From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour

Exploring the stunning Irish countryside beyond Dublin is a must-do for any visitor. This full-day tour takes travelers on a journey through the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, the historic Glendalough site, and the charming medieval city of Kilkenny. With round-trip transportation, guided walking tours, and admission to Kilkenny Castle, it’s an efficient way to experience some of Ireland’s top attractions. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes, culture, or just a day away from the capital, this tour promises an engaging and memorable experience.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 9-hour tour from Dublin that explores the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and Kilkenny, including guided walks and admission to Kilkenny Castle.
Tour features scenic drives, photo stops, and free time in Kilkenny, as well as an optional hike to the Upper Lake in Glendalough.
Luxury bus transportation with Wi-Fi and USB charging, and hotel pickup and drop-off for a seamless experience.
Highly rated by over 5,600 reviews, with engaging guides, comfortable transportation, and excellent value for money.
Not recommended for young children or individuals with mobility impairments, and requires comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

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Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the stunning Wicklow Mountains, the historic Glendalough monastic settlement, and the charming city of Kilkenny.

Departing from Dublin, the 9-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, guided walking tours, and admission to Kilkenny Castle.

This 9-hour tour from Dublin includes round-trip transportation, guided walking tours, and admission to the historic Kilkenny Castle.

Highlights include a scenic drive through the Wicklow Gap, a guided tour of Glendalough, and free time to explore Kilkenny.

With a 4.8/5 overall rating from over 5,600 reviews, this tour provides an engaging and informative experience for visitors.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, and no food or drinks are allowed on the vehicle.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a luxury bus departure from Dublin, transporting guests to the stunning Glendalough monastic settlement.

Here, visitors embark on a guided tour, exploring the ancient ruins and learning about the site’s rich history. An optional hike to the Upper Lake offers panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains.

The scenic drive continues through the breathtaking landscape, culminating in a photo stop at the Wicklow Gap.

In Kilkenny, a walking tour introduces the city’s medieval charm, followed by free time for lunch and a visit to the impressive Kilkenny Castle.

Included Features

The tour includes round-trip transportation via a luxury bus with Wi-Fi and USB charging points, providing a comfortable and convenient journey.

Guided walking tours of Glendalough and Kilkenny are included, allowing visitors to explore these historic sites with knowledgeable guides.

Admission to Kilkenny Castle is also part of the package, giving guests the opportunity to discover this iconic landmark.

Lunch options are available in Kilkenny, where visitors can enjoy a picnic on the castle grounds or dine at local pubs.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour.

Customer Experience

Customers have rated this Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour exceptionally well, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 5,600 reviews.

The guide ratings average 4.9/5, highlighting the engaging and informative narrations. Travelers also praised the transportation, which offers Wi-Fi and USB charging, rating it 4.8/5.

They felt the tour provided excellent value for money, with a 4.8/5 rating in this category. Reviewers consistently highlighted the tour’s highlights – the stunning Wicklow Mountains, the historical Glendalough, and the charming city of Kilkenny – as well as the comfortable, safe, and efficient organization.

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Important Information

Although the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour is suitable for most participants, it’s not recommended for children under 3 years old or individuals with mobility impairments.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves walking. Food and drinks aren’t allowed on the vehicle, so participants should plan accordingly.

The meeting point is at Collins bus near Hotel Riu Plaza, a 3-minute walk from The Spire of Dublin.

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Departure and Transportation

The Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour departs from the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, where guests board a luxury bus equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging points.

The round-trip transportation includes:

A scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains, with a photo stop at the Wicklow Gap.
A guided walking tour of the historic Glendalough monastic settlement.
Free time in the medieval city of Kilkenny, with an optional visit to Kilkenny Castle.
Drop-off at College Green in Dublin at the end of the tour.

Exploring Glendalough

Why is Glendalough such a popular destination on this tour? The 6th-century monastic settlement is nestled in a stunning glacial valley, making it a picturesque and historically significant stop. Visitors can explore the cathedral, round tower, and other ruins on a guided walking tour. For the more adventurous, an optional 2.5 km hike to the Upper Lake offers breathtaking views.

| Key Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Monastic Ruins | Explore the 6th-century cathedral, round tower, and other structures |

| Guided Walking Tour | Learn about the site’s rich history from an expert guide |

| Upper Lake Hike | Set out on a 2.5 km hike for panoramic vistas of the glacial valley |

With its blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, Glendalough is a must-see on this comprehensive Wicklow Mountains tour.

Discovering Kilkenny

After exploring the serene beauty of Glendalough, the tour now takes visitors to the charming city of Kilkenny.

During the walking tour, guests will:

Stroll through the medieval streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture.
Visit the impressive Kilkenny Castle, a 12th-century fortress with stunning gardens.
Explore the local craft shops and artisan studios, known for their high-quality Irish goods.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the cozy pubs or cafes along the Nore River.

With free time to discover Kilkenny’s charms, this stop offers a delightful contrast to the natural landscapes of the Wicklow Mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, the tour does not allow outside food and drinks on the vehicle. Passengers are advised to purchase meals and refreshments during the scheduled stops in Kilkenny, where they’ll have time for lunch at local pubs or on the castle grounds.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets for the Tour in Advance?

The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, so booking ahead ensures availability and avoids disappointment.

Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens or Students?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The tour price is a flat rate per person, with no special pricing based on age or student status. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, as the tour is popular and likely to sell out.

Can I Extend My Stay in Kilkenny or Glendalough on My Own?

Customers can extend their stay in Kilkenny or Glendalough on their own after the tour. The tour includes specified stops and durations, but travelers are free to explore those areas further independently if they wish.

Does the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions?

The tour does accommodate vegetarian and dietary restrictions. Passengers can notify the company in advance, and the guides will provide recommendations for suitable lunch options in Kilkenny that cater to their dietary needs.

The Sum Up

This guided tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the magnificent Wicklow Mountains, the historic Glendalough, and the charming city of Kilkenny. With round-trip transportation, guided walking tours, and ample free time, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy Ireland’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The tour’s excellent customer ratings further reinforce its value as an engaging and memorable experience.