St. Kevin's Church

Enjoy a combined full-day sightseeing tour of some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, including the 12th-century castle of Kilkenny (not included but you have time to visit if you wish to do so), the rugged Wicklow Mountains, and the 7th-century monastery of Glendalough. During the winter months (Nov- Feb) and on Sundays, we will go to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains first, and will visit Kilkenny City in the afternoon. generally, the first stop is Kilkenny, majestically located on the banks of the River Nore (walking tour included but optional). Known as the craft capital of Ireland, you can visit the Kilkenny Art and Design Centre to get a better appreciation of the craft traditions of goldsmiths, sculptors, painters and more. Stroll around the cobblestone streets, and visit Saint Frances Brewery, Ireland’s oldest. Admire the magnificent silk merchant’s mansion of Rothe House, containing priceless Viking artifacts. And walk in the medieval gardens to see historic varietals of fruit and veg, such as Gortahok cabbage and Blood of Boyne apples. Enjoy lunch in one of the city’s artisan cafés. Walking tour included. En route to Glendalough, drive into the wild Wicklow Mountains of County Carlow. Watch as the landscape changes from lush green pastures and gentle valleys, to the glacial valleys of Wicklow Gap, giving it a cinematic quality that made it a popular location to shoot movies such as “Braveheart” and “PS I Love You.” Continue over the mountains to explore the monastic site of Glendalough (meaning glen of two lakes), where Christianity was re-introduced to Ireland after the Dark Ages. Learn about Saint Kevin, founder of the 7th-century monastery. Follow your guide on a walking tour to see intact architecture, such as St. Kevin’s Kitchen, Church and Round Tower (walking tour included but optional). On the final part of your journey head through the highest village in Ireland, known as Roundwood. Marvel at the Sugarloaf Mountains, which were higher than the Alps before the Ice Age. Your guide will regale you with stories about Ireland, and be treated to some traditional Irish music on the drive back to Dublin.

Ireland is packed with hidden treasures — places where charming scenery rubs up against a rich and fascinating history. So where do you find such treasures? Well, in Glendalough and Wicklow mountains. The ruins of the early medieval monastery at Glendalough are a particular highlight, while the sweeping forested hillsides and crystalline lakes offer the perfect backdrops. Exploring this singular landscape is easy with our Wicklow Glendalough tour. The Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains tour departs from Dublin at 9:30 AM. After a warm welcome from your guide, and the chance to meet the other guests sharing the experience with you, the drive through the stunning Irish countryside awaits. We will arrive at Powerscourt Waterfall at 10:30 AM. You will have approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore this stunning natural wonder in the Wicklow Mountains. Feel free to walk around and capture beautiful photos of the waterfall as you take in the scenery. After the waterfall, we will arrive at Glendalough Monastery around midday. You'll have 2 hours to explore this monastic site. Saint Kevin founded this Christian settlement in the 6th century, with most existing structures built in the 10th-12th centuries. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a charming environment, and then we continue the tour. Unfortunately, lunch is not provided, but you will be able to get some food, in the shops, restaurants, or food trucks that are around the park. Next stop: Sheepdog demonstration. This is a truly unique experience and gives you a great insight into how dogs are used to herd sheep. Ireland's beauty is out there waiting for you. And a day trip to the Glendalough and Wicklow mountains is the perfect way to unlock the magic. *Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time*