Dublin to Powerscourt, Wicklow and Glendalough Small Group Tours

This day trip provides insights into the history and development of rural areas south of Dublin dating back to 600 AD. The pace was not too taxing and well laid out. Powerscourt was the initial stop and marked the transition from a Norman manor to a Classical Mansion in the Georgian period with formal gardens that have been rated at number 3 world wide. There was also a disturbing contemporary message about the effect of global warming as the gardens were stressed and grass going dormant with a wildfire on one of the adjacent hills. This year, the best time to see and appeciate the gardens was in May. Leaving Powerscourt, the tour continued south over the military road which had been constructed by the British to assist in the subjugation of Irish rebels in the Wicklow Mountains after the Battle of the Boyne. The scenery was spectacular at times, but much of the National Park lands were bogs with wooded areas predominantly in private hands. The tour ended at Glendalough, a monastary town built in the 7th century that was a major religious, educational, economic and cultural center, but could not survive the later depredations of the Vikings and Normans. The large church at Glendalough actually served as a cathedral until it was superseded and destroyed the the English in the late 13th century. Adjacent to the ruins were national park trails that provided good hiking opportunities to a couple of pretty lakes and historic site. The driver was very knowledgeable about these areas and keep us on time and on target throughout.

Our driver was really good at educating and explaining everything. We got a beautiful day which helped make the tour better. We did the trek to Glandalough but definitely felt a bit rushed since it’s a 40min walk roundtrip. Overall we had a great time and beautiful scenery and spots.

Excellent guide and driver - Linda. Very knowledgeable and aware of needs of all. Choice of locations was excellent in that they were very interesting both scenically and historically. Open moorland was amazing.

It was nice being in a smaller group. Seems like we had plenty of time at each stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Everything worked out great and Linda is a great guide, mega friendly. It was cool that we always had a little time to ourselves and could therefore go exploring at our own pace, plenty of time for great photos. Best regards from Switzerland to Linda and thanks again for the great and informative trip.

Our tour guide, Kevin, was fantastic. He set a great tone for the day—enthusiastic but laid back. We thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Guide was very knowledgeable. Tour was great. Not too big of a group so it was managed well. Stopped at a great little lunch spot and food was delicious.

Linda was our guide, and she made the journey truly enjoyable. The places we visited were absolutely breathtaking, and Linda explained everything in great detail throughout the trip. She shared fascinating local stories and provided plenty of interesting insights into the history of each place, as well as Irish culture and its people. Her knowledge and enthusiasm made the experience even more memorable.

Linda was the best ever. If you are in Dublin and looking for a nice tour. Ask for Linda and take the tour. Better than any big group tour out there.

Linda made an already beautiful day even better. She handled the bus like a pro on some seriously narrow roads, kept us entertained with fun facts and local stories throughout the drive, and happily answered everyone's questions. The scenery was incredible, but Linda's friendly personality and knowledge really tied the whole trip together. Highly recommend!