Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 49 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour worth booking?
Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour is a 10-hour experience in Dublin, Ireland, from $46 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 49 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (49)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $46 per person
Experience the very best of Irish town and country on this day tour from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains featuring Glendalough, Kilkenny. Enjoy a 30 minute guided walking tour at Glendalough (optional and free of charge) followed by 90 minutes at leisure. Enjoy a 30 minute guided walking tour of Kilkenny (optional and free of charge) followed by 2 hours at leisure - the perfect amount of time based on 27 years of guest feedback. A 09:00 start and 18:15 return allows you to maximise your experience during the day and skip rush hour traffic in morning and late afternoon. You'll be back downtown at the perfect time for dinner and drinks in Dublin.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the very best of Irish town and country on this day tour from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains featuring Glendalough, Kilkenny. Enjoy a 30 minute guided walking tour at Glendalough (optional and free of charge) followed by 90 minutes at leisure. Enjoy a 30 minute guided walking tour of Kilkenny (optional and free of charge) followed by 2 hours at leisure - the perfect amount of time based on 27 years of guest feedback. A 09:00 start and 18:15 return allows you to maximise your experience during the day and skip rush hour traffic in morning and late afternoon. You'll be back downtown at the perfect time for dinner and drinks in Dublin.
What's included
Included
- USB ports at every seat
- On-board WiFi
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Kilkenny Walking Tour (Optional & Free of charge)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Glendalough Walking Tour (Optional & Free of charge)
- Pick-up and drop off in Dublin (Refer to voucher for further information)
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Paddywagon Tours
Step aboard your premium touring vehicle and begin your journey with a scenic drive through the rolling hills and lush landscapes of County Wicklow, often called the "Garden of Ireland." As you leave Dublin city behind, we'll take you through the leafy suburbs of south Dublin and you’ll pass picturesque villages, farms, and the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, giving you a true taste of Ireland’s natural charm.
Pass by without stopping
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Upon arrival in Glendalough around 9:30, you’ll step back in time as your guide leads you through the historic Monastic City, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. This site became one of the most important religious centers in Ireland during the Early Christian period. The walking tour (included at no extra charge!) will focus on the incredible ruins that mark the area's rich history. Highlights include the stone round tower, intricately carved Celtic crosses, St. Kevin's Church and Cathedral ruins and exciting Viking history - did you know the the popular History Channel series featuring Ragnar Lothbrok was filmed here due to the valley's major historical links to these fearsome people?
30 minutes here · Admission included
After the walking tour, you’ll have 60 minutes to explore the stunning Glendalough Valley at your own pace. The area is rich with natural beauty, offering a range of activities and sights: - Upper and Lower Lakes: Stroll around the two scenic lakes, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the mountains reflected in the water. The Upper Lake is framed by steep cliffs, while the Lower Lake is known for its serene atmosphere. - Waterfalls: Take a short walk to the Glendalough Waterfall, which is nestled in a wooded valley. The cascading water is a peaceful sight, surrounded by the beauty of the forest. - Wildlife and Nature: As you explore, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as swans, ducks, and deer. The area is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for nature lovers. - Hiking Trails: For those wanting to explore more, there are numerous trails around the valley offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
60 minutes here
Wicklow Mountains National Park
We travel over the Wicklow Gap, which takes us way up into the Wicklow Mountains. This route allows spectacular panoramic views of the landscape, with amazing scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. We view traditional Irish bogs which provide the Irish householder with the source of energy that fuels our fires and provides power for many uses. Through the Wicklow Gap we also pass Turlogh waterfall, one of Ireland's most dramatic waterfalls and highest reservoir.
Pass by without stopping
Kilkenny
At 14:00, your driver will drop you off at St. Canice’s Cathedral, one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the city. From here, your guide will take you on a 30-minute optional walking tour (included at no extra charge!) through Kilkenny’s medieval streets, where you’ll pass and enjoy commentary about: St. Canice's Cathedral, the Medieval Mile, Kilkenny Castle, Smithwick's brewery and more! Kilkenny, often called the "Marble City," is a medieval city known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The city was founded by the Normans after their invasion of Ireland in the 1100s, and it flourished under their rule. Kilkenny became a center of Norman power and culture, with the construction of significant landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle, which stands as a reminder of the city’s role as a stronghold of the Hiberno-Norman lords. Today, Kilkenny is a vibrant mix of medieval heritage and modern life, with charming streets, pubs, and historical sites to explore.
30 minutes here
Kilkenny
After the walking tour, enjoy 90 minutes of leisure time to explore Kilkenny’s charming streets. Popular places to visit include: - Kilkenny Castle Park: Wander through the castle grounds (free of charge), where you can enjoy the formal gardens, the picturesque lake and woodland. - Traditional Pubs and Restaurants: Kilkenny is famous for its welcoming pubs. Consider stopping at Kyteler’s Inn, a 14th-century pub with a dark but fascinating history. Alice Kyteler, the original owner, was accused of witchcraft in the 14th century, making this a place full of intrigue and folklore. You can also visit Cleere’s, a popular and lively spot, known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Irish food and drinks. For a unique Kilkenny experience, also consider visiting The Hole in the Wall, a historic pub that has traded since 1560. It’s one of Kilkenny’s oldest pubs and is famous for its welcoming ambiance and great pints. For dining, Langtons offers both great food and a lively atmosphere.
90 minutes here
We take a leisurely drive back to Dublin thought the County of Kildare, and arrive back in the early evening (approx 18.00pm) with plenty of time to enjoy refreshments and dinner after an amazing day out.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Dublin
Meet us at Bus Stop 1171, Lower Gardiner Street (at street number 42, beside Trinity Church)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet us at Bus Stop 1171, Lower Gardiner Street (at street number 42, beside Trinity Church)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Paddywagon Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Bookings made through Viator will automatically be signed up for the pickup point and collection time specified in the booking.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- If you wish to change your reservation to one of the other pick-up location, you will need to contact us by telephone or email not later than 17:00 the evening prior so that we can guarantee the change. Please note that changes are only guaranteed once confirmed in writing by us.
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
49 verified traveler reviews for Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfekt
Very funny tour guide, good irish music
via Tripadvisor
Stunning day
Excellent beautiful areas of Ireland. Should have some ability (a bucket, vomiting bag) if someone gets sick.
via Viator
Travelling equitable
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip, especially the leisurely drive through the beautiful Irish countryside and the visit to Glendalough. The scenery was breathtaking, and I appreciated having time to explore the Lower lake. However, I have a few recommendations that would make the experience more accessible and less stressful for Deaf travelers. At Glendalough, it would have been very helpful to receive a printed walking map of the Lower Lake with the recommended route, estimated walking times, key landmarks, and the exact bus departure time clearly marked. Having this information in a visual format would have allowed me to explore with greater confidence without worrying about getting lost or missing the return bus. I also learned only after the tour that it was imperative to return to the bus on time because of government regulations governing the driver's schedule. Since I did not have access to the driver's spoken announcements, I was unaware of how critical the return time was. Learning this only after the tour caused unnecessary stress and anxiety during my visit. Overall, I greatly appreciated the warm hospitality and the bus driver/tour guide's wonderful sense of humor. However, for the price I paid, I did not receive an experience that was equitable to that of hearing travelers. Hearing passengers had continuous access to the driver's commentary, safety information, schedule updates, and important instructions, while I did not. With a few simple accessibility improvements—such as providing visual pickup and drop-off instructions in advance, offering real-time speech-to-text captioning for all onboard announcements, supplying printed maps and itineraries at each stop, and reserving front-row seating for Deaf passengers—this tour could provide a truly equitable and inclusive experience for Deaf travelers.
via Tripadvisor
Day trip to Kilkenny
Nice day trip through the beautiful valleys and mountains of Ireland. Our guide had a lot of great information about the land and the history. We drove through beautiful villages and walked through pristine nature. Our time in Kilkenny was fun and lively. We ate lunch at Kettlers Inn, which is a town favorite. The bus was very comfortable for the drive back into Dublin.
via Tripadvisor
Great value, guide was...
Great value, guide was very friendly and informative along the drive. I was expecting a guided tour before we did our own exploring but that wasn’t mentioned in Kilkenny, there was a brief overview given in Glendalough before we set off. The views along the drive were beautiful especially in the Wicklow Mountains.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Paddywagon Tours, who run 24 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.0.
See everything Paddywagon Tours runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dublin.
How much does Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $46 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dublin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour take?
+
Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dublin is not rushed.
Is Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 49 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dublin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour?
+
Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dublin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dublin and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dublin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Dublin?
+
On Outty we rank every Dublin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dublin to Belfast Titanic Dunluce Castle Giants Causeway Tour, Dublin to Belfast Black Cab: Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway, Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Dublin?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour?
+
Included: USB ports at every seat; On-board WiFi; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Kilkenny Walking Tour (Optional & Free of charge); and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour?
+
Meet us at Bus Stop 1171, Lower Gardiner Street (at street number 42, beside Trinity Church) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Dublin. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour?
+
Across 49 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Dublin to Glendalough Wicklow and Kilkenny Tour.
Pick your date
