Wicklow Shore Excursion
Designed exclusively for cruise passengers, this small‑group shore excursion delivers the very best of Wicklow in a beautifully curated and time‑efficient format. With a smaller luxury coach and expert local guides, you’ll reach deep into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains — far beyond where large tours go.
If you want a genuine Wicklow experience without the risks of independent travel, this excursion is designed for you.
This tour is ideal for:
- Cruise guests who want to see more than Dublin city
- Travellers seeking scenery, history, and relaxed pacing
- Those who prefer small groups and local guides
- Guests who value certainty, comfort, and thoughtful timing
Rated 5‑stars by thousands of travellers Travellers’ Choice Award
What you’ll see
A Typical Day
Every day is a little different – because Wicklow weather and light make the magic – but here’s the shape of your adventure:
Departure / Return:
The tour does not depart at 9am. It departs from the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, 30 minutes after the first of our tour passengers arrives. Return to port in time for your tender.
Guided storytelling:
Guided storytelling & exploration at Glendalough and scenic lakeside and forest walks.
Lunch stop:
Lunch stop in a traditional Wicklow village with a cosy Irish pub.
Scenic drives:
Deep mountain drive through Sally Gap, mountain passes, loughs and photo stops in the national park.
Whiskey toast:
Lough Tay whiskey toast, then relaxed ride back to Dublin.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
This tour visits some of the most scenic and historically significant locations in the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough.
Straight to Glendalough
Explore the monastic city, lakes, and valley with your expert guide.
Signature Wicklow Scenery
Travel through Sally Gap on remote mountain routes.
Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)
Enjoy one of Ireland’s most iconic viewpoints.
Itinerary Highlights
(Subject to change due to weather.)
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.
Shore Excursion Pick‑Up Point
Royal Marine Hotel – Dún Laoghaire
Used exclusively for our Shore Excursion. Pickup is scheduled 30 minutes after the first tenders with our tour guests arrive, ensuring cruise passengers have plenty of time to disembark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer port drop‑off?
Yes. We return all guests to the port in time for their tender.
Will I be back in time for my cruise departure?
Yes – our Shore Excursion is designed around cruise tender times and always returns promptly.
Where is the pickup point?
At the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire — 30 minutes after first tenders arrive.
What if my ship arrives late?
We monitor schedules and adjust when necessary. If there are major delays, we will coordinate with you directly.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes – children 5+ are welcome.
Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes – both at Glendalough and during the lunch stop.
The booking says the tour departs at 9am, but I’ll arrive before or after this time.
The 9am departure time is only a placeholder required by the booking system, so please disregard that time.
For the Wild Wicklow Shore Excursion, we adjust the departure time to suit the ship’s arrival and tendering arrangements on the day. The tour normally departs from the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, approximately 30 minutes after the first tender available to our tour passengers arrives in port.
We are aware that cruise lines may prioritise their own shore excursion passengers on the first tenders, so we allow time for our passengers to come ashore afterwards and make their way to the meeting point.
This means you do not need to worry if you cannot get ashore on the very first tender. Once tenders become available to independent shore excursion passengers, our Wild Wicklow Tour group should be able to arrive within the allocated 30-minute window.
My Cruise Line prioritise tenders for their tours first, can I still make this shore tour on time?
For the Wild Wicklow Shore Excursion, we are aware that cruise lines often prioritise their own shore excursion passengers on the first tenders. Because of this, we do not depart at the placeholder 9am time shown on the booking system.
Instead, we adjust the departure time on the day and normally leave from the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, approximately 30 minutes after the first tender available to our tour passengers arrives in port.
This allows time for independent shore excursion passengers to come ashore and make their way to the meeting point.
Why Cruise Guests
Love This Tour
- Seamless timing designed around ship schedules
- Thoughtfully timed and perfectly paced for an effortless Wicklow experience
- Personal, small‑group atmosphere with fun and knowledgeable guides
- More time in Wicklow’s mountains — not rushing to include a Dublin city tour
- Group Size: Maximum 36
- Excellent value for a premium, small-group shore excursion
