The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough

If you’re in Dublin and craving a day away from the hustle, this Wild Wicklow Tour offers a well-balanced mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural stops, and interesting insights. Though I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and details suggest it’s a solid choice for those who want to see Ireland’s famous landscapes without sacrificing comfort or depth.

What really stands out are the knowledgeable guides who make the journey engaging, and the stunning views of mountains, lakes, and coastlines that make the trip memorable. A potential consideration is the amount of driving and walking involved—if you’re not a fan of long bus rides or hikes, this might require some planning. But overall, this tour tends to suit travelers who appreciate both scenery and storytelling, and who want a full glimpse of Wicklow’s natural beauty and history.

This experience is especially good for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a comprehensive day trip that covers a variety of highlights in Wicklow. If you’re after a relaxed yet scenic escape that combines culture, views, and a bit of Irish charm, then this tour could be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances the experience and allows for more personalized attention.
• Expert guides bring Irish stories and facts to life, making sightseeing more engaging.
• Diverse stops include scenic drives, historical sites, and food experiences.
• Comfortable transportation in a luxury Mercedes coach ensures a smooth ride.
• Free tastings like Glendalough Irish Whiskey add an authentic touch.
• Flexible itineraries with plenty of free time at key sites maximize your exploration.

An Overview of the Wild Wicklow Tour

This full-day experience is designed to take you beyond Dublin’s city limits and into the heart of Wicklow’s spectacular landscapes. With around 8 hours 30 minutes of adventure, you get plenty of time to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed. The tour is priced at about $63.40 per person, which many reviews praise as excellent value considering the stops, transportation, and included tastings.

The tour’s small-group setup (max 37 travelers) ensures a cozy, friendly atmosphere—people often mention how this makes the experience more personal than large bus tours. The itinerary includes a mix of driving, short walks, and sightseeing—perfect if you like getting out and stretching your legs a bit.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point: Dublin’s Central Pickups

The tour begins early, around 8:45 am, with multiple pickup points in Dublin, including near Dun Laoghaire Port for those arriving on cruise ships. The initial drive out of the city is comfortable, with commentary from guides who share Dublin’s hidden suburbs like Sandycove and Dalkey—areas with stunning sea views that are less frequented by travelers.

Killiney Hill: Spectacular Views of Dublin Bay

Your first stop is Killiney Hill, where a brief walk provides panoramic views of Dublin Bay. This area is renowned for its scenery, and many reviews highlight how this quick stop offers a peaceful start to the day. It’s a good chance to snap some photos and get your bearings.

Avoca Handweavers: Irish Crafts and Culture

Next, you’ll visit Avoca Kilmacanogue, a well-loved spot for Irish handmade crafts and a cozy café. Here, you can browse for souvenirs or enjoy a cup of tea and a scone (own expense). Many travelers appreciate this authentic touch, feeling it gives a glimpse into Ireland’s artisanal side.

Scenic Drive through the Wicklow Mountains and Sally Gap

Then, the tour takes a route that avoids the big coach roads, passing through Enniskerry and Glencree into Wicklow’s wild heart. Your guide takes you along Sally Gap, a famous mountain pass, where you’ll see heath, bogs, and rugged terrain. Stops at Lough Tay (the Guinness Lake)—a true favorite for its striking appearance and appearance in movies such as Braveheart and Vikings.

Lunch at Lynhams of Laragh

A traditional Irish pub provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy hearty Irish home-cooking (own expense). Many reviews mention how the friendly service and cultural atmosphere make this a highlight of the day, especially for those who enjoy sampling local fare and a pint of Guinness.

Glendalough: Monastic Ruins and Lakes

The final major stop is Glendalough, an ancient monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. This site offers not just stunning ruins, including the iconic Round Tower, but also a chance to walk along forested paths toward the Upper Lake, if you’re feeling active.

Visitors often mention how the guided tour of the monastic site is both educational and picturesque. Plus, you get over an hour and a half to explore on your own, a good window for photos and wandering through the peaceful scenery.

Returning with a Whiskey Tasting

On the way back, the coach offers a complimentary glass of Glendalough Irish Whiskey, a nice touch that adds a distinctly Irish flavor to the end of your trip. The trip concludes at the starting point, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos to relive.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

From the reviews, the guides are consistently praised as knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining. A few reviews specifically mention guides like Ashley, Pat, and John, who go above and beyond to make the day engaging and informative. The scenery is another huge highlight—many comment that the landscapes are breathtaking, with some describing the views as “magnificent” and “breathtaking.”

Travelers also appreciate the value for what they pay. At around $63, the tour includes multiple stops, transportation in a luxury coach, whiskey tastings, and free time – that’s a lot packed into one day. The smaller group size makes the experience feel more personal, and the stops at places like Avoca and Glendalough give a genuine taste of Ireland’s culture and history.

Authentic Irish Food and Drink

While lunch isn’t included in the price, many reviewers love the stop at Lynhams pub for Irish home-cooking and a pint. It’s an authentic experience that many find adds to the charm of the tour, especially when coupled with the whiskey tasting at the end.

Flexibility and Comfort

The transport is described as luxurious and air-conditioned, making long drives comfortable. The tour is designed to optimize sightseeing while allowing enough free time to explore each stop. Some reviewers mention a bit more walking than other bus tours, which is good to know if mobility is a concern.

Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews point out that the bus ride is quite long, and the roads into the mountains can be twisty and narrow, which might cause discomfort if you’re prone to motion sickness. The tour can sometimes feel a little long on driving and short on breaks, depending on the day’s schedule. Also, since the tour involves walking around historic sites and scenic areas, expect to be on your feet at times.

A few travelers mentioned waiting times during pickups and drop-offs, which can affect the overall experience if you’re on a tight schedule. However, the tour company is working on improving this aspect.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits scenery lovers, history buffs, and cultural explorers who want to get a taste of Wicklow’s natural beauty and historic sites without the hassle of planning detailed logistics. It’s ideal for those who appreciate small-group tours for a more intimate experience, and for travelers who enjoy stories and commentary from passionate guides.

While not specifically targeted at families with young children, the manageable pace and engaging stops make it a good option for most travelers, especially those comfortable with some walking and bus travel. If you want a relaxed day that balances sightseeing, storytelling, and authentic Irish culture, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time, sightseeing, and free exploration.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers transport in a luxury Mercedes coach, a professional guide, visits to key sites like Glendalough, Sally Gap, and Lough Tay, and a complimentary whiskey tasting.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are options for pub lunch or a deli-style sandwich at the village stop, which you can purchase separately.

Is there free time at the stops?
Yes, travelers get at least 60 minutes at Glendalough for sightseeing and exploring, plus time at Avoca and other viewpoints.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to walk around. The weather can be changeable, so layers and rain gear are wise.

Is it suitable for non-drivers?
Absolutely, since the tour is guided, you just need to enjoy the scenery and participate in the stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Wild Wicklow Tour seems like a fantastic way to see some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes and historic sites without the stress of self-guided travel. Its combination of scenic drives, authentic stops, and passionate guides creates an experience that many travelers find rewarding and memorable. It’s particularly suited for those who want a full-day immersion into Wicklow’s natural beauty, with enough comfort and personal attention to make the journey enjoyable.

If you’re after stunning views, engaging storytelling, and a taste of Irish culture, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for some length in the bus and a bit of walking. Overall, it’s a well-reviewed, value-packed experience that balances scenic beauty with cultural insights—an excellent choice for a memorable Irish day trip.

Remember: Always check current details and availability before booking, and consider your comfort with long drives and walking when choosing this tour. Happy exploring!