A day trip to Wicklow with Wild Rover Tours is a great way to get out of Dublin and explore more of what Ireland has to offer, away from Dublin city life.
From medieval Kilkenny to the wild Wicklow Mountains, from cuddly lambs to ancient ruins, every moment feels like stepping deeper into Ireland’s storied past.
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or exploring with friends, this tour is a perfect way to escape Dublin for the day and return with memories of Ireland that stay with you long after the journey ends.
If you’re planning your next Irish adventure, put Wicklow at the top of your list.
It’s a day well spent, and one you’ll be talking about the memories you created exploring authentic Irish countryside life.
My day trip from Dublin to Wicklow with Wild Rover Tours was exactly that kind of experience: a full day of discovery, history, landscapes, and genuine Irish hospitality.
If you’re visiting Dublin and want to escape the city for a day, this is one of the most rewarding adventures you can take.
Why Explore outside of Dublin? Why Wicklow? And why Wild Rover?
Wicklow is known as The Garden of Ireland, and once you’re winding through the rolling hills and glacial valleys, you’ll understand why it’s good to explore outside of Dublin.
Wild Rover Tours makes the journey effortless with pick-ups in Dublin city centre, a dedicated driver and guide (No combinations here), and a perfectly paced itinerary that gives you maximum time at each stop.
This isn’t one of those rushed tours where you’re herded on and off a bus.
Wild Rover is consistently ranked the number 1 tour company in Ireland, and it shows in all the itinerary details and the fantastic customer service they provide.
From the top-class storytelling guides to the comfort of their perfectly sized luxury coaches, all kitted out with top features such as WiFi and USB chargers.
I haven’t even shared the prices yet! With Wild Rover Tours, you get Incredible value for what’s on offer.
On today’s day tour from Dublin with Wild Rover Tours, I will be visiting Kilkenny Medieval City, Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough. And you can book this Dublin Day Tour here.
Start the adventure with a convenient departure from Dublin city
Getting Started with a Dublin City Centre Pick-Up. The day begins bright and early, with different convenient pick-up points across Dublin.
Each tour will have different pick-up locations, so best to check the information with the booking prior to departure.
Best to arrive 10 minutes early, grab a coffee, and settle in, and the adventure begins the moment the wheels start rolling.
Hot drinks and cold food are allowed onboard, not a problem.
First stop is Kilkenny – Ireland’s Medieval Gem
First stop on the tour is Kilkenny, Ireland’s Medieval Gem.
Arriving around 10:00AM, after a swift drive from Dublin, Kilkenny instantly charms with its cobbled lanes, colourful shopfronts, and the majestic Kilkenny Castle watching over the city.
What can you get up to in Kilkenny?
You could join the optional guided walking tour to learn about medieval life, folklore, and local legends around Kilkenny. You can wander the castle gardens
or explore the endless artisan shops and cafés.
Why not enjoy brunch or lunch in a local pub? Fish and chips is a great option with a local pint of freshly brewed Smithwick’s.
You could even take the Smithwick’s brewery tour and beer tasting session, which is great fun.
You get just under three hours to explore Kilkenny, so make the most of your visit, and you have plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Next stop: Wicklow Mountains – The Garden of Ireland
As you leave Kilkenny, the scenery transforms dramatically. This is the joy of joining a day trip by coach, as you can experience the change in scenery along the journey.
The Wicklow Mountains are wild, open, and cinematic, not to be missed on any trip to Ireland.
Think sweeping valleys, rugged peaks, and endless green. A highlight is the stop at Wicklow Gap, one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes at 475 metres.
The landscape itself was even used as a filming location for the Mel Gibson movie Braveheart (And yes, it was filmed in Ireland!).
On a clear day, the views stretch for miles. Even in moody Irish weather, the landscape feels magical and mystical.
This drive alone is worth the trip to experience the Irish landscape at its best.
Next stop: Sheep Farm & Sheepdog Demonstration
Can you say you’ve been to Ireland if you haven’t seen a Sheep Farm & Sheepdog Demonstration? Well, it should at least be in your unique Irish experience things to do list for sure.
In the village of Laragh, you’ll start to step into authentic rural Ireland.
This isn’t a staged show; it’s a working sheep farm where you’ll watch a shepherd and his dogs perform traditional herding techniques.
I could easily watch a sheepdog get to work herding the sheep all day long. It’s incredible how well-trained they are and how they can handle all the sheep so well.
It’s a 30-minute live sheepdog trial demonstration put together by a local farmer. You will get to learn how shepherds communicate with their dogs.
Lastly, if it’s lambing season for the farmer, you may get the chance to hold and cuddle adorable lambs (seasonal but unforgettable).
It’s a heartwarming, hands-on experience that gives you a real taste of Irish country life. Not to be missed and all part of the day tour.
Last stop: Glendalough, Valley of Two Lakes
Last but not least, my favourite part of the tour, Glendalough, the Valley of Two Lakes. On a misty day, the lakes come to life, and it’s a pure joy to walk around, Ireland at its finest.
Glendalough is the soul of this tour. Founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, this monastic settlement is one of Ireland’s most important historical sites.
What is worth exploring here? The iconic 30-metre round tower, for a start.
Walk around and check out the Ancient monastic ruins. The guide will explain a bit of history here at the start. Hike around The Upper and Lower Lakes.
The Forest trails are worth a wander if you have enough time. Make the most out of the glacial landscapes.
You’ll have around two hours here, which will give you plenty of time to learn a bit of history and hike around the lakes, which form as part of a loop trail back to the starting point, so difficult to get lost.
You can join the guide at the start or head out and explore independently. Choice is yours.
Whether you’re into photography, history, or hiking, Glendalough delivers and is well worth the time to walk around the lakes.
Once you’ve visited Glendalough, you will drive back to Dublin and should be back in the city for around 18:00PM.
Why do I Recommend This Wild Rover Tours Day trip from Dublin?
Wild Rover Tours stands out for all the right reasons, with a Separate driver and guide for safety and storytelling so they can both focus on the job at hand and give you the best and safest experience.
Maximum time at each attraction with no pointless stops, every stop is meaningful and matters to give you the best time in Ireland.
The local guides are experts in Irish history, culture, and folklore, allowing you to learn about Ireland, which is a lovely added bonus to your trip.
Comfortable and modern coaches with Wi-Fi and USB charging points.
If you’re looking for a day trip that blends nature, history, culture, and authentic Irish experiences, this is the one for you, and I would highly recommend Wild Rover Tours for my Dublin Day Trips across Ireland.
