Tailor-Made Day in Wicklow: Glencree’s Valleys, Glacial Lakes and Gardened Estates

GLENCREE BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Tailor-Made Day in Wicklow: Glencree’s Valleys, Glacial Lakes and Gardened Estates

A private, customizable eight‑hour day tour from Dublin that threads Glendalough, Powerscourt and Wicklow’s cinematic landscapes for visitors who want control over pace and places.

Tailor-Made Day in Wicklow: Glencree’s Valleys, Glacial Lakes and Gardened Estates.

Duration
8 hours
Location
Glencree
Operator
Hilltoptreks
Category
Bus Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Settle into a privately guided day through Wicklow — Ireland’s “Garden of Ireland” — where green hills, stone walls, deep lakes and a medieval monastic valley form a compact landscape you can shape to your tastes. The Private Day Tour of Wicklow and Glendalough lets a friendly guide tailor stops from Powerscourt Gardens to Glendalough’s ancient monastery and cinematic locations, with time for a pub lunch or a guided walk in the hills.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Wild Hills, Lough Tay and Waterfalls
THE LANDSCAPE

Wild Hills, Lough Tay and Waterfalls

The tour takes you into the Wicklow Mountains National Park to see high passes, the dark waters of Lough Tay (the ‘Guinness Lake’ and surrounding estate) and dramatic falls such as Glenmacnass, all signature vistas of the region.

Glendalough’s Monastic Valley
THE HERITAGE

Glendalough’s Monastic Valley

Explore the valley of Glendalough with its two lakes and the old monastic site of St Kevin, accompanied by historical commentary from your guide.

Gardens, Pubs and Film Locations
THE CULTURE

Gardens, Pubs and Film Locations

Options include a visit to Powerscourt House and Gardens (noted among the world’s most beautiful), a traditional pub lunch in the hills, and stops at several famed filming locations used in productions like Braveheart, PS I Love You, Leap Year and Vikings.

What the day feels like

How the day unfolds

Over an eight‑hour private day you’ll be collected from Dublin and driven into Wicklow’s patchwork of valleys and lakes; the itinerary is flexible, so you can prioritize walks, gardens, historic sites or film locations while your guide adjusts timing and routes to suit your group.

Wild Hills, Lough Tay and Waterfalls

THE LANDSCAPE

Wild Hills, Lough Tay and Waterfalls

The tour takes you into the Wicklow Mountains National Park to see high passes, the dark waters of Lough Tay (the ‘Guinness Lake’ and surrounding estate) and dramatic falls such as Glenmacnass, all signature vistas of the region.

Glendalough’s Monastic Valley

THE HERITAGE

Glendalough’s Monastic Valley

Explore the valley of Glendalough with its two lakes and the old monastic site of St Kevin, accompanied by historical commentary from your guide.

Gardens, Pubs and Film Locations

THE CULTURE

Gardens, Pubs and Film Locations

Options include a visit to Powerscourt House and Gardens (noted among the world’s most beautiful), a traditional pub lunch in the hills, and stops at several famed filming locations used in productions like Braveheart, PS I Love You, Leap Year and Vikings.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private, tailorable day works for

1
Private PartiesDesigned as a private tour, it is ideal for parties that want a personalized day — note that groups larger than eight should contact the operator for a bespoke itinerary and quote.
2
Small GroupsSmall groups under the operator’s standard size can tailor the route and stops; parties exceeding eight people must contact Hilltoptreks for arrangements.
3
Couples & FamiliesCouples and family units traveling together fit the private format well, provided the total group size does not exceed the operator’s standard capacity without prior contact.
4
Customization‑SeekersIf you want to pick which sites to prioritize, this private format is appropriate — but remember to notify the operator in advance if your party will be larger than eight so they can plan accordingly.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The tour is an eight‑hour private day trip.

Meeting & Pickup

Pickups are offered at your Dublin accommodation, airport or port.

What to Bring

Bring rain gear or an umbrella, sunscreen, a camera and a bottle of water.

Activities & Equipment

If you choose guided walking, horse riding or cycling, equipment can be supplied and those activities are offered for both beginners and more experienced participants.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Private Day Tour of Wicklow?

The tour runs for eight hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickups are available from your accommodation, the airport or a port in Dublin.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes — the tour is private and can be organized the way you would like it, with options including Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, film-location stops and local pub lunch.

What should I bring for the day?

Rain gear or an umbrella, sunscreen, a camera and a bottle of water are advised.

What if our group is larger than eight people?

For groups larger than eight you should contact Hilltoptreks ([email protected]) for a tailored itinerary and a quote.

Are guided walks and outdoor activities available?

Yes — the tour can include guided walks, horse riding or cycling in the Wicklow Hills, suitable for beginners and more experienced participants, with equipment supplied if required.