wicklow glendalough kilkenny tour

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Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full-Day Tour

Multi-award winning tour

Professional tour guide & separate coach driver

Voted top 3 best experiences in Ireland

Fáilte! Explore Ireland on our multi-award winning tour

Experience first-hand Ireland’s natural beauty and join us as we travel across the Emerald Isle’s spectacular landscape. Sit back, relax and discover ‘the Garden of Ireland’ and why it’s one of Ireland’s most beautiful visitor destinations.

The stunning Wicklow Mountain range

Medieval Kilkenny & its intriguing history

6th-century monastic settlement & round tower

The world famous Glendalough valley & glacial lakes

Movie locations such as Braveheart & P.S. I Love You

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Tour details, guide, coaches and driver.

Adults €40 Seniors €40 Youth (12 – 17) €40 Children (3 – 11) €40

Departure time

08:45 Depart O’Connell St. Upper (in front of the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin)

Arrive back in Dublin

18:00 Arrive back in Dublin – drop off point Westmoreland Street (near Trinity College)

Availability

Operating every day, all year round

• Transport to and from Dublin City on award-winning 5-star luxury touring coaches
• Live commentary provided in English
• Wicklow Mountains tour
• Separate professional tour guide on board
• Guided walking tour through Glendalough Valley and monastic settlements
• Guided historical walking tour of Kilkenny City
• Entry to Glendalough Monastic Settlement and Wicklow Mountains National Park

Not included

Lunch, entrance to Kilkenny Castle

What to bring

Warm clothing, comfortable footwear, camera & umbrella

Experience Ireland’s natural beauty and join us as we travel across the spectacular Wicklow mountain range to Glendalough . Glendalough in Irish means ‘valley of the two lakes’ and is also home to the 6th century monastic settlement. Discover medieval Kilkenny and its famous castle and find out why it’s also dubbed one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities. Our professional, caring guides are there throughout the whole tour to provide information and to answer any questions. So relax on our 5-star coaches and immerse yourself in the immense natural beauty that Ireland has to offer.

Itinerary breakdown: 08:45 Depart O’Connell St. Upper (in front of the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Hotel) 10:15  Arrive Glendalough 11:30 Travel across the Wicklow Gap (photo opportunities) 13:15 Arrive Kilkenny 16:15 Depart Kilkenny 18:00 Arrive Dublin City Centre (Westmoreland Street ,near Trinity College)

Glendalough

Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic regions. Here, beauty and landscape meet the history and legends of Ireland’s Golden Age . For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife .  Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a walking tour of the 6th-century monastic settlement. These early Christian ruins were founded by St. Kevin and from this developed the “ Monastic City ”. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Next to the most famous of all the landmarks in Glendalough – the Round Tower . It stands 33 metres above the ground and was built almost 1000 years ago by the monks of St. Kevin’s monastery. Lastly, a short walk from the settlement lies the stunning Glendalough Lake. Surrounded by the rolling green mountains, here also lies the cave that St. Kevin called home for 7 years on the banks of the glacial waters. There will be plenty of time for pictures and to soak up the valley’s natural beauty , so come and discover why Glendalough is one of the best places to visit in Ireland.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Known locally as the Dublin Mountains, the 40 kilometres journey from Dublin along the spine of the Wicklow Mountains is an awe-inspiring sight which stretches over most of County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast. This tour will take you across the naturally wild Wicklow Gap through some of Ireland’s most spectacular and varied scenery. The winding mountain roads, natural ruggedness and the fast-flowing aibhneacha (Irish for rivers) are only a few reasons to bring your camera along! The tour sets aside special opportunities for photos.

Kilkenny City

From Dublin to Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital is the last stop of the day. Quietly sitting on the banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny is where modernity meets history. With its narrow winding streets, brightly coloured shop fronts and ancient castles and ruins, it’s as picturesque as it is full of rich, intriguing history . The town also has deep religious roots and many well-preserved churches and monasteries, including the famous St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, both dating back from the 13th century. Here, we will take a guided walking tour to explore the city through the medieval side streets. The highlights include the ‘Black Abbey’ and castle gardens and there’s always time to fit in a pint – touring can be thirsty work!

Tour Guides

With a wealth of knowledge and the famous Irish smile, we believe that the tour guide is the most important element in a successful touring day, bringing everything to life and giving meaning to every part of the visit. This is why we have a separate tour guide in addition to a professional coach driver. This allows the guide to escort you on the tour and on the various visits. Our tour guides are all approved and have completed all the necessary qualifications and training courses. They all have many years experience and are always delighted to assist you in any way possible during the tour.

Our fleet of 5-star executive coaches are the most luxurious in Ireland, custom built and equipped to the highest possible standards to ensure you enjoy the ultimate travelling experience. Our impressive fleet consists of modern, high quality, air-conditioned 5-star touring coaches which are custom built to ensure our passengers enjoy the ultimate travelling experience. The average age of our touring fleet is less than 2 years. All of our vehicles offer complimentary WIFI, USB charging points, air-conditioning, reclining leather seats, entertainment system, footrests, armrests, tinted windows, fridge, carpets, extra legroom, courier seat and curtains.

Our drivers are all fully qualified, professional coach drivers and they all receive extensive in-house training in customer service and health and safety to ensure your safety and comfort on your day tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hot drinks or hot food are not allowed. However, cold drinks with screw caps are perfect.

We don’t have a toilet on the bus, but there are sufficient bathroom opportunities during the day.

90% of the coaches used on our Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Day Tour have USB charging points on board so you can charge your phone and camera on the move. For all other day tours, USB charging points may not be available.

Please refer to the Trip Details section for our pick-up location. Feel free to contact us if you require any further assistance.

All of our coaches have 4G wifi aboard.

Check out what our guests are saying

Moisy53 | may 2023.

What a day! Pat and Alec were tops! Pat’s history and good sense of fun was wonderful. He treated us to the best day outside the city of Dublin but with information to Dublin’s best points of interests. Alec was an amazing driver and got us to our places of Irish history safely and in a timely manner. We would highly recommend Collins Tours for your next visit to Dublin.

Denise K. | May 2023

Pat and Alec made this tour just amazing. Excellent driving and Pat’s knowledge and love for Ireland gave us everything needed for a tour. Would absolutely recommend this tour over any other

its m | May 2023

The tour was amazing, with the best tour guide and bus driver!! Pat and Alec, thanks for the amazing experience!! We were entertained through the whole experience and we learned a lot about Ireland and it’s amazing wonders! 5 out of 5 and thumbs up for Pat and Alec!

Schalk S. | May 2023

We really enjoyed the entire day. The scenery was gorgeous and there was an awesome sense of history at each site we visited. Pat was an excellent host and guide and Alec ensured that the drive was comfortable and smooth. 10/10 would recommend. I wish all guides were like this.

Patricia B. | April 2023

Our tour guide was fantastic – so knowledgeable & hails from County Kildare! Lots of stories – not like someone who has memorized a script – would definitely recommend to others to book with Collin tours!

Angela J | April 2023

Pat our guide was fabulous, so knowledgeable and a good sense of humour, he really went the extra mile in ensuring we had a great trip. My 13 year old son also loved it! Thanks also to Arnes our bus driver, some of those roads were narrow and you navigated them very well!

Looking for more? Read our blog!

Top things to do in kilkenny, glendalough – what makes it so beautiful.

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Kilkenny, wicklow & glendalough day tour.

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100% refund if you cancel 24 hours before tour departs.

GLENDALOUGH, WICKLOW AND KILKENNY TOUR FROM DUBLIN INCLUDING SHEEPDOG TRAILS

See Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny in one day on this short, guided day trip from Dublin. Finn McCools Tours has put together the perfect tour of some of Ireland’s most beautiful locations. Explore the beautiful medieval town of Kilkenny; enjoy the stunning vistas on the Wicklow Mountains; marvel at the gorgeous scenery at Glendalough. If you’re interested in seeing this side of Ireland, you may also like our Cliffs of Moher from Dublin tour .

Itinerary for Glendalough, Wicklow mountains and Kilkenny tour including sheepdog demonstration

• Pick up at 8am from Dublin City Gallery on Parnell Square North
• Glendalough (around 2 hours)
• Travel via the the Wicklow Mountains en route with a photo stop
• Sheepdog demonstration (around 45 minutes)
• Explore Kilkenny at your own pace (around 1.5 to 2 hours)
• Back in Dublin around 5:30pm – 6:00pm

Check our FAQs or email to ask now.

What you will see on this Glendalough, Wicklow mountains and Kilkenny tour (with sheepdog demonstration)

Glendalough Tour

Many people are just looking for a day tour from Dublin to Glendalough, such is the beauty and acclaim of this incredible monastic site. So, this first part of this tour is perhaps the highlight for most people. We will give you around 2 hours to explore one of the most beautiful sights in Ireland. The area is renowned for its magnificent scenery and rich and varied heritage. Here you will have time to explore the ruined monastic city that dates back to the 10th century. You will also find magnificent lakes, waterfalls, and babbling brooks — everything you could want from one of Ireland’s most beautiful locations. Glendalough is also known as the setting for the wedding scene in the film Braveheart.

Visiting the Wicklow Mountains with a photo stop

After leaving Glendalough, we will travel via the the Wicklow Mountains en route to our next stop. If you’re interested in a Wicklow Mountains tour but don’t want it to take up an entire tour to itself, then this is perfect for you. With spectacular panoramic views of the landscape, this is a gorgeous scenic drive with amazing views stretching as far as the eyes can see. We will stop on a nice elevated spot for 10 minutes to get a few pictures of this outstanding view.

Wicklow Mountains’ exceptional natural beauty has inspired quite a few filmmakers to film there, such hit shows Vikings , and The Tudors as well as Hollywood blockbusters like P.S. I Love You and Braveheart.

Sheepdog Herding

If you don’t already know, sheepdog herding is a competitive dog sport in which herding dogs, like the Border Collie, move sheep around a field, enclosures and gates as directed by their master. Sheepdogs, such as the Border Collie maintain control of the flock using their predatory behaviour. As you will see the skill, intelligence and obedience of a well-trained sheepdog makes an invaluable contribution to any farming family.

The beautiful views and vibrant scenery of Glendalough create the perfect backdrop and a genuine atmosphere where you will be engrossed in the Irish countryside. Throughout the demonstration, the farmer guide will explain what each command means, giving a good insight into the dog training technique. You will witness the intelligence of these sheepdogs as they follow the commands obediently. This is a perfect opportunity for you to capture the true essence of Irish country living.

Visiting Kilkenny

We will then make our way to the beautiful little town of Kilkenny. Known for its medieval atmosphere, amazing castle, and cobbled streets, Kilkenny is a town steeped in history and folklore. You have 2 hours to enjoy the amazing city of Kilkenny, which was once the medieval capital of Ireland, back in the 11th century. It is situated on the banks of the river Nore and you should definitely take a little time to walk along the riverside. You can also visit the Black Abbey and the St. Canice’s Cathedral with its magnificent round tower. This is a beautiful city to enjoy and it might well be one of the biggest highlights of your visit to Ireland!

Tour of Kilkenny Castle

You will also have the opportunity to visit Kilkenny Castle (free entry to the park and courtyard area). Enjoy the picturesque cobblestone streets and spend some time exploring the gardens of the famed Norman Castle, which dates back to the 1100s. Here, you have an opportunity to take a tour inside the castle for a small optional fee. Or to just enjoy a free video presentation of the castle’s history and take in the splendour of the castle and its gorgeous gardens.

After exploring Kilkenny, we will head back to Dublin. The tour will finish around 5:30pm – 6:00pm. Just in time for dinner in one of Dublin’s dozens of top restaurants.

* *Please note that all times are approximate. The locations might be visited in a different order, depends on traffic and weather. If you have any questions about this Dublin to Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, and Glendalough tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch . Start planning your ultimate adventure through Ireland’s incredible countryside.

Pick up 8:00 am, Outside Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, Parnell Square North, Dublin 1 (See  on Google Maps )

Drop off Around 5:30pm – 6:00pm, 12 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 TE81 (See on Google Maps )

Things to note:

• Not suitable for people with limited mobility
• Not suitable for children under 6. If your child is very used to travelling, please book 1 seat per child.

5 star rating on TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook and other bookings sites

Laura92_Italy 2 months ago Totally recommended! We spent a wonderful day through the nature and history of a part of Irland. Thr trip was really comfortable and Captain John entertained us with nice music, funny and interesting stories.

Lisa F 2 months ago My husband and I loved our day trip with tour guide Cathy and driver Joe. Cathy was very knowledgeable and helpful, she and I had a lovely chat as we walked to St.Canice’s Cathedral and again at St. Kevin’s monastic site and my husband got on famously with Joe, chatting it up on during breaks and rest stops as though they were old friends. The sites are gorgeous, everything we’d hoped.

nyr199435 2 months ago First off, I was really shocked by how much we were able to pack in to one day on this tour. This was, in part, thanks to Captain John being so on top of timing. Literally as we were walking out of Glendalough Park the mobs were walking in. But while we were there, it was idyllic, peaceful, and quiet. Nothing but fresh air and beautiful vistas. The monastic site was awe-inspiring, and we saw many more beautiful scenes on the way to Kilkenny. Captain John gave us good tips on things to see for each stop and provided us with a lot of good information (along with a few hilarious “true stories”) along the way. Highly enjoyable, and highly recommended!

kierstenfalck 2 months ago Great tour just a little short The tour group was great! First you drive to Glendalough and stay 2 hours. Then you drive to Kilkenny (2 hour stay) and stop at the Wicklow gap along the way, also driving though the mountains. Company was incredible. Safe drive. Godfrey was our tour guide and he was great, really enjoys what he does and gives good info without being obnoxious. My only wish is that there was an hour more at each spot! That’s why I gave 4/5. Otherwise everything else was perfect.

Danica Rizza G 2 months ago Great tour with Captain John Had a lovely day on Glendalough/Kilkenny on May bank holiday which made more fun with Captain John. It’s a small group/coach so it’s less stress and you have more time to spend touring around.

Vlasta P. 3 months ago We had wonderful time, mainly thanks to our amazing guide Chris :) Although the weather conditions on our trip were kot perfect and we were all tired, he made it fun and enjoyable.

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Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Tour

Discover the charming medieval city of Kilkenny on this fantastic Day Tour from Wild Rover Tours. You'll enjoy a guided walking tour through the city, and then enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Choose to walk along the city’s river, visit the historic castle and its grounds, or browse the local parks and shops.

• Best Wicklow and Kilkenny Day Tour from Dublin
• See Glendalough’s stunning glacial valley, picturesque lakes, and 6th century round tower
• Uncover the stunning stories of Ireland’s Ancient East
• Great photo opportunities of Kilkenny Castle, Wicklow Mountains, and National Parks
• Visit the medieval city of Kilkenny
• Visit a Wicklow sheep farm and watch a traditional sheepdog trial!

Kilkenny City Tour

After lunch in Kilkenny, you will depart the city at 12.30pm. Travelling through the county of Carlow and continuing on to the stunning Wicklow mountains. You will notice the changing landscape as you pass through Wicklow and the Wicklow Moutains - changing from lush green rich pasture with small rolling hills, to the dramatic and the breathtaking ancient glacial valleys of the Wicklow Mountains. More than just a county of spectacular landscapes, Wicklow is also home to famous movie locations including Braveheart, PS I Love You, and Vikings - among others. In the Wicklow Moutains, you will enjoy a stop to take snaps overlooking the stunning mountains and valleys.

Glendalough Guided Tour

Glendalough, the valley of the two lakes is a stunning glacial valley, and is also home to gorgeous lakes and a 6th century round tower – one of the most famous round towers in Ireland.

At Glendalough's Monastic City, you will enjoy a guided tour which will explain some of the folklore and legendary stories of Glendalough’s past and direct you towards the stunning Upper Lake. You will have plenty time to take in the area’s stunning surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the area’s natural wonders.

Sheepdog Farm

After Glendalough, you will see a real Irish Shepherd at work together with his best friend the Border Collie sheepdog. Soon after leaving the sheep farm, you will pass through Ireland highest village. From there you can see the Sugarloaf Mountains, which prior to the Ice Age were higher than the Alps. You can also catch a glimpse of the Powerscourt Estate and the Glen of Imaal just before reaching Kilmacanogue.

Buy Wild Rover - Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Tour Tickets

• All attraction costs included in ticket price.
• Free wifi on-board your state-of-the-art coach.
• Fully guided day tour.
• Walking Tours included in Kilkenny and Glendalough.
• Food and Drink not included.
• Pick-Up 8:05am at Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, 23 Upper O'Connell Street 8:20am  at Ulster Bank, 33 College Green/Dame Street, Dublin 2   8:30am at Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch - Formerly Jurys Inn Hotel, Dublin 8.

Please Note:

Infants under 2 years old are not permitted on this tour.

The tour was great, I especially liked Kilkenny. The guide Richard and driver Palo were very helpful!

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Wicklow, Glendalough & Kilkenny Day Tour - Hilltoptreks

• Pre-booking essential

Wicklow, Glendalough & Kilkenny Day Tour from Dublin with Hilltoptreks really captures some of the beauty and highlights of Ireland’s Ancient East, as you travel through the valleys and hills of the Wicklow Mountains and National Park.

Visit the 6th century monastic site of Glendalough founded by St Kevin. The tour continues through the Wicklow Gap, an area of scenic landscapes and rural villages.

On arrival in Kilkenny City, visit the 12th century Kilkenny Castle, one of Ireland’s finest, have some lunch and discover more as you wander around this old Norman merchant city.

Tours consist of small groups, with no more than 16 people on any tour, and the pickup point in Dublin City is at the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street.

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Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Tour

Explore Wicklows most picturesque and unique attractions along with the medieval history of Kilkenny city for the day

Enjoy a day tour like no other.

Experience the breath-taking views of Wicklow, dive into the history and heritage of the Kilkenny, uncover the myths and legends surrounding world-famous sites.

Dublin city is filled with wonderful attractions and culture, but to truly experience the beauty of Ireland you must explore outside of the city for at least one day! The Kilkenny and Wicklow day tour offers you an amazing opportunity to discover and enjoy Irelands hidden gems.

The tour kicks off from Dublin city just after 8 am, from there guests will be taken to their first stop in the gorgeous city of Kilkenny. You will get to explore the spectacular location with a guided walking tour allowing you to really experience the culture for yourself with some free time to enjoy some shopping and views of the castle and grounds.

After lunch the tour continues through county Carlow, leading you to your second and final stop of the day Wicklow. Here you will discover the unbelievable views of Irish ancient glacial valleys situated in the Wicklow Mountains. The beautiful area has been featured in well-known productions such as P.S I Love You, Braveheart and Vikings. You will also get the opportunity to stop and capture the unmissable views too.

In addition to the scenic lakes and valleys Glendalough is also home to a precious 6th century round tower, being one of the most famous round towers in the country. At the Monastic site you will uncover Glendalough's legendary past and stories with a guided walking tour. Throughout there will be chances to appreciate and experience Irelands natural wonders along the way.

Finally you'll Immerse yourself in classic activities at the sheepdog farm where you will discover a real Irish Shepherd in action with his companion and assistant, the Border Collie sheepdog. Following this you can catch a glimpse of the Sugarloaf Mountains, Powerscourt Estate, Glen of Imaal and Kilmacanogue.

Great itinerary and very impressive guides. Their personalities were so entertaining. Bus was comfortable and the time spent at each stop was sufficient. A great way to spend a day exploring away from Dublin!

@sv_food_n_wine TripAdvisor, Jan 2022

• Kilkenny and Wicklow Tour from Dublin
• Tours of Ireland
• Day Tours from Dublin

14 other people are looking at this tour

Why choose this tour?

See all of the highlights in just one day

Ireland's most luxurious fleet

Ireland's most experienced guides

Ireland's highest rated operator

Free 4G unlimited WiFi & USB ports

Risk Free - 100% Refund up to 24 hours before tour

Pick-up Points

• 08:00am - Paddywagon Office, 34 O'Connell Street Lower (The Spire)
• 08:10am - Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street

Depart Dublin

Glendalough, hollywood blockbusters 'ps i love you' and 'braveheart', wicklow mountains, return to dublin, alternative routes.

If this popular route is sold out you may wish to consider one of these...

• (Morning) Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half Day Tour from Dublin

(Afternoon) Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half Day Tour from Dublin

Additional info.

Free Cancellation

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour's start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour's start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the local time in Ireland.

Why Book Direct?

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Private Tour from Dublin to Glendalough – Wicklow Mountains- Kilkenny

Personal Guide

All Group Sizes Welcome

Flexible Itinerary

Join Wild Rover for a private day tour and an incredible adventure!  Our  sample itinerary to medieval Kilkenny, the spectacular landscape of the Wicklow Mountains, and the beautiful glacial valley of Glendalough is designed to showcase the gems of the ancient East. We'll help you plan your private day trip but you have the ultimate say in where you want to go. Our professional. award-winning driver/guides will drive you to your desired destinations & is on hand to offer local area history and folklore, advice, suggestions and information.

We cater for all group sizes and interests. Contact us now and we can tailor a trip to any location in Ireland  so you get the best out of your holiday!

We offer both day trips and overnight tours featuring some of Ireland's top visitor attractions. Prices start from €500 for two in a luxury Mercedes Saloon E220.  Contact us  for more information or to start planning your ideal itinerary.

Why Choose this Tour

Follow this tour, adapt it, or create your own itinerary anywhere in Ireland!

Suitable for all group sizes, whether you want a day trip or a multi-day adventure!

Your friendly, knowledgeable guide will drive you to your desired destinations and is on hand to offer advice, suggestions and information should you need it

Travel through the Wicklow Gap, one of Ireland's highest mountain passes

Visit the filming location of films such as Braveheart & PS. I love you

Wander the glacial lake of Glendalough & surrounding forests

A truly unique experience of the people, history and culture of the East coast

Private Tour to Ireland's Ancient East

Make the most of your time in the emerald isle with a private, escorted tour with Wild Rover Tours. Your personal guide can tailor the experience to your interests. We’ve created this sample itinerary to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny, featuring some of the gems of Ireland's Ancient East for you to explore the historic landmarks and untouched landscapes this gorgeous coast offers.

Visiting the ancient city of Kilkenny is a must on a trip to Ireland and the beautiful scenery in Glendalough has to be seen to be believed. A private guided tour is a great way to see some of Ireland if your time with us is limited. The advantage of holidaying/vacationing on such a compact island is we can comfortably see both in the same day!

Kilkenny City

Enjoy a Walking Tour of Medieval Kilkenny

Visit Kilkenny Castle

After breakfast in your hotel your driver/guide will collect you. After introductions they will whisk you away for the day in our Mercedes E220. On route to Kilkenny we will travel through some very scenic countryside. Your guide will point out some highlights as we travel. Our first suggested point of call is,  Kilkenny Art & Design Centre and Kilkenny Medieval Castle. Enjoy snacks and gourmet coffee in the artisan cafe before taking a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle.

The castle is the signature symbol of the city and is majestically located on the banks of the River Nore. Kilkenny Castle has a storied past and was once the Irish stronghold of the legendary Strongbow.

Our visit to this medieval city will then continue with walking tour led by your private guide. The 30 minute tour  will take you through the winding cobbled streets and under the city’s many medieval arches. Your guide will regale you with the history of this  beautiful city as you explore all the main attractions and landmarks.

After the walking tour, you will have a further hour to explore Kilkenny at your own leisure. The city’s compact nature means that all the points of interest are easily accessible by foot and you will have plenty of time to visit additional attractions if you wish. Suggested options for leisure time: Black Abbey, St Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House. You may choose to walk the famous 12th century Kilkenny Castle grounds and magnificent gardens.

Rothe House is a magnificent example of a  wealthy silk merchant’s home built in 1594.  The house contains multiple medieval exhibits, including priceless Viking artefacts and a medieval garden which contains plants of the era including Gortahork cabbage and Blood of the Boyne apples.

Some of the  finest Irish artisan food  is produced in and around the Kilkenny area. On your tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the city. There are plenty of cafes and charming gastropubs to choose from. You tour guide will be happy to make lunch recommendations once you arrive in the city.

Wicklow Mountain Tour

Walk the Dramatic Mountain Landscape

Fantastic Photo Opportunities

After lunch our suggested itinerary takes us into the  wild and rugged Wicklow Mountains,  also known as the garden of Ireland. The Wicklow Mountains are a National Park and one of the most popular in Ireland – and it is obvious why! Take advantage of a stop for a stroll and photos on top of the Wicklow Mountains overlooking the glens and valleys of County Wicklow. The breathtaking landscape dotted with lakes, is something not to be missed. It is home to numerous wildlife habitats and local fauna, including some  internationally-recognised endangered species!

Glendalough

Witness Incredible Natural Beauty

Visit a Monastic City

Our private day tour from Dublin can continue with a visit to Glendalough .This most scenic of locations begins with a guided tour of the ancient monastic site, established by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. When you see the scenery with your own eyes, you will know why these ancient monks chose this corner of Ireland to call home. The monastic city is a national monument  of immense importance and it is here that Irish monks ‘saved civilisation’ while the rest of Europe went through the Dark Ages. This location later acted as a shelter for Christian manuscripts to protect them from the barbarous marauding Vikings. Once the tour is over you will have ample time to take a walk around the  beautiful lakes  to fully appreciate the beauty of the area’s natural wonders.

Book your Private Tour

If we have whet your appetite enough to consider booking a private tour of Kilkenny and Glendalough, why not contact us today. The above is just a sample itinerary.

Our travel experts will help you customise an itinerary that suits your needs and interests. Contact us today to get a quote or to book a  private group tour to to Kilkenny and Wicklow.We would be delighted to help you make the most of your holiday/vacation in Ireland.

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What our clients love, about wild rover tours, wild rover tours.

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• Katie Howard ★★★★★ 3 days ago Neil and Sarah were fantastic! If you are in Dublin and debating whether this tour is worth it I promise it is. Absolutely amazing. They give you nice long stops so you feel you can take in the area. Great history lessons while driving but also quiet time with music. The sheepdog demonstration was the icing on the cake. I want to come back again now to those areas as they were stunning!
• Theresa Langston ★★★★★ a week ago Our tour to Northern Ireland and the Giant Cliffs were amazing! Our tour guides Krishna and Barbara were so informative and friendly people. Barbara gave us a lot of Irish history and folklore. The Titanic museum in Belfast was so well done and sad too. The Giant Cliffs are amazing! The views are so beautiful. The countryside throughout Ireland is so green. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting … More Ireland they were amazing tour guides. Thank you so much!
• Alexandra McDonald ★★★★★ a month ago What a fantastic and professional tour company! This Wild Rover tour from Dublin to the Cliffs was the perfect choice for my 7 year old and me. We were visiting Dublin for a long weekend and the Cliffs had been a bucket list item, and not stressing about driving was my main reason for booking. I reserved on their website directly (a fair price!) and went to the meeting point that day at 7am. They have … More large, comfortable coaches with their logo. The Cliffs are magnificent and a must-see! The driver Garry and our guide Rory were so professional and entertaining. Rory pointed out landmarks as we drove, gave us a comprehensive history of Ireland, and had such a lovely personality all day! We made a rest stop on the route there and back (no WC on the bus). We returned back at 7:30pm and it was such a great (albeit long) day. Furthermore, Rory came through the cabin as we were arriving back in Dublin to answer any personal questions we had about the area, and took a few minutes to recommend local restaurants, pubs, and experiences that we would find useful. Absolutely recommend!!
• Ed Torres ★★★★★ 2 days ago This is the easiest and most stress free way to see some amazing sights in Ireland. We got to relax and let Wild Rover worry about the driving and details. Krishna and Brendan were absolute professionals and a joy to spend the day with. The bus was spotless and had USB charging ports at every seat. If I were to do this tour again, I'd pack a lunch to maximize my time at Giant's Causeway … More as the two food options there can get very busy.
• Bob Carey ★★★★ ☆ a month ago Our tour guide Barbara was great. She was very entertaining and informative. The Giants Causeway was beautiful and breathtaking. My only disappointment was the Black Cab tour. Our driver was not aware of our passengers, at one point we had to get back in the cab to go no more than 150 feet…. He presented the time of the Troubles from his perspective as a youth growing up. Otherwise, I highly recommend … More Wild River.
• laura taylor ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago Truly the best and most enjoyable experience on our trip to Dublin. Liam and JP were exceptional in their knowledge of the regions visited and making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. I wouldn't hesitate in booking another Wild Rover tour in Ireland again! Stop scrolling and simply book it!
• Marine MALINGUE ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago Really nice experience I truly recommend it! Peter, our driver offered us a safe trip and Ian our guide was very nice and friendly, I particularly appreciated Glendalough and the sheperd demonstration which was a very good surprise! You can buy something to eat during your stop at Kilkenny and there are many opportunities to go to wasrooms during the excursion, everything is perfectly organise and … More you really have enough time at each place you visit! It definitely worth the price!
• Rosemary ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago During our stay in Dublin we took two of Wild Rover's Tours. They were both extremely organized and the guides and drivers were all amazing. I can't say enough good things about these tours. They maximize the trip so you get the most out of your time. The guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. Both of our bus drivers were extremely safe drivers. The buses were clean, comfortable and … More had USB plugs easily accessible. Before we booked the tours we sent a few inquiry emails which were answered very promptly. Everything was amazing from start to finish. A bit about our Tours - The Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge Ocean Walk & Galway (Rory was our tour guide & Brian was our Bus Driver) - This was SOOOOOOOO well worth it. The Cliffs were superb and you have 2 hours to explore them. The Atlantic Edge Ocean had amazing views and the countryside we drove through was picturesque. In Galway we walked to Merchant Row and had a lovely lunch at the Kings Head (this was one of the recommendations Rory gave us and it did not disappoint.) Rory was funny, charming and balanced our tour time with history, funny antidotes and was so helpful at every opportunity. Brian was a great driver and I felt completely safe in his care. Our second tour was - Giants Causeway & Belfast City Day (Barbara was our guide & John was our bus driver) - What a lovely day. If your a GoT fan, you will get to see several locations used in the show. You will have a choice to go to the Titanic Museum or the Black Cab Tours (I highly recommend the Taxi tours). The locations were amazing, the scenery was lovely and we had more than enough time at each of the locations. Barbara was fun and played a lot of music which certainly got us into the mood at each place we went to. She answered a lot of questions and John even spoke Gaelic for us! He was a great and safe driver.
• Brenda Burrows ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago We went on the Giant’s Causeway and Titanic museum tour and can thoroughly recommend it. Great driver (Krishnan) and excellent tour guide (Una). Good mix of Irish history, folk lore and culture served up with humour and practical tips. Beautiful coastal scenery.