Day Tour from Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Powerscourt
Description
If you are limited on your time in Dublin area, then you will love this comprehensive excursion. Get picked up at your hotel or port and have an amazing fun filled day with your personal tour guide! Discover the lush landscapes of County Wicklow through this exclusive tour, where every detail is expertly arranged just for you. Depart from Dublin in the comfort of your private vehicle and unwind as you take in the breathtaking scenery, all while getting fascinating insights from your knowledgeable guide along the way. Our tour brings you to the magnificent Powerscourt Waterfall, the exquisite Powerscourt Gardens, iconic Guinness Lake (or scenic Ballinastoe woods & P.S. I love you bridge; Sheepdog demo can be arranged too!) & the ancient 6th century ruins of the serene Glendalough valley and stunning Wicklow Mountains. It's a carefully planned trip that immerses you in the riches of Wicklow's natural beauty and historical treasures. We can be flexible on the itinerary
Tour Options
Itinerary
You'll walk around one of the finest estates in Ireland, one of Ireland’s greatest houses, with a breath-taking panorama over one of Europe’s finest gardens, named 3rd Best Garden in the world by National Geographic. Set on 47 acres including Italian and Japanese gardens, statues, ornamental lakes and rambling walks against a backdrop of Wicklow’s Sugarloaf Mountain. There will also be a chance to shop for famous Avoca design scarfs and throws and have a cup of coffee at their gourmet deli Food Market. (Admission is €12.50 and is paid separately)
This waterfall is a majestic masterpiece of nature and an absolute must-visit destination. Water plunges dramatically from a height of 121 meters, creating a mesmerising spectacle and making it the highest waterfall in Ireland. The rugged ancient rock formations surrounding the waterfall add to its dramatic appeal. As you stand near Powerscourt Waterfall, the gentle roar of the water creates a tranquil and meditative atmosphere, calming the mind and soothing the soul. Did you know that being in a natural setting, especially near a waterfall, can elevate your mood and boost your overall sense of well-being. The beauty and serenity of the surroundings can inspire feelings of happiness and contentment. Admission is €7 and is paid separately
We'll have lunch in Wicklow's award winning restaurant near Glendalough and head to Glendalough lakes and monastic site, one of Ireland’s most beautiful visitors’ destinations. Nestled within the lush embrace of County Wicklow, Ireland's "Garden of Ireland," the mystical valley of Glendalough, shrouded in ancient legends and framed by the tranquil waters of two shimmering lakes, is a true testament to Ireland's natural splendor. Glendalough isn't just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of Ireland's soul-stirring landscapes and rich cultural heritage. In the heart of Glendalough, time seems to stand still, and the world's worries fade away. It's a place where the past and present intertwine, where the natural and spiritual harmonise, and where you're invited to become a part of its enchanting story. Glendalough beckons you to embark on a journey into Ireland's most beautiful visitors' destination, where magic is real, and every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold.
Guinness Lake, also known as Lough Tay, is at the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. It is a pristine, crescent-shaped lake surrounded by rolling hills and embraced by lush forests. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the sky above, creating a stunning and captivating site. The name "Guinness Lake" derives from its dark, peaty waters, which together with the shape of the lake and the white sand at the top resemble a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. The guide will tell you some fascinating stories about Guinness Family and their estate. Lough Tay features in Vikings, Excalibur and some other movies.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick you up from any meeting point in Dublin area or beyond (in most cases this is the hotel you're staying in, Dún Laoghaire Harbour if you're arriving by cruise ship, or it can be any other pick up point of your choice)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(78)
Gardens and views are amazing. Have your camera ready. Nicely paced. Powerscourt cafe has excellent dessert options
Thank you for sharing your experience! Powerscourt and county Wicklow in general is certainly a photographer's dream, great to hear you enjoyed both the spectacular gardens and the stunning views. Also great to hear the pace of the day felt just right, allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery. We hope to welcome you back to Ireland for more memorable adventures in the future!
Just finished our first day in Ireland, traveling with my grown son, for a private, day-long tour through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough and the Powerscourt Water Falls and Estate Gardens. It was wonderful! Diana arrived on time, ready to inform and please. We’re from the US, so driving on the left side felt a bit uneasy at first, but Diana took us from busy city streets in Dublin to rolling tight roads in the Wicklow Mountains with safe and competent driving. She was a wealth of knowledge about the history and landscape of the mountains and the monastic sites we saw and had researched particular questions we had about the Glendalough mythology and history that we asked about in advance of our trip. She provided ample background and introduction at each site but also gave us space and time to unhurriedly explore and experience the areas on our own. The tour itself cost approximately $100/hour for the two of each, not including the nominal cost of admission to each of the two sites. I am able to easily and unconditionally recommend Diana and Gateway to Ireland if you are looking for a stress-free, beautiful experience of the Wicklow Mountains/Glendalough and Powerscourt Estate in Ireland.
Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review. We're honoured that your first day in Ireland was spent exploring the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Powerscourt with us. Starting a trip with a journey through the "Garden of Ireland" is a wonderful way to experience Ireland's natural beauty, history and culture. It was a pleasure helping bring the stories of Glendalough to life and discussing the history and mythology that make this ancient monastic settlement so special. We're especially pleased that the balance between guided commentary and independent exploration helped you enjoy the day at your own pace. Once again thank you for your trust, your curiosity and your recommendation. We hope the memories of Wicklow's mountain landscapes, historic sites and spectacular scenery remain a highlight of your Irish adventure for months to come.
We had a fantastic day with Rory and saw everything we hoped to see. Beautiful scenery and Rory was a great guide giving lots of interesting information. Loved our delicious lunch spot. Van was very comfy. Pickup and dropoff at our hotel was easy. Communication was perfect. 10/10 recommend this day trip.
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're delighted that your day with Rory lived up to expectations and that you enjoyed the scenery, the local insights and, of course, the lunch stop! A great private tour is about combining beautiful locations, comfortable travel and a relaxed experience from start to finish. It's great to hear that everything ran smoothly, from communication and hotel pick-up to the tour itself. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Rory. Thank you for choosing Gateway to Ireland Tours. We truly appreciate the recommendation and are thrilled that your day trip was a 10/10 experience!
Ray, our guide, was super punctual and welcomed us warmly. He discussed the tour with us and always addressed our wishes. We had an unforgettable day thanks to his insider tips. We felt very comfortable.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a memorable day with Ray. At Gateway to Ireland Tours, we pride ourselves on creating personalised private tours, so it is wonderful to know that Ray took the time to discuss the itinerary with you and adapt the day to your interests and wishes. We are especially pleased that you enjoyed some of Ray’s local tips and hidden gems, which often become the most memorable parts of a visit to Ireland. Providing a friendly, flexible and comfortable experience is at the heart of what we do, and we're delighted that you felt so well looked after throughout the day. Thank you for choosing Gateway to Ireland Tours. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Ireland for another unforgettable private tour and the opportunity to discover even more of Ireland’s beautiful landscapes, history and hidden treasures.
I'm a local but I very much enjoyed this tour with a friend who was visiting Ireland. The guide was very knowledgeable and made the atmosphere relaxed. Would recommend.
Thank you for your lovely review! It's always a special compliment when someone from Ireland enjoys the tour as much as a visitor. We're delighted that both you and your friend had a relaxed and enjoyable day and that the guide's knowledge helped bring the places and stories to life. One of our goals is to help guests see Ireland from a fresh perspective, whether it's their first visit or they've lived here for years. Thanks once again for the recommendation - we truly appreciate it!
I had an amazing experience with Wicklow Mountain Tours in Dublin, especially thanks to our guide Diana. She was absolutely lovely to deal with, incredibly knowledgeable, and created such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. As a solo female traveller, having Diana as my guide made me feel genuinely safe and comfortable, which honestly makes such a difference when travelling alone. She never rushed me, was thoughtful and accommodating, and made the whole experience feel personal rather than like a generic tourist tour. What I appreciated most was that the day felt authentic and local, not overly commercial or touristy. Diana clearly knows the area deeply and tailored the experience to feel more personal and connected to the real Ireland. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Dublin, especially solo travellers wanting a memorable and comfortable experience.
I had an amazing experience with Wicklow Mountain Tours in Dublin, especially thanks to our guide Diana. She was absolutely lovely to deal with, incredibly knowledgeable, and created such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. As a solo female traveller, having Diana as my guide made me feel genuinely safe and comfortable, which honestly makes such a difference when travelling alone. She never rushed me, was thoughtful and accommodating, and made the whole experience feel personal rather than like a generic tourist tour. What I appreciated most was that the day felt authentic and local, not overly commercial or touristy. Diana clearly knows the area deeply and tailored the experience to feel more personal and connected to the real Ireland. We were able to see Lough Tay, the bridge from the movie P.S I love you, st Kevin’s monastery, Glendalough, the Powerscourt waterfall and Estate. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Dublin, especially solo travellers wanting a memorable and comfortable experience.
We had a wonderful day with Diana today. I am travelling with my husband from Australia.
Had a great day out pick up am and drop off. Great day in the country.
Wonderful half day tour to Wicklow Mountains and Powerscourt House & Waterfall. Diana was very knowledgeable about Irish history. She was also fun, and made my last day in Ireland very special. I highly recommend this tour, and imagine that her other tours would be just as memorable. Will definitely book a tour with her next time I'm in Ireland.
