You’re picked up from your accommodation anywhere in Dublin and driven in a private vehicle, with WiFi on board, through some of the best scenery in the east of Ireland. The day covers the coast road south, the Powerscourt Estate, Glendalough, and the return route through the Wicklow Mountains - finishing at Johnnie Fox’s Pub, reputedly Ireland’s highest, for a pint of Guinness before heading back.
Because it’s private, you can shape the itinerary as you go. If you’d rather skip a stop or spend longer somewhere, just say. The guides who run this tour have been doing it a long time, and know the area well. One past traveller from the US put it well: they described spending the day “more like with a friend than a driver-guided tour” - the kind of easy flexibility that makes a trip like this worth it.
What’s Included
WiFi on board
Private vehicle and driver-guide
Pickup from your Dublin accommodation
Itinerary
Dublin to Sandycove - You head south along the coast road, passing through Dún Laoghaire and Sandycove, where the James Joyce Martello Tower and Museum is open to the public if you’d like to stop.
Dalkey and the Vico Road - A scenic stretch along the coast, passing through the village of Dalkey. The Vico Road has long been home to various well-known names including Bono, Enya, and Van Morrison.
Powerscourt Estate - Around an hour to explore this historic estate in County Wicklow. The house dates to the 13th century and was voted in the top 10 by National Geographic. The gardens - over 40 acres - were voted in the top 3 gardens in the world by National Geographic. A fire in 1974 gutted the house; it was partially restored by 1996 and is now open to visitors alongside the gardens. The estate is currently owned by the Slazenger family.
Optional: Powerscourt Waterfall - About 5km from the estate, this is Ireland’s highest waterfall at 121m (398ft). There’s good wildlife here - Chaffinch, Cuckoo, Raven, Willow Warbler, Sika Deer, and the occasional red squirrel. This stop can be added or swapped depending on your interests. (approximately 30 minutes)
Glendalough - Around an hour in the Valley of Two Lakes, home to the monastic city built by the followers of St. Kevin. In the lower glen you’ll find the remains of the Cathedral, the Round Tower, St. Kevin’s Church, the graveyard, and various early medieval dwellings.
Return via the Military Road - The route back takes you through the Wicklow and Dublin Mountains, across the bog lands known as the Feather Beds, with views of Loch Dan, Loch Tay, and the Guinness estate.
Johnnie Fox’s Pub - The day ends at this famous pub on top of the Dublin Mountains, widely known as the highest pub in Ireland, for a fresh pint before the drive back.
Good to Know
This is a private tour, conducted in English and French
The itinerary is flexible - your guide can adapt stops to suit your pace and interests
Infant seats are available on request
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transport options are available nearby
Suitable for all fitness levels
Local Tips
At Dún Laoghaire and Sandycove: if your guide mentions stopping at Sandycove, the James Joyce Martello Tower museum is free and takes about thirty minutes - a worthwhile detour before the day pushes inland. The East Pier at Dún Laoghaire runs 1.3 km into the bay, built from Dalkey granite between 1817 and 1842; it’s a good leg-stretch if you’re early out of the city.
At Dalkey: the Vico Road section of the drive is as good through the window as on foot, but if you want to stretch your legs briefly, Dalkey village has two standing medieval castles on Castle Street and a quiet harbour at Coliemore fifteen minutes’ walk away. Finnegan’s pub is the local favourite if you want a coffee stop here rather than waiting for Johnnie Fox’s.
At Glendalough: an hour is enough for the monastic city, but if your guide can spare the time, the flat Green Road walk along the Lower Lake to the Upper Lake takes just twenty-five minutes each way and shows you why St Kevin chose this valley in the first place. The café at the visitor centre feeds the coach trade; Lynham’s of Laragh, a kilometre up the road, is the better stop for a pint or a proper bite if timing allows.
The Military Road return: the Feather Beds stretch of the R115 passes viewpoints over Lough Tay (the Guinness Lake) - the same lake you’ll see on the return itinerary. It looks exactly like a pint of Guinness from the road above. The lighting is best on a clear afternoon when you’re heading north.
Nearby on IrelandMe
Dún Laoghaire - two granite piers built 1817-1842, a free Joyce Tower museum at Sandycove, and the busiest public library in Ireland on the waterfront
Dalkey - two medieval castles on Castle Street, the Vico Road celebrities, and a ferry to a wild-goat island a kilometre offshore
Glendalough - a 6th-century monastic city at the bottom of two glacial lakes, with a round tower whose doorway is three and a half metres off the ground and a valley that earns a night’s stay
