Dublin: Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny Tour
From€45
10 hours
Dublin, Ireland
About this activity
Experience Ireland's rich history and natural beauty on a guided tour from Dublin, visiting Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains, and Kilkenny.
Highlights
- Explore Glendalough's ancient monastic ruins
- Stroll through Wicklow's scenic mountain trails
- Discover Kilkenny's rich medieval heritage
- Witness a live sheepdog demonstration
- Enjoy picturesque views of the Irish countryside
Full description
Discover the enchanting landscapes and historical treasures of Ireland on this immersive day trip from Dublin. Begin with a visit to Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic site nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, where you'll explore ancient ruins and learn about its rich history. Next, journey through the stunning Wicklow Mountains, renowned for their breathtaking scenery, before arriving in Kilkenny. Here, delve into the city's medieval past with a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle and a walk along the Medieval Mile, uncovering tales of knights and artisans. Along the way, enjoy a captivating sheepdog demonstration, showcasing the traditional skills of Irish herding dogs. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable experience of Ireland's heritage.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Glendalough Monastic Site
- Visit to Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Mile
- Sheepdog demonstration in the Wicklow Mountains
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Your tour will start with a tour out of Dublin, beginning right after the coach departs your guide will be there to point out all that there is to see on the way through and out of Dublin City. This journey is one of stark changes in the landscape; from the grey streets of Dublin to the green roads of Wicklow, how the scenery develops as we take this short drive to the next county over is something to be seen. Along the route we will drive right through the heart of Dublin City past Trinity College and Temple bar. Along the Liffey past the Guinness Brewery and up into Kilmainham where the Viking settlers of Dublin buried their dead. This is a journey from Dublin; the Fair City to Wicklow; the Garden of Ireland and it is one to be remembered!
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
The stop of the day before out return back to Dublin! You will get around 2 hours to explore this beautiful city. Surrounded by beautiful medieval architecture, this is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Ireland. You could spend your time simply wandering the narrow, winding streets as people have for centuries. Walk over stones worn smooth from the footfall of people traveling along them across the centuries as you take in the surroundings. Visit Kilkenny Castle, see how the medieval era came crashing down in explosive fashion with the arrival of Gunpowder. Find the haunted pub and hear the tale of the first ever Witch Trail to take place in Ireland. Perhaps you’d like to try a pint from a brewery older than Guinness and get to know what some call a ‘Real Irish Beer’! From shopping to sightseeing, old book shops and quaint antiques, having a quite coffee after walking the Medieval Mile; you will not have to look far to find what you’re looking for in the city of Kilkenny!
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
The next stop is at an Irish Farm where a very talented Shepherd will demonstrate to you how he works alongside his animals. Ireland is one of the oldest agricultural places in the world having evidence of settled farming going back 5500 years! Come meet someone who is at the forefront of this story, meet their sheep and dogs too! The shepherd and his well trained team of Sheepdogs will show to you the incredible skill and dedication to their craft! You’ll learn all about the history of Wool and the farming of sheep in Ireland and why it is such an important part of our history. You’ll see a brilliant demonstration of skill and dedication here as well as the depth of compassion to be found on an Irish Farm alongside the facts about some of the difficulties faced by Irish farmers in our modern age. Demonstration lasts for about 45 minutes
Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
This stop is not the only part of the tour to take place in the Wicklow Mountains. In truth from Glendalough almost all the way to Kilkenny will be a tour through the mountainous heart of eastern Ireland but here we take a short stop at one of only two roads over the mountains. We stop at the top of Wicklow Gap amidst fields of Rushes mixed with Heather and other wildflowers where domestic sheep roam freely by the winding road. You will find a viewing platform offering a spectacular vista down towards Dublin Bay but even on the odd foggy day you will still find yourself surrounded by the wildness of Wicklow. Around 15 minutes.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Glendalough also known as The Valley of Two Lakes is one of the most beautiful and isolated valleys in all of Ireland. Buried right in the heart of Wicklow in the middle of the largest area of uplands in all of Ireland is a tranquil place of peace and exploration. Being one of the earliest and most significant Monastic sites in all of Ireland, your guide will bring you on a walking tour of the old city to show you the depth of history to be found there. The ruins of the monastic city are some of the finest preserved examples of their kind in Ireland. From the Round Tower to the wish granting Cross of St Kevin, explore it all at your own pace after the guided tour as you will be given plenty of free time. Perhaps you’ll hear the story of St Kevin and the Blackbird or hear of the Pagan Celts. Memories and moments are found easily here in Glendalough whether in the Monastic City, sitting by the streams and in the trees or around the shores of the lakes themselves.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: We return to Dublin around 6:00 PM
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Pets are not permitted on the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light rain jacket, as weather can be unpredictable.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Not recommended for small children. If they are very used to travelling on a bus tour and very used to walking, please book 1 seat per child and bring your own child seat.
- Not recommended to those with walking disabilities (a fair amount of walking involved)
- Not recommended for participants with back problems, with heart complaints, pregnant women or other serious medical conditions
- If passengers are late to the pick up the bus will not wait for them even if they call the office before hand. Must make sure they are on time. If passengers are intoxicated at any stage of the tour they will not be allowed on/back on the bus.
- The pick up point is in the City Centre so there is no parking available for passengers to leave their cars for the entire day.
- Use the bathroom prior to coming to the pick up point. Bring a packed lunch and also wear comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes as well as a rainproof jacket.
Traveler reviews
4.92,454 reviews
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A Wonderful day out!
We had a wonderful day in the Wicklow Mountains with our teenage boys! Aoife was a knowledgeable and entertaining guide, and young Thomas was an excellent driver, expertly navigating those narrow country roads. We loved this day trip!
U50OMjackiehJul 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Fantastic tour
The whole tour is fab!Our tour guide Mark is fantastic witty and funny at the same time. The driver thomas is very good as well we had a lovely drive on the entire trip!Kuddos for both!
rezeljoysJul 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Outstanding Tour with Oli and Jose!
Oli was our tour guide and Jose our driver. Both are absolutely wonderful people! Oli is an outstanding tour guide!!! I learned so much from his rich and gripping storytelling about Ireland’s history, and his energy just made this tour so memorable!! Jose was a smooth driver and kept us on time! Highly highly recommended!
39alaazJul 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR
The most passionate and professional tour guide
Olí was incredible!! The most passionate tour guide I ever met!! Extremely professional and knowledgeable! He explains everything with detail that makes us feel the connection with the Irish culture so deeply with music, history, stories and he even sang an Irish song to make us laugh! Definitely will recommend to everyone!
Q3886PGjoseiJul 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Ireland
Oli and Marcin took us on a good and fun trip, recommend!!
326maltelJul 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Not recommended for small children. If they are very used to travelling on a bus tour and very used to walking, please book 1 seat per child and bring your own child seat.
Not recommended to those with walking disabilities (a fair amount of walking involved)
Not recommended for participants with back problems, with heart complaints, pregnant women or other serious medical conditions
If passengers are late to the pick up the bus will not wait for them even if they call the office before hand. Must make sure they are on time. If passengers are intoxicated at any stage of the tour they will not be allowed on/back on the bus.
The pick up point is in the City Centre so there is no parking available for passengers to leave their cars for the entire day.
Use the bathroom prior to coming to the pick up point. Bring a packed lunch and also wear comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes as well as a rainproof jacket.