From Dublin: Half-Day Trip to Glendalough and Wicklow

About This Tour

If you only have half a day to spare and want to escape Dublin for somewhere genuinely beautiful, this afternoon trip to Glendalough is hard to beat. The tour departs mid-afternoon, which means your entire morning is free for sightseeing, a long brunch, or a pint of Guinness before heading south into the Wicklow Mountains.

The drive itself is part of the experience. Within an hour of leaving the city centre, you are surrounded by rolling green hills, heather-covered moorland, and the distinctive cone of Sugar Loaf Mountain rising in the distance. The coach passes through Roundwood, one of Ireland’s highest villages, before descending into the glacial valley that holds Glendalough.

Glendalough - meaning “the valley of the two lakes” - is one of the most atmospheric places in Ireland. The monastic settlement was founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century, and what remains includes a near-perfect round tower, several stone churches, and carved Celtic crosses scattered among ancient headstones. You get at least 90 minutes here, which is enough time to explore the ruins, walk along the lower lake, and follow the woodland paths towards the upper lake if you are feeling energetic. The setting is so peaceful that you will find it hard to believe you were in the middle of Dublin just an hour earlier.

What’s Included

• Return coach transport from Dublin city centre
• Local guide with commentary on board
• 90 minutes of free time at Glendalough

What’s Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Entrance to the Glendalough Visitor Centre (optional, small fee)
• Personal expenses

Good to Know

• Wear sturdy shoes - the paths around Glendalough can be uneven and muddy
• Bring a light rain jacket as mountain weather can change quickly
• The monastic ruins and lakeside paths are free to access
• The visitor centre has a small exhibition for a fee, but is optional
• This tour returns to Dublin in the early evening, leaving time for dinner