Day Trips to Wicklow from Dublin

Just an hour from Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough Valley offer picture-perfect Irish scenery, full of nature, history, and tranquility. Whether you're looking to visit ancient monasteries, stroll through gardens ranked among the most beautiful in the world, or explore medieval towns like Kilkenny, there are several day trips from Dublin that will allow you to discover this must-see region of Ireland. Here are the best options to make the most of the experience.

The most comprehensive option

Wicklow, Glendalough and Kilkenny Day Trip from Dublin

Discover Wicklow, Glendalough, and Kilkenny in one day from Dublin

Visit three of Ireland's most iconic destinations on a guided tour with transportation, history, and nature all in one day.

From $45 at Hellotickets

This full-day excursion to Wicklow, Glendalough, and Kilkenny will take you from Dublin to the heart of Ireland. You'll start by crossing the Wicklow Mountains National Park and stop at the spectacular Wicklow Gap, one of the highest mountain passes in the area. You'll then visit the ancient monastery of Glendalough, surrounded by lakes and breathtaking scenery.

The day ends in the medieval town of Kilkenny, where you can explore the castle, stroll through the cobbled streets and discover the Norman history of the island. An ideal experience if you are looking for a complete tour that combines nature and history.

Recommended if... you want to see a lot in one day and enjoy a complete tour of some of Ireland's most beautiful and historic places.

In small groups

Wicklow and Glendalough Day Trip from Dublin

Excursion to Wicklow and Glendalough with a stop at Powerscourt Gardens

Travel in a small group to Glendalough and explore the gardens of Powerscourt, one of Ireland's most beautiful green spaces, with a guide and transportation included.

From $65 at Hellotickets

This day trip from Dublin is perfect if you are looking for a more intimate and peaceful experience. You'll travel in a small group, accompanied by a local guide, and enjoy stops at iconic locations such as the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough Monastery, one of Ireland's most important historical sites.

You'll also have time to explore Powerscourt Gardens, considered by National Geographic to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. With preferential access and a reduced rate, you can stroll among flowers, sculptures, and unique views. All this with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

Recommended if... you prefer a more personalized tour with a focus on landscapes and natural heritage.

The most convenient way to take a first-class tour and not miss a thing is to book an excursion to Wicklow. This way, you can enjoy the itinerary with all the comforts: you save yourself the hassle of planning the routes, booking transportation, getting tickets, figuring out how to get from one point in the mountains to another, etc.

In addition, organized trips include a professional guide who ensures your safety, because Wicklow Mountains National Park is huge and you wouldn't be the first person to get lost on these trails.

Stops included in this type of excursion

• Powerscourt Estate, a building dating from 1741, with terraces and a Japanese garden. There is a café where you can have a drink if you get hungry.
• Powerscout Waterfall: measuring 121 meters (the highest in Ireland), it is located between the Great Sugar Loaf and Djouce mountains, 6 kilometers from Powerscout Estate.
• Wicklow National Park: covers 20,000 hectares of protected nature. There are lakes, mountains, trails, forests, and a large number of routes to enjoy if you like outdoor activities.
• Wicklow Gap: one of the most popular and highest mountain passes in the region.
• Kilkenny: known as the medieval capital of Ireland, it is home to Kilkenny Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
• Glendalough: a ruined monastery complex founded in the 6th century.

Check out the options offered by organized tours from Dublin, as public transportation to Wicklow Mountains National Park is limited.

Useful information

• Price: from $45
• Trip duration: these excursions usually take all day, around 9-10 hours.

If you're traveling to Dublin and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, a trip to Wicklow and Glendalough is one of the best decisions you can make. Just an hour from the capital, this region offers spectacular natural landscapes, monastic history, and charming villages. What's more, many tours combine your visit with stops at places such as Kilkenny or Powerscourt Gardens, making the experience a complete getaway without having to organize it yourself.

Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, hiker, or simply want to see a more rural and authentic side of Ireland, Wicklow is a sure bet. And best of all, you can do it all in a single day and be back in Dublin in time for dinner.

If you prefer to organize your visit on your own rather than joining an organized tour, there are several ways to get to Wicklow from Dublin: by car, train, or bus. All have their advantages, although if you are looking for comfort, time savings, and an in-depth knowledge of the area's history with a local guide, the most practical option is still an organized tour from Dublin.

However, if you decide to go it alone, here are the most common options:

By rental car

Renting a car is a good idea if you like driving and want to stop wherever you want along the way. From Dublin, you can reach Glendalough in less than an hour on the N11/M11 highway, turning off at Kilmacanogue towards Laragh. Just remember that in Ireland they drive on the left, so this option is only recommended if you have experience.

• Price: from $50 per day (depending on the model).
• Duration: around 1 hour.
• Tip: admission to the National Park is free, but parking is paid (around €1 per hour).

By train

The train is a fast, direct, and inexpensive way to get to Wicklow from Dublin. It departs from Pearse Station and arrives at Wicklow Central Station in about an hour, ideal if you want to start your visit from the city center.

• Price: from €8 per journey.
• Duration: 1 hour.
• Advantage: central stations in both cities and frequent trains.

By bus

Traveling by bus is slower, but it can be convenient if you are in an area of Dublin close to one of the stops. The journey takes about 90 minutes and is operated by companies such as Éireann and Dublin Bus, with several departures daily. To get directly to Glendalough, you can take the private service provided by St. Kevin's Bus, although there are only two buses a day.

• Price: from €11 one way / €18 return (plus €13-20 if you add the trip to Glendalough).
• Duration: between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Drawback: many stops along the way and less flexibility in terms of timetable.

To make the most of your trip to Wicklow, Glendalough, and Kilkenny from Dublin, there are a few things to keep in mind. This experience combines natural landscapes, gentle hiking, and cultural visits, so coming well prepared will make all the difference.

Here are some practical tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing and layers, as the weather can change quickly.
• Wearsuitable walking shoes, especially if there are trails or wet areas.
• Bring water and snacks, although some excursions include stops for lunch.
• Keep a waterproof jacket or windbreakerhandy, especially outside of summer.
• Don't forget your camera or cell phone with a full battery—the scenery is worth it.
• Bringsome cash in case you want to buy something at local markets or spontaneous stops.

And another thing: if your trip to Wicklow makes you want to enjoy other excursions from Dublin, you have some great options. I recommend you don't miss the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant's Causeway. In just one day from the capital, you can enjoy some unforgettable landscapes.