Discover the history, beauty and tranquillity of County Wicklow on this private Glendalough Monastic Site & Powerscourt Gardens Day Tour. Combining one of Ireland’s most important early Christian settlements with its most celebrated gardens, this full-day experience offers the perfect blend of heritage, spectacular scenery and peaceful landscapes.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Dublin into the Wicklow Mountains, where forests, valleys and mountain views create one of Ireland’s most breathtaking regions. Your first major stop is Glendalough, the famous monastic settlement founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, where ancient ruins sit beside beautiful lakes within a glacial valley.
After lunch, continue to the magnificent Powerscourt Estate, home to world-renowned gardens filled with elegant terraces, fountains, woodland walks and panoramic views across County Wicklow.
Perfect for visitors seeking a relaxing day exploring Ireland’s natural beauty and rich history, this private tour showcases two of Wicklow’s finest attractions in one unforgettable experience.
Your private guide will collect you from your accommodation in Dublin before beginning the journey south into County Wicklow.
Leaving the city behind, you’ll travel through the Dublin Mountains before entering the spectacular landscapes of Wicklow National Park.
Enjoy a relaxing drive through forests, valleys and mountain passes while your guide shares stories about the area’s history, wildlife and importance as one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks.
Several scenic viewpoints along the route provide excellent opportunities for photographs.
Arrive in the peaceful valley of Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most treasured historical and natural attractions.
Your guide will introduce the history of the monastery before you begin exploring the site.
Walk through the ancient monastery founded by St Kevin over 1,400 years ago.
Discover the famous Round Tower, medieval churches, stone crosses and historic graveyard while learning about the monks who transformed Glendalough into one of Europe’s most important centres of learning during the early medieval period.
Continue with a leisurely walk through the woodland trails leading towards Glendalough’s Upper and Lower Lakes.
Surrounded by forests and mountains, this peaceful landscape offers some of the finest scenery in County Wicklow and plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs.
Enjoy lunch in a traditional pub or local café near Glendalough.
Please note that food and drinks are not included in the tour price.
Travel to the magnificent Powerscourt Estate, one of Ireland’s grandest country estates.
Before entering the gardens, your guide will explain the fascinating history of the estate and how it developed into one of Europe’s finest garden destinations.
Spend the afternoon exploring the spectacular Powerscourt Gardens at your own pace.
Wander through beautifully landscaped terraces, Italian and Japanese gardens, ornamental lakes, fountains and colourful seasonal displays while enjoying magnificent views across the Wicklow countryside.
Browse the Visitor Centre shops, where you’ll find Irish crafts, artisan products, gifts and souvenirs before departing the estate.
Relax during the scenic drive back to Dublin after a day exploring two of County Wicklow’s most iconic attractions.
Return to your hotel or agreed Dublin drop-off location.
Please note that all timings are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, weather and the pace of the group.
Duration: 9 hours
Tour time: 9:00am to approximately 6:00pm
Start and finish: Dublin
Tour type: Private guided day tour
Group size: Maximum 7 people
Main stops: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Monastic Site, Glendalough Lakes and Powerscourt Gardens
Founded by St Kevin during the 6th century, Glendalough became one of Ireland’s most important monastic settlements and centres of learning.
Today, visitors can explore remarkably preserved medieval ruins while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the glacial valley and its beautiful lakes.
Regularly ranked among the finest gardens in the world, Powerscourt Gardens combine elegant landscape design with breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains.
Visitors can enjoy formal terraces, fountains, hidden pathways, ornamental lakes and beautifully maintained gardens throughout every season.
Known as Ireland’s Garden County, Wicklow offers a perfect combination of mountain scenery, ancient history and magnificent estates.
Its close proximity to Dublin makes it one of Ireland’s most rewarding destinations for a private day tour.
Travelling privately allows you to explore each destination at a comfortable pace while your guide manages the day’s schedule and shares local knowledge throughout the journey.
With flexibility where possible, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photographs, ask questions and fully appreciate the beauty and history of County Wicklow.
If time and date is not available for you please contact us
