The Original Wild Wicklow Day Tour
The Original Wild Wicklow Day Tour is a small-group journey into the heart of Wicklow, designed for travellers who want more than a drive-through experience. 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
- Wicklow specialists for over 22 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 adventure:
Duration:
Full day (approx. 8–9 hours), back in Dublin approx. 5.30pm
Departure:
Dublin city centre
Group size:
Cosy village stop with a traditional Irish pub for lunch
Walking level:
Easy, optional walks
Ideal for:
First‑time visitors, nature lovers, photographers, culture seekers
WHY THIS IS THE BEST WICKLOW DAY TOUR
Our Original Wild Wicklow Day Tour was designed with a clear focus: exploring Wicklow, not just passing through it.
Instead of racing between headline stops or combining Wicklow with a city itinerary, we dedicate the day to showing you our Wicklow — choosing routes, viewpoints, and timing based on what works best on the day.
Travelling in a small group allows us to take narrow mountain roads, stop at quieter viewpoints, and adjust the day to suit the conditions. It’s less like being on a bus and more like a road trip with a fun, knowledgeable local.
This is why so many guests describe Wild Wicklow as the highlight of their trip to Ireland.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE
This tour visits some of the most scenic and historically significant locations in the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough.
Wicklow Mountains National Park (Sally Gap)
Travel through high mountain passes, peat bogs, and wide open landscapes in the heart of the national park. The Sally Gap is one of Wicklow’s most scenic areas and offers dramatic views in all directions.
Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)
Enjoy one of Ireland’s most iconic viewpoints, Lough Tay sits beneath the cliffs of Luggala Mountain and is known for its dark waters and striking natural setting. This stop is not accessed by large tour buses.
Glendalough Valley of Two Lakes
Explore one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites, including the round tower, monastic ruins, and lakeside walking trails. You’ll have free time to walk the valley and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
WHERE THE DAY TAKES YOU
While each day unfolds slightly differently, the overall shape of the day remains similar.
Local knowledge guides the day, allowing each location to be experienced at its best.
Morning:
Depart Dublin and travel by scenic coastal and mountain routes.
Mid‑morning:
Explore highland scenery, loughs, and mountain viewpoints.
Lunch:
Stop in a traditional Wicklow village with a cosy Irish pub.
Afternoon:
Guided visit to Glendalough followed by free time to explore.
Return:
Relaxed journey back to Dublin via scenic back roads.
Itinerary Highlights
(Subject to change due to weather, especially in the winter!!)
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. 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.
2. 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.
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 KillineyOn 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- Dublin city‑centre pickup and return
- Professional, fun and friendly local guide
- Live storytelling and commentary
- Scenic mountain drive and photo stops
- Guided tour of Glendalough monastic city
- Free time for a self‑guided lakes walk
What’s not includedLunch, optional refreshments, gratuities
WHO THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FORIf you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and premium Wicklow day tour — this is it.
It’s ideal for:
- Visitors who want the best Wicklow experience, not the quickest
- Travellers who enjoy small groups, local insight, and a more personal experience
- Culture seekers interested in landscape and history
- Nature lovers who appreciate scenic routes, beautiful viewpoints, and time to explore
This is a tour for people who want to come away feeling they’ve experienced Wicklow, not just visited it.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?The Original Wild Wicklow Day Tour lasts approximately 8-9 hours, giving you a full day to explore the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough.
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?You’ll typically enjoy around 1.5 hours in Glendalough – enough time to explore the monastic site, walk to the lakes, or take one of the valley’s scenic trails.
Is the walking difficult?No. All walks are optional and suitable for most fitness levels. Glendalough offers both gentle paths and longer routes if you want them.
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 – it’s one of the signature stops on this tour. Our smaller coach allows us to access routes that larger buses cannot.
What should I wear?Comfortable walking shoes and a light rain jacket. The weather in the mountains can change quickly.
What if the weather is bad?We adjust the day based on conditions to make sure you always get the best possible experience. Wicklow is atmospheric and beautiful in all weather.
Are children allowed on the tour?Yes – children ages 5+ are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Where does the tour depart from?From convenient Dublin city‑centre pickup points north and south of the River Liffey. Full details are sent upon booking.
Can I join the tour if I’m staying outside Dublin?Yes. You can meet us at any of our city-centre pickup points.
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. Each season offers a different atmosphere – from golden summer evenings to dramatic winter landscapes.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?Absolutely. The friendly, small-group atmosphere makes it a great choice for solo adventurers.
How far in advance should I book?As early as possible – this is our most popular tour and frequently sells out, especially in summer.
