Wild Wicklow Winter Tour
Experience the best of Wicklow on our specially designed winter day tour from Dublin. With a shorter day built around Ireland’s winter daylight, we focus on the places that make Wicklow truly special — Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains, Sally Gap and Lough Tay.
Travel aboard our smaller coach with a knowledgeable local guide, exploring mountain roads and viewpoints that larger tour buses simply can’t reach. It’s relaxed, scenic and immersive, with plenty of time to experience Wicklow rather than simply pass through it.
Guided by locals and shaped by the landscape, the day feels relaxed, immersive, and genuinely special.
Why this tour?
- Smaller groups & Wicklow back‑roads
- Includes Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) — a stop many tours can’t reach
- Designed around winter daylight, with an earlier return to Dublin
- Wicklow specialists for over 29 years
Rated 5‑stars by thousands of travellers Travellers’ Choice Award
What you’ll see
TOUR SNAPSHOT
Every day is a little different – because Wicklow weather and light make the magic – but here’s the shape of your winter adventure:
Duration:
Approx. 7 hours, returning to Dublin around 4.00pm
Departure:
Dublin city centre
Group size:
A smaller-coach experience, with up to 36 guests
Walking level:
Easy, optional walks
Ideal for:
First‑time visitors, nature lovers, photographers, culture seekers
Watch a short preview of the Original Wild Wicklow Day Tour, from Dublin city to the Wicklow Mountains, Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Glendalough and the journey back with new friends. Note on the Winter Tour Killiney Hill and Avoca may not be visited.
WHY THIS IS THE BEST WICKLOW DAY TOUR
The Original Wild Wicklow Tour has been exploring Wicklow since 1997, with one clear focus: showing you Wicklow, not simply passing through it.
Our winter itinerary has been specially designed around Ireland’s shorter daylight hours. Rather than trying to squeeze a summer itinerary into a winter day, we concentrate on the highlights that make Wild Wicklow special.
You’ll have time to discover the history and landscape of Glendalough, enjoy lunch in a traditional Wicklow village and travel deep into the mountains through Sally Gap to the famous viewpoint overlooking Lough Tay.
Travelling aboard our smaller coach allows us to use narrow mountain roads, stop at quieter viewpoints and adapt the route to the weather and conditions on the day.
It feels less like a conventional bus tour and more like a road trip through Wicklow with a fun, knowledgeable local.
And with a return to Dublin around 4pm, you still have your evening free to enjoy the city.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
This winter tour concentrates on some of the most scenic and historically significant places in County Wicklow.
Glendalough Valley of Two Lakes
Discover one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites in the spectacular Glendalough Valley.
Your guide will introduce you to the ancient monastic settlement founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, including its famous round tower, stone churches and the stories behind this extraordinary place.
You’ll have free time to explore the valley at your own pace, walk towards the Upper Lake or simply enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery.
Wicklow Mountains National Park (Sally Gap)
The Sally Gap is one of the most dramatic parts of Wicklow and one of the places where travelling on a smaller coach really makes a difference.
Your guide will choose the best route and photo stops for the conditions on the day, taking you through the wild landscape that has featured in productions including Vikings, Braveheart and P.S. I Love You.
Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)
One of the highlights of the Wild Wicklow Tour.
Set beneath the cliffs of Luggala Mountain, Lough Tay is one of Ireland’s most photographed mountain views.
Its dark waters and striking white shoreline helped earn it the nickname Guinness Lake.
The viewpoint is reached along the narrow Wicklow mountain roads that many larger tour coaches cannot access.
WHERE THE DAY TAKES YOU
Our winter itinerary is designed to make the most of the available daylight.
The exact order may change depending on weather, road conditions and visibility — local knowledge guides the day so that you experience Wicklow at its best.
Morning:
Depart Dublin and travel south into County Wicklow.
Mid-Morning:
Explore the ancient monastic settlement with your guide, followed by free time to discover the valley and lakes.
Lunch:
Stop in a traditional Wicklow village with a cosy Irish pub. Food and drinks are at your own cost.
Afternoon:
Journey through the Wicklow Mountains, towards Sally Gap and Lough Tay.
Return:
Enjoy a relaxed journey back to Dublin, arriving at approximately 4.00pm — leaving your evening free to enjoy the city.
Itinerary Highlights
The route and individual stops may change due to weather, visibility or road conditions, particularly during winter. Your guide will always aim to give you the best experience possible on the day.
Join your expert guide to discover the ancient monastic settlement founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. Explore the famous round tower, ancient stone churches and the remains of a community that made Glendalough one of Ireland’s great centres of early Christianity.
Surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, Glendalough combines Ireland’s history with some of its most beautiful scenery.
Follow the woodland paths towards the Upper Lake, take photographs around the Lower Lake or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
There is no requirement to complete a particular walk — how you spend your free time is entirely up to you.
Warm up, relax and enjoy some local hospitality before continuing deeper into the mountains.
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Travel through mountain valleys, peat bogs and open countryside as your guide takes you along some of Wicklow’s most scenic roads.
Depending on conditions, the journey may include the Sally Gap, the famous P.S. I Love You bridge and other favourite Wild Wicklow viewpoints.
The exact stops can vary. That’s part of travelling through the mountains with a local guide and winter in the Wicklow Mountains.
Stop overlooking Lough Tay, nestled below Luggala Mountain, and enjoy one of Ireland’s most recognisable landscapes.
The narrow mountain road leading through this part of Wicklow is one of the reasons we deliberately operate a smaller coach.
Then sit back and relax as we make our way towards Dublin, arriving at approximately 4.00pm.
Some of our 5-star reviews
from TripAdvisor
We’re proud to be one of Ireland’s highest‑rated day tours. Here’s what recent guests loved:
Wicklow Mountains Tour
Had an amazing time on the Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Tour, with stunning views and great hiking trails, our guide, Patrick, was knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience unforgettable. Strongly recommended!!!
Great experience with Wild Wicklow! The tour was really enjoyable despite the cold. We visited unique and less touristy spots in the Irish countryside that truly let you experience the real Ireland. Highly recommended!
Highly Recommend!!
Unforgettable Tour! Patrick was an amazing tour guide!! We experienced some wonderful history and views of Ireland. I truly will never forget this experience.
Dublin City Centre Pick‑Up Points
Pickup is from convenient Dublin city‑centre locations:
1. South Side – St. Stephen’s Green North (Bus Stop 791)
Perfect for guests staying near St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, Merrion Square, or the south city centre.
2. North Side – Cathal Brugha Street (On corner with Thomas Lane)
Ideal if you are staying near O’Connell Street, Parnell Square, or in the north city centre. This location is close to many major hotels and easily reached by Luas and bus routes.
3. Grand Canal Hotel (Opposite the hotel, outside the white gates)
Perfect for guests staying near Ballsbridge, the Grand Canal area, Herbert Park, or the south-east side of the city.
4. Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel Killiney
On request, we can collect guests from Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel. Return drop‑offs will be in Dublin City Centre, where you can take the DART back to Killiney. Alternatively, we can drop you in Loughlinstown if you prefer to take a taxi from there.
Useful Information
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Professional local driver-guide
- Transport aboard our comfortable smaller coach
- Guided introduction to Glendalough
- Wicklow Mountains and Sally Gap scenic drive
- Lough Tay viewpoint
- Complimentary taste of Glendalough Whiskey
- Plenty of stories, local knowledge and Irish humour along the way
What’s not included
Lunch, optional refreshments, gratuities
WHO THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FOR
If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and premium Wicklow day tour — this is it.
It’s ideal for:
- First-time visitors to Ireland
- Travellers who want to see both Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
- Nature and landscape lovers
- Photographers
- Solo travellers
- Couples, families and small groups
- Visitors who prefer a smaller coach and a more relaxed touring style
- Anyone who wants to experience Wicklow while still being back in Dublin in time to enjoy the evening
This is a tour for people who want to come away feeling they’ve experienced Wicklow, not just visited it.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- The tour operates during the winter season from 1 November to 4 April
- Duration is approximately 7 hours
- Expected return to Dublin is around 4.00pm
- The itinerary may be adjusted according to weather, visibility and road conditions
- Walking at Glendalough is optional
- Ireland’s winter weather can change quickly, so warm layers and a waterproof jacket are strongly recommended
- Lunch is available during the tour but is not included in your ticket price
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Bring a light rain jacket (this is Ireland)
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure
- Luggage may be carried on the coach but is left solely at the owner’s risk
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The winter tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with departure from Dublin in the morning and return at approximately 4.00pm.
The shorter itinerary is specially designed around Ireland’s winter daylight hours.
What makes this tour different from other Wicklow tours?
We focus exclusively on Wicklow, travel in smaller groups, use narrow back‑roads, and include Lough Tay – a stop many larger tours cannot access. The pace is thoughtful, the experience immersive, and the commentary led by fun, knowledgeable local guides.
How much free time do we get in Glendalough?
Following your guided introduction to the ancient monastic settlement, you’ll have approximately 60–90 minutes of free time, depending on conditions and the day’s schedule.
This normally gives plenty of time to explore the valley and walk towards the Upper Lake.
Is the walking difficult?
No.
The tour is not a hiking tour and all longer walks are optional. Glendalough has a choice of easy paths and you can decide how much or how little walking you would like to do.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, but we stop at a traditional Irish pub with excellent food options.
Do you visit Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)?
Yes.
Lough Tay is one of the highlights of the Wild Wicklow Tour and one of the reasons we use a smaller coach capable of travelling along Wicklow’s narrower mountain roads.
All mountain stops remain subject to weather, road and safety conditions.
What should I wear?
Winter weather in Wicklow can be cold, wet and changeable.
We recommend comfortable footwear, warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
What if the weather is bad?
Wicklow’s weather is part of its character and conditions can change quickly.
Your guide may adjust the route or order of stops to make the most of visibility, weather and road conditions on the day.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes – children ages 5+ are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Where does the tour depart from?
We offer several convenient Dublin city-centre pickup locations.
You choose your preferred pickup point when booking.
Can I join the tour if I’m staying outside Dublin?
Depending on where you are staying, one of our city-centre pickup locations may still be convenient.
Please contact us if you are unsure which pickup point is best.
Is there space for luggage?
We can accommodate large luggage, but it is carried at your own risk. We cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage.
Do you run this tour year‑round?
Yes.
From 1 November to 4 April, we operate our specially designed Winter Tour.
From 5 April to 31 October, the Original Wild Wicklow Day Tour operates.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely.
A large number of our guests travel alone, and the relaxed smaller-coach atmosphere makes the Wild Wicklow Tour a great way to meet other travellers.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking in advance is recommended, particularly for weekends and busy travel periods.
Our winter fares may vary according to availability, so booking earlier may also give you access to our lowest available price.
