This is a private tour into some of Ireland’s most rewarding countryside - the Wicklow Mountains. You’ll visit Glendalough’s ancient monastic site, drive two of Wicklow’s famous mountain passes, and take in Lough Tay and Powerscourt Waterfall along the way.
The tour runs for 6 to 8 hours and can be adjusted to suit your interests. It’s run by Remote Ireland Tours, a company focused on giving you an authentic, unhurried experience of both the well-known spots and the quieter corners of the Irish countryside.
What’s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Parking fees
What’s Not Included
Gratuities
Lunch
Itinerary
Glendalough - The monastic city founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century sits in a glacial valley with two lakes - that’s where the name comes from, “valley of the two lakes.” The iconic round tower and the cluster of medieval ruins are the centrepiece, but there are also walking trails ranging from easy lakeshore strolls to proper hill hikes. (180 min)
Sally Gap or Wicklow Gap and surrounds - Two of Wicklow’s most scenic mountain passes, with moorlands, bogs and open views in every direction. You’ll also pass Lough Tay - the dark, striking lake often called the Guinness Lake for its dark waters and pale sandy shore - and stop at Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s tallest, which drops into a forested valley just south of Enniskerry. (120 min)
Good to Know
This is a private tour - the pace and focus can be tailored to your group
Specialised infant seats are available; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals are welcome
Public transport is available nearby
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health due to mountain terrain
Tour conducted in English
Local Tips
At Glendalough, the guided portion covers the main monastic ruins - the round tower, the cathedral, and St Kevin’s Church. If your group has extra time and energy, the flat Green Road from the visitor centre to the Upper Lake takes about 25 minutes one-way and is the best single walk on the site. It passes nine of the main ruins and brings you to the quieter lake where the valley really opens up.
The round tower at Glendalough stands 30 metres tall with its doorway three and a half metres off the ground - a sign of what it was for. When the Vikings came up the valley looking for silver, the monks pulled the ladder up after them. Your guide will cover the story, but it’s worth looking up before they do.
Powerscourt Waterfall, just south of Enniskerry, is 121 metres of the Dargle River dropping over granite - the highest continuous-flow waterfall in the Republic. The short walk around the base takes about 20 minutes. The waterfall runs stronger after rain, and autumn is when it’s most dramatic. There’s a separate car park and entry fee here; parking is covered in your tour price.
The tour is flexible by design. If the weather closes in on the mountain passes, the valley route through Enniskerry and the waterfall is a fine alternative. Let your guide know early if there’s a stop you particularly want to linger at.
Nearby on IrelandMe
Glendalough - St Kevin’s 6th-century monastic city in a glacial valley, with a 30-metre round tower, a cathedral, seven ruined churches, and walks ranging from a 25-minute lakeshore stroll to a full day on the Spinc ridge.
Enniskerry - The village at the foot of Powerscourt estate, with a square that has appeared in enough films to have its own reputation, and Powerscourt Gardens ranked third in the world by National Geographic.
