Escape Dublin for a full-day small-group tour into the Wicklow Mountains. A guided 1.5-hour walk on the Scalp, scenic stops at Sally Gap and Lough Tay, and time to explore Glendalough’s monastic valley make a single, panoramic day trip.
Escape Dublin for a full-day small-group tour into the Wicklow Mountains. A guided 1.5-hour walk on the Scalp, scenic stops at Sally Gap and Lough Tay, and time to explore Glendalough’s monastic valley make a single, panoramic day trip.
You meet at the Molly Malone statue in central Dublin as the city still hums; within an hour the bus climbs into a different weather pattern—cooler winds, peat-scented air, and the slow stepping stones of the Wicklow hills. The guided walk begins on the Scalp, a rocky cleft where the trail opens to a panorama that pushes your eyes across the Wicklow Mountains to the Dublin coastline and, on a clear day, the city you left behind.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hilltoptreks · Glendalough, County Wicklow
You meet at the Molly Malone statue in central Dublin as the city still hums; within an hour the bus climbs into a different weather pattern—cooler winds, peat-scented air, and the slow stepping stones of the Wicklow hills. The guided walk begins on the Scalp, a rocky cleft where the trail opens to a panorama that pushes your eyes across the Wicklow Mountains to the Dublin coastline and, on a clear day, the city you left behind.
This landscape is carved by ice and time: hard granite ridges fractured by glaciers into corrie lakes and U-shaped valleys. You pass the disused Ballychorus mine chimney—19th-century evidence of local industry—before descending into Enniskerry, a small Victorian village with cafés using local produce. Further in, the Sally Gap and Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) offer cinematic viewpoints where film crews sometimes arrive, and the valley finally softens into Glendalough’s monastic precinct.
St Kevin’s 6th-century monastery sits beside two lakes; your guide will weave history and folklore into the walk. Expect good trails, mixed deciduous and evergreen sections, and viewpoints that reward modest effort.
Practical guidance: wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and layered clothing; weather shifts quickly. Carry 1–2 liters of water, a windproof shell, camera, and small first-aid basics. The full tour runs about eight hours with a 1.5-hour guided walk; bring cash or card for lunch in Enniskerry. Follow your guide, stick to marked trails, and allow extra time for photos—this is a day that pairs accessible hiking with sweeping Wicklow scenery.
moderate.
8 hours.
Moderate; attendees should be comfortable walking 1.5 hours over uneven terrain with short elevational changes
Pickup is at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street at 09:20; arrive 10 minutes early for boarding.
The guided hike is approximately 1.5 hours on well-defined trails with some short climbs—rated moderate and suitable for most active walkers.
Lunch is not included; the tour stops in Enniskerry where you can buy locally produced meals—Poppies Cafe is a recommended option.
The operator may cancel in severe weather; normal rain is expected and the walk continues in light rain—dress appropriately.
Glendalough’s monastic settlement was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century and became an important early Christian site in Ireland.
Wicklow Mountains National Park protects peatlands and upland habitats; stick to trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out waste to limit visitor impact.
Hilltoptreks operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You meet at the Molly Malone statue in central Dublin as the city still hums; within an hour the bus climbs into a different weather pattern—cooler winds, peat-scented air, and the slow stepping stones of the Wicklow hills. The guided walk begins on the Scalp, a rocky cleft where the trail opens to a panorama that pushes your eyes across the Wicklow Mountains to the Dublin coastline and, on a clear day, the city you left behind.
You meet at the Molly Malone statue in central Dublin as the city still hums; within an hour the bus climbs into a different weather pattern—cooler winds, peat-scented air, and the slow stepping stones of the Wicklow hills. The guided walk begins on the Scalp, a rocky cleft where the trail opens to a panorama that pushes your eyes across the Wicklow Mountains to the Dublin coastline and, on a clear day, the city you left behind.
This landscape is carved by ice and time: hard granite ridges fractured by glaciers into corrie lakes and U-shaped valleys. You pass the disused Ballychorus mine chimney—19th-century evidence of local industry—before descending into Enniskerry, a small Victorian village with cafés using local produce. Further in, the Sally Gap and Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) offer cinematic viewpoints where film crews sometimes arrive, and the valley finally softens into Glendalough’s monastic precinct.
St Kevin’s 6th-century monastery sits beside two lakes; your guide will weave history and folklore into the walk. Expect good trails, mixed deciduous and evergreen sections, and viewpoints that reward modest effort.
Practical guidance: wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and layered clothing; weather shifts quickly. Carry 1–2 liters of water, a windproof shell, camera, and small first-aid basics. The full tour runs about eight hours with a 1.5-hour guided walk; bring cash or card for lunch in Enniskerry. Follow your guide, stick to marked trails, and allow extra time for photos—this is a day that pairs accessible hiking with sweeping Wicklow scenery.