Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow & Kilkenny Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Glendalough's ancient monastic ruins
- Stroll through Wicklow's scenic landscapes
- Discover Kilkenny's medieval architecture
- Enjoy a guided tour with local insights
- Experience Ireland's rich cultural heritage
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Glendalough Monastic Site
- Visit to Kilkenny's medieval landmarks
- Comfortable round-trip transportation from Dublin
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Pass by: Step aboard your premium touring vehicle and begin your journey with a scenic drive through the rolling hills and lush landscapes of County Wicklow, often called the "Garden of Ireland." As you leave Dublin city behind, we'll take you through the leafy suburbs of south Dublin and you’ll pass picturesque villages, farms, and the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, giving you a true taste of Ireland’s natural charm.
Upon arrival in Glendalough around 9:30, you’ll step back in time as your guide leads you through the historic Monastic City, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. This site became one of the most important religious centers in Ireland during the Early Christian period. The walking tour (included at no extra charge!) will focus on the incredible ruins that mark the area's rich history. Highlights include the stone round tower, intricately carved Celtic crosses, St. Kevin's Church and Cathedral ruins and exciting Viking history - did you know the the popular History Channel series featuring Ragnar Lothbrok was filmed here due to the valley's major historical links to these fearsome people?
After the walking tour, you’ll have 60 minutes to explore the stunning Glendalough Valley at your own pace. The area is rich with natural beauty, offering a range of activities and sights: - Upper and Lower Lakes: Stroll around the two scenic lakes, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the mountains reflected in the water. The Upper Lake is framed by steep cliffs, while the Lower Lake is known for its serene atmosphere. - Waterfalls: Take a short walk to the Glendalough Waterfall, which is nestled in a wooded valley. The cascading water is a peaceful sight, surrounded by the beauty of the forest. - Wildlife and Nature: As you explore, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as swans, ducks, and deer. The area is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for nature lovers. - Hiking Trails: For those wanting to explore more, there are numerous trails around the valley offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Pass by: We travel over the Wicklow Gap, which takes us way up into the Wicklow Mountains. This route allows spectacular panoramic views of the landscape, with amazing scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. We view traditional Irish bogs which provide the Irish householder with the source of energy that fuels our fires and provides power for many uses. Through the Wicklow Gap we also pass Turlogh waterfall, one of Ireland's most dramatic waterfalls and highest reservoir.
At 14:00, your driver will drop you off at St. Canice’s Cathedral, one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the city. From here, your guide will take you on a 30-minute optional walking tour (included at no extra charge!) through Kilkenny’s medieval streets, where you’ll pass and enjoy commentary about: St. Canice's Cathedral, the Medieval Mile, Kilkenny Castle, Smithwick's brewery and more! Kilkenny, often called the "Marble City," is a medieval city known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The city was founded by the Normans after their invasion of Ireland in the 1100s, and it flourished under their rule. Kilkenny became a center of Norman power and culture, with the construction of significant landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle, which stands as a reminder of the city’s role as a stronghold of the Hiberno-Norman lords. Today, Kilkenny is a vibrant mix of medieval heritage and modern life, with charming streets, pubs, and historical sites to explore.
After the walking tour, enjoy 90 minutes of leisure time to explore Kilkenny’s charming streets. Popular places to visit include: - Kilkenny Castle Park: Wander through the castle grounds (free of charge), where you can enjoy the formal gardens, the picturesque lake and woodland. - Traditional Pubs and Restaurants: Kilkenny is famous for its welcoming pubs. Consider stopping at Kyteler’s Inn, a 14th-century pub with a dark but fascinating history. Alice Kyteler, the original owner, was accused of witchcraft in the 14th century, making this a place full of intrigue and folklore. You can also visit Cleere’s, a popular and lively spot, known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Irish food and drinks. For a unique Kilkenny experience, also consider visiting The Hole in the Wall, a historic pub that has traded since 1560. It’s one of Kilkenny’s oldest pubs and is famous for its welcoming ambiance and great pints. For dining, Langtons offers both great food and a lively atmosphere.
Pass by: We take a leisurely drive back to Dublin thought the County of Kildare, and arrive back in the early evening (approx 18.00pm) with plenty of time to enjoy refreshments and dinner after an amazing day out.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 3 years old can join for free if seated on a parent's lap.
- Please inform the operator of any mobility issues in advance.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Bookings made through Viator will automatically be signed up for the pickup point and collection time specified in the booking.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- If you wish to change your reservation to one of the other pick-up location, you will need to contact us by telephone or email not later than 17:00 the evening prior so that we can guarantee the change. Please note that changes are only guaranteed once confirmed in writing by us.
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Traveler reviews
Too short in city
The places were nice, but the time in each city was too short, the guide wasn’t nice when asked about the time, I understand we have to be on time but there’s no need to be rude about it, so my overall experience with the driver wasn’t good, I don’t recommend
Great for a day trip from...
Great for a day trip from Dublin. Overall enjoyed the experience. Glendalough is beautiful but would have liked to have spent a little more time there to see more of the park. Definitely bring a sandwich or lunch to eat on the bus to have more time to explore or have a picnic at the park. Kilkenny was good but there was no walking tour as advertised so I did a self guided audio tour on my phone. There was no charger ports on the bus so make sure your phone is charged or bring a battery pack. The driver Karl was very friendly, safe, and helpful. Also worth mentioning, there is no restroom on the bus so plan accordingly. He did stop at a rest station on the way back to Dublin which was appreciated. I would recommend this tour if you are looking for a convenient affordable tour.
Beautiful and Peaceful day
A gorgeous view in the Wicklow Mountains and Glenda Loch. Truly a beautiful glance at centuries of history in the church ruins, the round tower, and resting place of hundreds of people. The hike along the lake was beautiful and peaceful. Kilkenny has the chateau and St. Mary’s Cathedral. The church has a nice little gift shop at the last stop in the tour. It’s often missed because people don’t walk toward the statue of the Virgin Mary, day chapel/smaller alter area and the hallway that exists next to it.
Highly recommended.
Excellent tour with the friendly guide Declan, visiting monastic Ireland and beautiful Kilkenny.
Average experience, good value for money
The trip was pleasant enough. Mick, the driver, was very good. I rated the tour as average because 1. there was too much time spent travelling on the coach as opposed to being out and about. 2. There was no guide, as advertised and 3. The trip was 9 hours, not 10 as advertised. Tip - if you prepare a packed lunch, you could eat this on the coach whilst travelling, to give you more exploring time. Having said that, the food at the eateries in Kilkenny was excellent. The locations we visited - Glendalogh and Kilkenny - were excellent. For the tour price, it was very good value. It was nice to get out of Dublin for the day and into the countryside. Other reviews have mentioned a ‘sheep dog training’ aspect of the trip, but this didn’t feature.