Award Winning Private Tour of Glendalough, Powerscourt & Wicklow

Exploring Ireland’s Wicklow: An intimate journey through Glendalough, Powerscourt, and the Wicklow Mountains

When you think of Ireland’s “Garden of Ireland,” Wicklow naturally comes to mind, with its lush landscapes, ancient ruins, and enchanting gardens. This award-winning private tour offers an intimate, flexible experience that lets you explore some of the most iconic sights around Dublin, all with just your group and a guide. For around $735 per group (up to four people), you get a 6-hour journey filled with stunning scenery, history, and local charm.

What we love about this experience is the personalized approach—your guide works with you on the itinerary, ensuring you see what interests you most. The private vehicle makes all the difference, giving you the freedom to stop whenever a view or a story catches your eye, away from the crowds. And of course, the friendly guides known for their knowledge and passion enrich each stop with stories and insights.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s schedule is flexible but limited to around six hours, so seeing every site in depth may be tough if you want to do everything. Still, the tour’s customization options mean you can choose to focus on your top interests—whether that’s the history of Glendalough, the gardens at Powerscourt, or the scenic drive through Sallys Gap.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value personal attention, authentic scenic experiences, and expert storytelling. If you’re craving a relaxed, tailored journey with plenty of flexibility, this private tour is likely to suit you perfectly.

• Personalized Experience: You choose the sights and pace, with a guide tailoring the day to your interests.
• Stunning Scenery: From the Wicklow Mountains to Guinness Lake, the views are unforgettable.
• Rich History & Culture: Explore ancient monastic ruins and learn local stories from passionate guides.
• Value for Money: The private nature and flexibility offer a high-quality experience at a fair price.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup, private vehicle, and optional departure times make planning easier.
• Ideal for Small Groups: Limited to four people, perfect for families, friends, or couples seeking exclusivity.

The Itinerary: Flexibility Meets Authenticity

This tour promises a half-day immersion into some of Ireland’s most captivating sights, with the ability to customize your stops. The typical route starts with a pickup in Dublin, often from your accommodation, and takes you out along the scenic east coast toward Wicklow. The journey itself is beautiful, with views of the coast, mountains, and charming villages.

Wicklow Gaol: Ireland’s Historic Prison

Your first stop might be Wicklow Gaol, one of Ireland’s top attractions. Here, the tour offers a historical, interactive experience led by actors, making it lively and engaging. You’ll learn about Irish prisoners’ stories and the history behind this 19th-century prison. Several reviews highlight Wicklow Gaol as a fascinating and emotional introduction, with one traveler noting, “Wicklow Gaol tells the story of its prisoners through an interactive tour led by passionate guides.”

Lunch & Local Crafts at Avoca Handweavers

Next, you can choose to visit Avoca village, famous for its Irish-run handweaving company dating back to 1723. It’s a great spot for a relaxed lunch, souvenir shopping, and sampling local crafts. The quality of the goods—from throws to blankets—is well appreciated, and reviews praise the friendly atmosphere and delicious food. Some travelers mention that stopping here adds a nice blend of history, scenery, and local culture.

Glendalough Monastic Site: Mystical Ruins

The highlight for many is the 6th-century monastic city of Glendalough. Founded by St. Kevin, this site is renowned for its atmosphere of tranquility and spirituality. You’ll have time to walk around the ruins, see the iconic Round Tower, and spot local wildlife. Reviewers describe it as a “remarkable” place, and many appreciate the opportunity to take memorable photos amidst ancient stones and lush greenery.

Powerscourt Gardens: A Blooming Masterpiece

If your schedule permits, your guide will recommend visiting Powerscourt Gardens, often ranked among the world’s top ten gardens. Spanning over 47 acres, you’ll explore formal gardens, ornamental lakes, and secret hollows. Several guests have called Powerscourt a “must-see”, especially noting the beauty of the formal landscapes and the variety of plantings. One review describes the gardens as “a sublime blend of formal and natural beauty,” perfect for those who appreciate horticultural artistry.

Optional Stops & Scenic Drives

Depending on time and your interests, your guide may suggest additional stops like Sallys Gap, Lough TAY (Guinness Lake), or a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall. You can also ask about stopping at a traditional Irish pub or exploring the Military Road for spectacular views of the mountains and coastline.

The Transportation & Guides: Comfort & Expertise

The tour uses private vehicles, generally saloon-sized, suitable for up to four guests. Travelers mention that the vehicle is clean and comfortable, with some offering free Wi-Fi, which is a thoughtful touch for those wanting to check maps or share photos en route.

Guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Ireland. Many reviews praise guides like Jim, Gerry, Noel, Tony, and Alan for their storytelling skills and flexibility. Several guests highlight how guides tailor the itinerary based on their preferences, making each trip feel special.

The Price & Value Proposition

At $734.65 per group, this private tour offers excellent value for a personalized experience. The price includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a local guide. Entrance fees to sites are extra, roughly €7-€10 per site, which is a reasonable addition for such a comprehensive day. Many reviews underscore how guides help maximize your time, ensuring you get the most out of each stop.

What the Tour Doesn’t Cover

While the itinerary is flexible, you should note that the duration is around six hours, so very long or in-depth visits might not be possible at every site. Some reviews mention that certain places like Powerscourt might be skipped if time runs short, but the personalized nature makes this less of a concern. Entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly.

This private experience is perfect for small groups or families wanting a bespoke day out. If you appreciate local stories, scenic drives, and ancient ruins, you’ll find this tour enriching. It also suits travelers seeking comfort and flexibility—you can change the stops, departure times, and pace to suit your mood. The knowledgeable guides ensure you learn about Ireland’s culture and history in an engaging way, making this more than a sightseeing list.

This private tour offers a well-rounded blend of history, nature, and craftsmanship, all wrapped in the comfort of a private vehicle and a dedicated guide. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer tailored experiences over generic group excursions. Many travelers rave about the passion and knowledge of their guides, and the breathtaking scenery makes every stop worthwhile.

Whether you’re a history buff, a garden lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from Dublin, this tour can be customized to suit your desires. It’s an authentic way to get a true taste of Ireland’s Wicklow, with enough flexibility to make it your own.

Is this tour suitable for small groups?
Yes, it’s designed for groups of up to four people, providing a very personalized experience.

Can I customize the stops?
Absolutely. The guide works with you to tailor the itinerary, so you can focus on what interests you most.

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers hotel pickup, private transportation, a local guide, and bottled water. Entrance fees are extra.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately six hours, giving you a good overview without feeling rushed.

Are there options for early or late departures?
Yes, you can select from various departure times throughout the day.

Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
Some vehicles are equipped with free Wi-Fi—ask your guide on the day to confirm.

Can I book this tour from Dublin Airport?
Yes, pickup from Dublin Airport is available for an additional fee, but it needs to be arranged in advance.

This private tour stands out by offering an authentic, flexible, and comfortable way to explore Wicklow’s most beloved sites. It’s ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience, expert storytelling, and, of course, spectacular Irish scenery. If you value quality over quantity and appreciate a guide’s local insights, this could be your perfect day out.