Dublin Day Trip Review: Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough

Dublin Day Trip Review: Wicklow Mountains, Sally Gap & Glendalough

By Supypy @sue__ryan

Thinking of escaping the bustling streets of Dublin for a day immersed in Ireland's breathtaking natural beauty and ancient history? Our recent Wicklow Mountains day trip was an absolute highlight, offering incredible value and unforgettable sights. Here's a quick overview of what to expect:

✅ Scenic exploration of Sally Gap, Guinness Lake, and the historic Glendalough monastic site.

✅ Essential packing: comfortable walking shoes and layers (long sleeves, pants) – the Irish weather can be unpredictable!

✅ A full day adventure, typically starting around 8:50 AM and concluding back in Dublin by 4-5 PM.

1. Dublin Day Trip Highlight: Sally Gap

Our journey into the Wicklow Mountains took us to the dramatic Sally Gap. This isn't a specific town or attraction, but rather a stunning mountain pass renowned for its rugged, untouched landscapes. It's so picturesque, in fact, that it's been a backdrop for famous films like "Braveheart" and "P.S. I Love You."

You'll find yourself pulling over at unexpected spots to simply soak in the panoramic views – trust me, it's worth it!

If you're a movie buff, I highly recommend watching these films before your visit – spotting the exact locations adds an extra layer of excitement! While I hadn't seen them recently, the sheer beauty of the landscape was captivating enough.

Even on a day with mixed clouds and sunshine, the raw, untamed essence of the Dublin area shone through, making the scenery feel even more dramatic and appealing.

2. Dublin Day Trip Highlight: Guinness Lake (Lough Tay)

Next up was the famous Guinness Lake, or Lough Tay. Yes, it's named after that Guinness beer! Legend has it that the lake's deep, dark peaty waters, combined with the white sand imported to its northern shore, perfectly mimic a pint of the iconic stout. Pretty cool, right?

While the resemblance might not immediately strike everyone, the lake definitely has an air of mystery, almost as if a mythical creature could emerge from its depths. We enjoyed about 10 minutes of free time here to snap some fantastic photos before heading off for lunch. (I'll share details about our lunch spot in a separate post soon!)

3. Dublin Day Trip Highlight: Glendalough Monastic Site

After a delicious lunch, our final stop was the historically rich Glendalough. This ancient monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and is nestled in a "valley of two lakes."

You'll have free time to explore the monastic ruins and wander around the nearby lake. While there are two lakes, our tour schedule allowed us to fully enjoy the area around the closer one. Don't worry, there's plenty to see!

Audio guides are available in English, French, and Spanish. While our tour guide provided excellent commentary, if you're exploring Glendalough independently by rental car, an audio guide could definitely enhance your experience.

As expected for a monastic site, there's an ancient cemetery nearby, and you can see remnants of stone walls, worn by centuries of weather. It's fascinating to imagine life here centuries ago.

One striking feature of this monastery is that it's almost entirely built from stone. I imagine this was a practical choice given the often-harsh Irish climate and its significant weather variations.

I spent my time exploring the tranquil surroundings of the Lower Lake. There's ample time to wander and enjoy the serene atmosphere, though perhaps not quite enough to reach the more distant Upper Lake and back comfortably within the allotted free time.

And here's a crucial tip for your visit to Glendalough: if you're prone to bug bites, make sure to wear long pants or bring insect repellent! The area around the lake can be quite buggy.

Eventually, it was time to head back to our vehicle. Near the parking area, we spotted a charming ice cream truck – a perfect treat after a day of exploration!

Our tour concluded, and we arrived back in Dublin around 5:00 PM. What's fantastic about this tour is the flexibility – I even went straight from Dublin Airport with my luggage and then directly to my accommodation afterward. It's incredibly convenient!

For a full day of exploring these magnificent sights, the cost (around ~$59) felt like incredible value for money. If you're looking for an affordable and enriching escape from Dublin, this Wicklow Mountains day trip comes highly recommended for 2026!

🚘 Book your Dublin day trip here!

Supypy (@sue__ryan) • Instagram Photos and Videoswww.instagram.com