Dublin Wild Wicklow Day Trip 2026: Nature, History, & Views

Dublin Wild Wicklow Day Trip: An English Tour Review & Booking Guide

By Supypy @sue__ryan

✅ Full-day tour, approximately 8.5 hours, starting around ~$59.

✅ Pickup at 8:45 AM from Dublin city center.

✅ English-guided tour with guided hiking and free time.

✅ Stops include cafes or restaurants.

1. Boarding the Dublin Day Trip Bus

Is Dublin a city that feels a bit new or unfamiliar to you? It's not always the first name that comes to mind for a European getaway, and once you're there, you might wonder what to do.

I recently visited Dublin and was so captivated, I'm already planning my next trip. It's a city with a unique charm!

When I explore a new city, especially one I don't know well, I often book a guided tour. It's a fantastic way to gain a deeper understanding of the destination and uncover its hidden gems.

Dublin doesn't have an overwhelming number of tour options, and most are primarily English-speaking. Even if you don't catch every word from the guide, they do highlight the key points. You can always do a quick search on your phone for more details, or use this blog post as your guide!

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and typically departs around 8:30 AM. On my trip, we had a pretty large bus, suggesting a good number of tourists that day. I heard that sometimes they use smaller coaches, depending on group size.

2. Dublin Day Trip: Killiney Hill

While Dublin offers various tours, the Wild Wicklow Tour focuses on "County Wicklow," often dubbed the "Garden of Ireland."

This tour is packed with amazing sights, exploring stunning natural landscapes and ancient monastic ruins. Just a heads-up: there will be quite a bit of uphill and downhill walking. While it's not intense hiking, it's definitely wise to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing to fully enjoy the experience.

Our first stop was Killiney Hill. The tour guide joined us for the ascent, providing insightful explanations in English at various points and even helping with photos! As we climbed higher, the breathtaking Dublin Bay, often called Ireland's Naples, came into view.

At the summit, we saw the iconic Killiney Obelisk, also known as the Mapas Obelisk, standing proudly over Killiney Hill.

This impressive tower was built around 1740 during a severe famine in Ireland, caused by extreme cold and heavy rainfall. John Mapas, a local landowner, commissioned its construction to provide employment and wages for the impoverished residents.

Standing approximately 500 feet above sea level, this obelisk serves as a poignant memorial to the resilience and sacrifice of the Irish people. The coastal views from here are absolutely indescribable – truly a sight to behold!

The climb wasn't easy, but the reward of this magnificent viewpoint made it absolutely worth it. Nearby, you'll also find a unique stepped pyramid known as the Wishing Stone. Take a moment during your free time to capture some photos and make a wish facing the sea before you descend.

3. Dublin Day Trip: Avoca Handweavers

Our next stop was Avoca Handweavers, located in Kilmacanogue. This historical mill, shop, and cafe is famous for its textiles and charming atmosphere.

Avoca Handweavers is typically excluded from tours during the winter months (November-April), but it's truly a beautiful place to visit. The shop itself is delightful.

Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

You'll find a variety of unique souvenirs, including the popular Jellycat plush toys. While the items are lovely, they can be quite pricey, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend purchasing anything unless you find something truly special.

Inside, there's a charming small flower garden. They even cultivate flowers in a greenhouse, and beyond that, you'll discover a lovely outdoor garden.

The weather was perfect during my visit, and even a short stroll through the outdoor garden was incredibly heartwarming. There aren't many benches, but enough scattered around to take a quick rest.

For a day trip from Dublin, paying around ~$59 offers excellent value. This tour allows you to delve into Dublin's fascinating history and witness the stunning beauty of Dublin Bay, making it highly recommended.

Stay tuned for more tour reviews from our next exciting stops!

So, if you're heading to Dublin, why not consider a Wild Wicklow day trip? It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

🚘 Book Your Dublin Wild Wicklow Day Tour Here

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