Private Wicklow Mountains Day Tour

The Private Wicklow Mountains Day Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore Ireland’s stunning natural landscapes. Departing from Dublin, this full-day excursion whisks guests through the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, allowing them to discover historic sites, admire breathtaking vistas, and enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage. With the expertise of a knowledgeable guide and the comfort of private transportation, participants can tailor their experience to their interests, whether it’s marveling at the ancient monastic settlement of Glendalough or strolling through the meticulously maintained gardens of Powerscourt Estate. As the day unfolds, visitors are treated to a glimpse into the heart of Ireland’s countryside, setting the stage for an unforgettable…

Key Points

• Customized private tour exploring Wicklow Mountains National Park, including highlights like Glendalough, Viking and Braveheart filming locations, and a traditional Irish lunch.
• Scenic coastal drive along the South Dublin shoreline, with a stop to explore Dalkey Island and its 7th-century monastery ruins.
• Visit to the Powerscourt Estate for coffee, browsing Irish crafts, and admiring the immaculately landscaped gardens with views of the Wicklow Mountains.
• In-depth exploration of the 6th-century monastic settlement at Glendalough, featuring two glimmering lakes, St. Kevin’s Church, and the iconic round tower.
• Personalized service with hotel/port pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, providing a seamless and memorable experience.

Tour Overview

The Wicklow Mountains Day Tour from Dublin offers visitors a private and customized exploration of the scenic Wicklow Mountains National Park and its surrounding attractions.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 7 reviews, this full-day tour showcases the best of the region, including Glendalough’s 6th-century monastic settlement, filming locations for popular shows like Vikings and Braveheart, and a traditional Irish lunch.

Priced from $620.51 per group (up to 6 people), the tour includes hotel/port pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and a knowledgeable, personable guide.

Reviewers praise the custom itinerary and avoidance of crowds, though some note room for improvement in vehicle comfort.

Itinerary and Attractions

A picturesque coastal drive along the South Dublin shoreline kicks off the tour, passing through scenic towns like Dun Laoghaire and Sandycove before reaching Dalkey Island, where visitors can explore for 30 minutes with admission included.

Next, the tour heads to the stunning Powerscourt House and Gardens, where guests can enjoy coffee at the Avoca café and browse Irish crafts before venturing into the Wicklow Mountains.

The highlight of the day is the visit to Glendalough, the 6th-century monastic settlement nestled in the heart of the national park. Here, travelers can admire the breathtaking scenery and learn about the rich history of this remarkable site.

Tour Inclusions

This private Wicklow Mountains day tour from Dublin includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion. A private guide and air-conditioned minivan (maximum 7 passengers) provide a personalized experience, while traditional Irish fare is served for lunch. Transport and admission to Dalkey Island and Powerscourt House and Gardens are also covered as part of the comprehensive tour package.

Tour Inclusions
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Private tour with personalized guide and vehicle
Transport in air-conditioned minivan (max 7 passengers)
Lunch included (traditional Irish fare)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points are available at various locations, including Dublin Port for cruise liners.

The tour start time can be confirmed with the local provider, typically ranging from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM daily. This private Wicklow Mountains day tour operates from 3/10/2024 to 11/1/2024, and again from 3/10/2025 to 11/1/2025.

The tour includes:

• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• Private tour with personalized guide and vehicle
• Transport in an air-conditioned minivan (max 7 passengers)

Regardless of the pickup point, you’ll embark on a full-day adventure, exploring the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough, and other captivating locations along the way.

Traveler Feedback

Numerous positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable and personable guides, custom tour design, and avoidance of crowds as key strengths of this Wicklow Mountains day tour.

Travelers praise the guides’ expertise and engaging commentary, which bring the history and culture of the region to life. The ability to tailor the itinerary to individual interests is also noted as a major advantage, allowing participants to maximize their experience.

While the overall tour experience receives high marks, a common point of feedback is the comfort of the vehicle, with suggestions for maintenance improvements.

Despite this minor issue, the vast majority of reviewers enthusiastically recommend this private tour as a personalized and memorable way to explore the stunning Wicklow Mountains.

Coastline Exploration

Along the South Dublin Coastline, the tour begins with a visit to Dalkey Island, offering visitors the chance to explore this picturesque offshore setting and gain insight into the region’s history and natural beauty.

The 30-minute stop allows travelers to:

• Discover the island’s well-preserved ruins, including the remains of a 7th-century monastery and a Martello tower

• Observe the diverse wildlife, from seabirds to seals, that call the island home

• Admire the stunning views of the Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains in the distance

This introduction to the coastal scenery sets the stage for the journey ahead, as the tour continues into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Estate Experience

The tour next takes visitors to the renowned Powerscourt House and Gardens, where they can enjoy a refreshing coffee at the Avoca café and browse a selection of authentic Irish crafts before venturing deeper into the Wicklow Mountains.

Powerscourt is a stunning 18th-century estate with immaculately landscaped gardens, including terraced hillsides, ornamental lakes, and over 200 different plant species.

Guests can stroll through the lush greenery, admire the magnificent views of the Wicklow Mountains, and soak in the peaceful ambiance before continuing their journey.

This stop provides a delightful opportunity to experience Irish culture and hospitality in a picturesque setting, setting the stage for the next leg of the tour.

Monastic Settlement

Visiting the 6th-century monastic settlement of Glendalough allows travelers to enjoy the serene and historically significant surroundings, where they can admire the two glimmering lakes nestled amid the dramatic Wicklow Mountains.

The impressive ruins include:

• The remains of St. Kevin’s Church, featuring an iconic round tower that once served as a refuge during Viking raids.

• The ruins of the cathedral, which showcase the architectural prowess of the early medieval Irish monks.

• The tranquil St. Kevin’s Kitchen, a small church with a distinctive stone roof, providing a peaceful respite for visitors.

Exploring Glendalough offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rich monastic heritage and the enduring allure of its stunning natural landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on the Size of the Tour Group?

The tour has a maximum group size of 7 passengers, as it is provided in a private air-conditioned minivan. This allows for a more personalized experience away from larger tour groups.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can typically be customized to include additional stops. Most private tour providers offer flexibility to tailor the itinerary based on the group’s interests and preferences, subject to time constraints and availability.

Do the Guides Provide Any Historical or Cultural Commentary?

The guides provide extensive historical and cultural commentary during the tour. They share insightful information about the sites visited, the local traditions, and the broader context of the region’s heritage and significance.

Is There an Option to Include a Visit to a Local Pub or Brewery?

The tour does not explicitly include a visit to a local pub or brewery, but the knowledgeable guides can likely accommodate such a request. Visitors should inquire with the tour provider about adding this to the itinerary.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled or Canceled Due to Inclement Weather?

Yes, tours can typically be rescheduled or canceled due to inclement weather. Tour providers often have flexible policies to accommodate unpredictable conditions and ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

Recap

The Private Wicklow Mountains Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Ireland’s stunning natural beauty.

With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a tailored itinerary, guests can enjoy the region’s rich history, scenic coastal spots, and the tranquil landscapes of Wicklow Mountains National Park.

From the historic Glendalough monastic settlement to the picturesque Powerscourt Estate, this full-day adventure promises breathtaking views and an unforgettable journey through one of Ireland’s most captivating destinations.