Overview
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)
10:00 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!