Recommended
4.8
(5 reviews)

Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough: Day Tour from Dublin

Full-Day Tour
  • Dublin
  • Ireland

Escape the city and uncover the rich heritage, dramatic landscapes, and authentic rural traditions of Ireland on this comprehensive 10-hour day excursion from Dublin. Traveling in a premium, climate-controlled coach, you'll head deep into Ireland’s Ancient East. Your first destination is the majestic medieval city of Kilkenny. Wander its legendary 'Medieval Mile' at your own pace or join an insightful guided walking tour to admire its historic stone lanes, craft studios, and the iconic Kilkenny Castle framing the River Nore.

Leaving the city behind, your journey ascends into the wild, windswept peaks of the Wicklow Mountains. If conditions permit, you'll pull over at the breathtaking Wicklow Gap for a panoramic photo opportunity overlooking a dramatic glacial valley. Next, journey back in time at Glendalough, the legendary 'Valley of the Two Lakes.' Enjoy over two hours of free time to explore the remarkably preserved 6th-century monastic settlement, admire its world-famous round tower, and take a peaceful lakeside stroll. The grand finale of your adventure takes you to a traditional, working Irish sheep farm. Witness the incredible intelligence of working border collies during a live sheepdog demonstration and get an authentic glimpse into Irish farm life before a relaxing return drive to central Dublin.

From
€40
per person

About

Start time:

8:10 AM

Duration:

10 hours

Smartphone tickets accepted

Instant ticket delivery

Max group size:

63

Best time:

Morning.

Free cancellation

Free rescheduling

Live Guide:

English.

Highlights

  • Discover the historic stone streets and medieval heritage of Kilkenny with an optional walking tour.
  • Take a scenic drive through the rugged Wicklow Mountains and stop for photos at the panoramic Wicklow Gap.
  • Spend over 2 hours exploring Glendalough’s ancient 6th-century monastic ruins and pristine glacial lakes.
  • Experience traditional rural heritage with a 30-minute stop at a working Irish sheep farm for a sheepdog trial.
  • Relax in ultimate comfort inside an air-conditioned luxury coach with an expert local driver-guide.

What's Included

Roundtrip transportation from Dublin in a premium, air-conditioned touring coach.

Services of an expert, entertaining local driver-guide.

Optional guided walking tours through the highlights of Kilkenny and Glendalough.

Ample independent free time to explore Kilkenny Castle and town.

Over 2 full hours of free time to hike and sightsee in Glendalough.

Admission to a traditional working sheep farm including a live sheepdog demonstration.

What's Not Included

Food and beverages (stops will be made along the route where lunch and snacks can be purchased).

Admission fees inside Kilkenny Castle (optional during your free time).

Hotel pickup and drop-off services.

Itinerary

Kilkenny, Wicklow & Glendalough Highlights Itinerary

  • 1

    08:05 AM / 08:30 AM - Morning coach departures from designated central Dublin pickup locations.

  • 2

    Late Morning - Arrive in Kilkenny for an optional guided walking tour followed by free time for lunch and exploration.

  • 3

    Early Afternoon - Scenic mountain drive through the Wicklow Mountains with a weather-permitting photo stop at Wicklow Gap.

  • 4

    Mid-Afternoon - Arrive at Glendalough for over 2 hours of free time to visit the monastic site and lake trails.

  • 5

    Late Afternoon - Enjoy a 30-minute visit to an authentic working sheep farm for an immersive sheepdog trial demonstration.

  • 6

    06:00 PM - Arrive back in Dublin city center for an early evening drop-off at Eden Quay.

Instructions

  • Please select your preferred pickup location during checkout and ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
  • Pickup Option 1 (8:05 AM): Outside the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, 23 Upper O'Connell Street.
  • Pickup Option 2 (8:20 AM): Outside the Ulster Bank bus stop, 33 College Green/Dame Street (50m from the Trinity College gate).
  • Pickup Option 3 (8:30 AM): Outside the Jurys Inn Hotel (Leonardo Hotel), Christ Church, Dublin 8.
  • Present your digital smartphone ticket to the driver-guide upon boarding the coach for quick validation.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour departure time to receive a 100% full refund.
  • Rescheduling your tour date is completely free and permitted up to 24 hours before your original visit date.

Tips

  • Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or sneakers. Exploring the cobbled paths of Kilkenny, the dirt trails of Glendalough, and the fields of the sheep farm requires extensive walking on uneven ground.
  • Weather in the Wicklow Mountains can change rapidly and unpredictably. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, even if central Dublin looks warm and sunny when you depart.
  • Pack a reusable water bottle and snacks for the coach journey. While there is plenty of time to sit down for lunch in Kilkenny, having snacks for the scenic mountain drives is highly recommended.
  • If you plan to visit the interior of Kilkenny Castle during your free time, consider booking your entry slot online in advance to guarantee access during busy summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough: Day Tour from Dublin

This is a comprehensive full-day excursion lasting approximately 10 hours total. The coach departs central Dublin in the morning between 08:05 AM and 08:30 AM and returns in the early evening around 06:00 PM.

Yes! Your ticket includes full roundtrip transportation, optional guided walking tours in both Kilkenny and Glendalough, and full admission to the working sheep farm experience. Free natural spaces like Glendalough are open to the public without a fee.

The itinerary is perfectly paced to maximize your sightseeing. You will have substantial time in Kilkenny for a walk and lunch, over 2 full hours to explore the lakes and monastic ruins at Glendalough, and a dedicated 30-minute stop at the traditional sheep farm.

The scenic drive through the mountains is a core part of the tour, but the short photo stop at the high-altitude Wicklow Gap is weather-permitting. In cases of heavy mountain fog, traffic delays, or poor road conditions, the driver may skip the stop for safety reasons.

No, lunch and beverages are not included in the tour price. However, you will have plenty of free time in the vibrant city of Kilkenny, which is filled with excellent traditional Irish pubs, modern cafes, and local restaurants where you can easily purchase a meal.

This is a highly popular 30-minute stop at an authentic, working Irish farm. You will watch a live demonstration by a local farmer showing how highly trained border collies herd sheep across hillsides on command, giving you a wonderful look into traditional rural life.

Irish weather can change rapidly, particularly up in the Wicklow Mountains. We highly recommend dressing in warm, versatile layers and bringing a windproof and waterproof jacket. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with solid grip are essential.

Large travel suitcases and heavy luggage cannot be accommodated on the bus due to restricted compartment storage. However, small daypacks and foldable child strollers can be stored easily inside the luggage hold underneath the coach.

Unfortunately, standard long-distance luxury touring coaches do not feature active wheelchair lifts, and the historic cobblestones of Kilkenny, as well as the uneven, unpaved terrain of Glendalough and the sheep farm, are not suitable for wheelchair navigation.

Standard touring coaches on this regional route do not feature active on-board restrooms. However, the driver coordinates well-timed stops throughout the 10-hour day at towns, visitor centers, and sites where public restroom facilities are readily accessible.

You enjoy excellent booking flexibility. You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure date for a 100% full refund, or adjust your travel dates completely free of charge within the same 24-hour window.

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