Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains Half Day Tour from Dublin

About This Tour

This is a popular half-day run from Dublin into the heart of County Wicklow - the so-called Garden of Ireland - taking in mountain scenery, a photogenic lake stop, and a proper two hours at Glendalough.

You’ll head south through beautiful forested valleys, passing Sugar Loaf mountain and dropping through Roundwood - Ireland’s highest village - before a short stop at Lough Tay. Known locally as the Guinness Lake, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Wicklow. From there it’s on to Glendalough itself, the valley of the two lakes, where you’ll have two full hours to walk the river bank, explore the woods, and take in the ruins of St Kevin’s Monastic City with its round towers and Celtic crosses.

If Braveheart or P.S. I Love You rings a bell, you’ll be on familiar ground - both films used Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains as a backdrop.

What’s Included

Local guide
Driver/guide
WiFi on board
USB points at every seat
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge

What’s Not Included

Lunch
Gratuities
Food and drinks

Itinerary

Dublin City departure - Your guide sets the scene as you leave the city and head south into the Wicklow Mountains. (pass by)
Sugar Loaf and Lough Tay - You’ll pass Sugar Loaf mountain and descend through Roundwood on your way to a short stop at Lough Tay (the Guinness Lake), one of the most photographed views in the county. (20 min)
Glendalough - Two hours to explore the valley. Walk along the river through the woods, past woodland streams and out to the two lakes. The ruined Monastic City - St Kevin’s Cross, round towers, ancient churches - is a remarkable place to wander. Braveheart’s wedding scene was filmed here, as were the romantic scenes from P.S. I Love You. (120 min)
Return to Dublin - Scenic drive back through the mountains. (pass by)

Meeting point: Bus Stop 1171, Lower Gardiner Street (at street number 42, beside Trinity Church).

Good to Know

Infant seats are available; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals are welcome
Public transport options are available nearby
Suitable for all fitness levels
Maximum group size of 64
Conducted in English

Local Tips

Make the most of your two hours at Glendalough. The visitor centre is right there but it’s not the main event. Head straight for the monastic ruins - St Kevin’s Church (the one that looks like it has a chimney), the round tower with its doorway three and a half metres off the ground, and the cathedral behind it. Then follow the Green Road along the Lower Lake toward the Upper Lake. You won’t get to the Upper Lake and back in two hours, but the woodland walk along the Lower Lake is genuinely beautiful.

The round tower doorway tells you everything. It’s three and a half metres up the wall - the monks pulled the ladder up after them when the Vikings arrived. The conical roof on top was rebuilt in 1876 from the original stones after a lightning strike. The whole site dates to the 6th century; most of what you can see is 10th and 11th century.

The village with the food and pubs is Laragh, 1.5km east. If you have time between the coach dropping and collecting you, the Trinity Mountain Bothy café in Laragh does soup, sandwiches, and good coffee - exactly what you want after walking the river path. The coaches don’t all stop there, so it’s quieter than the visitor centre café.

Roundwood, which you pass through on the way, is officially Ireland’s highest village at 238 metres. The Roundwood Inn there has been running since the 17th century and is known locally for its open fire and Wicklow game menu - worth knowing if you’re ever making this trip on your own with more time to spare.

Nearby on IrelandMe

Glendalough - A 6th-century monastic city at the bottom of two lakes, with a round tower, seven churches, and woodland walks along the river between them.
Roundwood - Ireland’s highest village at 238 metres, with a 17th-century inn known for its open fire and Wicklow lamb - you pass through it on this tour.