Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the highlights of Wicklow and Glendalough in one unforgettable day from Dublin – mountain passes, ancient ruins, and Ireland’s most beautiful valley.
FAQ’s
Planning your Wicklow adventure should be easy. Click any of the buttons below to explore answers by topic, from general booking questions to pickup details, private tours, shore excursions, half-day trips, and everything about our original Wild Wicklow experience.
General Booking & Cancellation
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Our tours often sell out, especially in peak season. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
What is your cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are non‑refundable.
Can I change my booking date?
Yes. You can amend your booking up to 48 hours before your tour, subject to availability.
What happens if my plans change unexpectedly?
Contact us as soon as possible — we will always do our best to help, subject to our policy and availability.
Is payment required at the time of booking?
Yes – your seat is only secured once payment is completed.
Are gratuities included?
No. Tips are optional but appreciated.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and a light rain jacket. Wicklow’s weather can change quickly, even in summer.
Is the walking difficult?
All walks are optional and suitable for most fitness levels. Glendalough offers gentle paths as well as longer trails.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. On all tours, except the Half-Day Tour, we stop at a traditional Irish pub with great food options.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Children 5+ are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
What if the weather is bad?
We adjust the route based on conditions to ensure the best experience possible. Wicklow is beautiful in all weathers.
Do you offer hotel pickup?
Not for public tours, but we can for private tours. We use convenient city‑centre pickup points for our Wild Wicklow Tour and the Royal Marine Hotel for our Shore Excursion Tour.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Due to the nature of mountain terrain and small‑group vehicles, accessibility is limited. Please contact us to discuss options.
Do you run tours year‑round?
Yes – with scenery, lighting, and atmosphere changing beautifully across the seasons.
Is there a toilet onboard the coach?
No, but we stop regularly at locations with a toilet. Maximum gap between toilet stops would be 2 hours.
Pickup Points
Where do the tours depart from?
Our public Wild Wicklow Day Tour departs from convenient Dublin city‑centre pickup points. The Shore Excursion departs from the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.
Will you pick me up from my hotel?
For public tours: no. For private tours: yes — hotel pickup can be arranged anywhere in Dublin.
How will I know my exact pickup point?
Once you book, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your chosen pickup location, map, and instructions. If you need to change pickup point please contact us.
What if I’m running late?
Our tours depart on time. If you miss your pickup, we may not be able to accommodate late arrivals. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early.
Where do you return to after the tour?
Tours return to the same pick-up points (or close by), except for Fitzpatrick’s Castle.
Private Tours
How flexible is the itinerary?
Very. Private tours are tailored around your interests, the weather, and how you want the day to flow.
Can we spend longer at certain stops?
Absolutely — that’s one of the key advantages of private touring.
Can private tours include hiking?
Yes. Light hiking or longer routes can be planned depending on your preferences.
Can you collect us from our hotel or Airbnb?
Yes. Private tours include hotel pickup anywhere within Dublin city.
Can we add special experiences?
Yes — including unique activities like a Hurley Fun experience.
Shore Excursion
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.
Do you offer port drop‑off?
Yes. We return all guests to the port in time for their tender.
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.
Half‑Day Tour
How long is the Half‑Day Tour?
Approximately 5 hours – typically 7:45 AM to 1:15 PM.
How much time do we get in Glendalough?
Around 2 hours to explore at your own pace.
Is the route different from the full‑day tour?
Yes – it focuses on Glendalough, a Lough Tay photo stop, and a scenic mountain loop.
Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes – at Glendalough.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. Children 5+ are welcome.
Is there a lunch stop?
No lunch stop – the tour returns to Dublin before lunchtime.
The Original Wild Wicklow Tour
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.
