Full Day Private Wicklow Tour

If you’re looking to explore Ireland beyond Dublin, this Full Day Private Wicklow Tour offers a chance to enjoy the countryside at your own pace with a knowledgeable local guide. From stunning gardens to ancient monastic sites, this tour promises an authentic and personalized experience of Wicklow’s best sights. With a focus on comfort, flexibility, and insider tips, it’s ideal for travelers craving a mix of natural beauty, history, and some good old Irish hospitality.

What really sets this tour apart is the personalized approach. Unlike group excursions, this private version allows you to choose your start time and spend more time at your favorite spots. Plus, the guide’s passion for Wicklow shines through, making the experience more engaging and educational. One thing to note: the price can seem a bit steep, but considering the private transport, insider knowledge, and flexibility, it’s a strong value for those wanting a tailored day out.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a relaxed, in-depth look at Ireland’s scenic highlights, don’t mind paying a premium for exclusivity, and prefer to avoid crowded group tours. If you’re traveling with family over 12 or seeking a flexible, private experience that includes top-tier sights, this could be just what you need.

Private and customizable: You pick your start time and pace for a truly personalized experience.
Insider perspective: The guide, a local with a deep love for Wicklow, offers stories and tips you won’t find in guidebooks.
Beautiful highlights: Powerscourt Gardens, Sally Gap, Glendalough — each offers something unique and memorable.
Comfort and convenience: Pickup from your hotel, airport, or port, plus bottled water included.
Value for money: Though priced at over $800 for a group of up to 7, the costs include private transport and entry to Glendalough.
Authentic Irish experience: Lunch at a traditional pub like Johnnie Fox’s adds to the genuine feel of your day.

What to Expect from the Private Transportation

Starting the day with your own transportation means no waiting around for other guests or rigid schedules. The private vehicle ensures a comfortable ride across Wicklow’s winding country roads. Reviewers mention that the guide, John, is not just knowledgeable but also a skilled driver—crucial when navigating scenic yet sometimes narrow mountain passes. The ride itself becomes part of the experience, offering you glimpses of Ireland’s stunning landscape from the comfort of a dedicated vehicle.

Powerscourt House & Gardens: The First Stop

Your day kicks off at Powerscourt Gardens, ranked the third greatest garden in the world. It’s easy to see why: 300 years of horticultural artistry, impressive sculptures, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains make this a highlight. Visitors often comment on the “great works of art” and “stunning flowers,” and that it’s a place where you truly feel transported. While admission isn’t included, a stroll through the gardens offers ample photo opportunities and a chance to soak in Irish grandeur. The estate also features a whiskey distillery and a cozy café serving delicious cakes, perfect for a quick refresh before heading onward.

Sally Gap: The Scenic Mountain Pass

Next, you’ll traverse the Sally Gap, one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes. This route is famous for cinematic scenery—think of movies like Braveheart and Excalibur—and it’s easy to see why. The views over the Guinness Lake (Lough Tay) are stunning, with the perfect backdrop for photographs. The guide shares stories of famous figures who’ve lived in the area, adding a layer of local lore to your visit. The stop here is about an hour, giving you time to snap photos and take in the breathtaking landscape.

Glendalough Monastic Settlement: History Comes Alive

The highlight for many is the Glendalough Monastic Site, a UNESCO-worthy ruin from the 6th century. You’ll explore the preserved remains of a monastic city once central to Irish Christianity. The guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive, giving you a sense of the significance of this ancient community. After the guided tour, you can wander along trails around the two lakes, enjoying peace and nature. Reviewers love how the site offers both historical insight and natural beauty, with one describing it as “the best-preserved ruins from Ireland’s early Christian period.”

Lunch at Johnnie Fox’s: Traditional Irish Fare

A visit to Wicklow isn’t complete without a hearty Irish meal. Johnnie Fox’s, established in 1798, provides a quintessential pub experience—warm, welcoming, and full of stories. Whether you prefer a classic Irish stew, fish and chips, or something more modern, the pub’s menu aims to satisfy. Guests rave about the good food, stories, and local beers and whiskeys. The flexible timing allows you to choose whether you want a relaxed lunch or a quick bite. The reviews mention the pub’s atmosphere as “full of good food and stories,” adding to the charm of your day.

Optional Extras and Flexibility

Since this is a private tour, you can modify the start and end times to fit your schedule, making it ideal for those with tight connections or specific plans. The guide can suggest additional stops or linger longer at favorites. You’ll also have bottled water provided, ensuring hydration during your outdoor adventures. Entrance fees for Powerscourt and Glendalough aren’t included, so you should budget accordingly, but the overall experience is rich enough to justify the extra costs.

The combination of personalized attention, local expertise, and access to iconic sights makes this Wicklow tour a compelling option. The guide’s extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling enrich the experience, turning a scenic drive into a journey through Ireland’s history and landscape. The flexibility to start and finish when you wish means you can tailor your day to your energy levels and interests, avoiding the rush often associated with larger group tours.

The stops at Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough showcase two very different sides of Wicklow—one lush and cultivated, the other wild and historic. Sally Gap adds a dash of cinematic scenery that many travelers recognize from movies, which fuels the imagination. The lunch stop at Johnnie Fox’s adds a warm, authentic Irish touch, rounding out a well-balanced day.

While the price may seem high, consider the value of private transport, expert guidance, and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. For travelers who value comfort, authenticity, and tailored experiences, this tour delivers well on its promises.

This private Wicklow experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate a personalized approach and want to explore Ireland’s countryside without the constraints of a large group. It’s ideal for those willing to invest a bit more for comfort, flexibility, and insider insights. Families over 12, history buffs, and photography enthusiasts will find a lot to love here, especially given the chance to linger at each stop and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and scenic day with a guide who treats your experience as unique, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a high-quality, authentic Irish experience that balances sightseeing, history, and genuine hospitality.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This private tour is primarily geared toward travelers over 12, and the itinerary may not be ideal for very young children due to walking and outdoor activities.

Can I choose my start and end times?
Yes, since it’s a private experience, you can select your preferred departure time for maximum flexibility.

Are entrance fees included?
No, admission to Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough is not included, but the guided tour of Glendalough is included.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera for the stunning scenery and photo stops.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is at your own expense, but the guide can suggest a great local pub like Johnnie Fox’s.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What is the price for the group?
It costs $824.85 for up to 7 people, which makes it a reasonable option for small groups or families wanting a private day out.

To sum it up, this private Wicklow tour offers a fantastic way to see Ireland’s scenic highlights with a personal touch. The blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and local flavor makes it an experience worth considering for those who prefer comfort and customization. Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or simply someone eager to enjoy Ireland’s landscapes at your own pace, this tour stands out as a memorable and worthwhile adventure.