lunch is available at Johnnie Fox’s Pub.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and pack rain gear.

The tour is likely to sell out, and a reserve now and pay later option is available.

Tour Booking and Cancellation

Customers can book the Wicklow Mountains tour online or through their hotel concierge. A "reserve now & pay later" option is available, providing flexibility.

The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to book early. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This policy allows customers to plan with confidence, knowing they can get their money back if plans change.

The tour’s popularity and generous cancellation policy make it an appealing choice for visitors looking to explore the stunning Wicklow Mountains during their stay in Dublin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Restroom Break During the Tour?

The tour includes a stop at Johnnie Fox’s Pub, which likely has restroom facilities available for tour participants. However, the overview doesn’t explicitly mention a dedicated restroom break during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there is an optional lunch stop at Johnnie Fox’s Pub, where traditional Irish stew can be purchased for an additional fee.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, though it may not be appropriate for individuals with mobility impairments. Children are welcome, but parents should ensure they can handle the activity level.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 10 to 35 people. The exact number can vary depending on demand and availability. Tour operators aim to provide an intimate experience while accommodating a range of group sizes.

Is Wifi Available on the Tour Bus?

The tour bus does not provide Wi-Fi access. Passengers should come prepared with their own mobile internet or plan to disconnect during the tour. Connectivity may be limited in the Wicklow Mountains due to the remote location.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour to the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough National Park is an excellent way to experience the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the region. The guided visit to the monastic site, combined with the self-guided exploration of Powerscourt, provides a well-rounded and enriching day trip from Dublin. Travelers can expect breathtaking landscapes, fascinating insights, and a chance to enjoy Ireland’s captivating countryside.

You can check availability for your dates here: