Drive from Dublin into the wild Wicklow Mountains, explore St. Kevin’s 6th-century monastic settlement at Glendalough, then wander the formal terraces of Powerscourt Gardens. This private eight-hour tour blends history, geology and garden design with manageable walks and local pub lunch options.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Dublin as the city recedes and the Wicklow Mountains push forward — peat bogs and granite ridges opening into broad valleys where heather and gorse mark the slope changes. The van threads mountain passes, the guide narrating local lore until the road drops into the glacial hollow of Glendalough.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to walk on uneven trails for short periods and climb several flights of stone steps.
Wildlife
History
Glendalough grew from a sixth-century monastic community founded by St. Kevin and later survived Viking raids and medieval changes; Powerscourt reflects Anglo-Irish estate landscaping from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Conservation
Both sites are managed to balance visitor access with habitat protection — stick to marked paths to protect blanket bogs and fragile archaeological features.
Reserve your spot on the Private Tour of Glendalough and Powerscourt Gardens, (1-7 ppl) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear waterproof layers
Weather in Wicklow shifts quickly; pack a breathable rain jacket and a warm mid-layer even on sunny mornings.
Bring cash for Powerscourt and lunch
Powerscourt admission (~€15) and smaller pub tabs are easiest with cards or a small amount of euros on hand.
Sturdy walking shoes
Paths at Glendalough are uneven with roots and stone; ankle-supportive shoes make the 2–4 km stroll more comfortable.
Start early for better light
Morning light and smaller crowds at Glendalough improve photography and the sense of space in the valley.
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry during sudden showers common in spring and across Wicklow.
spring
Sturdy walking shoes
Provide grip and ankle support on rocky or root-strewn paths at Glendalough.
Layered clothing
Quickly adjust to wind and sun as you move between exposed ridges and sheltered valleys.
fall
Camera or phone with extra battery
Capture low-angle morning light on the round tower and the seasonal displays at Powerscourt.
summer