Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them. Thank you for supporting my blog!

If you love nature and small town charm and are traveling to Dublin, Ireland, then a day trip to Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny is something to add to your itinerary. I mentioned this in my previous The Best Way to Visit the Cliffs of Moher and Galway in One Day from Dublin blog, but I really enjoy exploring the stunning nature and charming cities Ireland has to offer. While the Cliffs of Moher and Galway is a great day trip (read my blog for more info), this one is just as cool to experience. Keep reading below to know how to get to these sites from Dublin along with some highlights from my experiences here.

How to Get to Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny from Dublin

When I visited these sites, I went with a guided group tour since I preferred not to worry about transportation, plus I got to learn new info from our guide. Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains are in the same general area, so visiting both flowed really well during the day. Kilkenny is farther out but still easy to include on the same trip since it is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dublin, while Glendalough and Wicklow are around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes away depending on traffic. I booked my day trip through Viator if you’d like to do the same. Other than choosing a guided tour, you can also rent a car or get there by public transportation, although public transit is possible it is a bit harder since the routes are limited.

Here’s a quick look at the main routes from Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny, with maps to help guide your journey.

Dublin to Glendalough and Wicklow (bus only):

Take St. Kevin’s Bus, which is the only direct public transportation route to Glendalough. Glendalough is located inside Wicklow Mountains National Park, so this bus is also the main way to reach the Wicklow area by public transit.

• Journey Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Route: Dublin (St. Stephen’s Green) → Glendalough Visitor Centre
• Ticket Cost:
  • €14 for a one-way adult ticket (about $16 USD)
  • €23 for a round-trip adult ticket (about $27 USD)

There is no train service to this area, and places like Wicklow Gap or the higher viewpoints do not have direct public transport, but you can explore parts of the Wicklow Mountains on foot from Glendalough, making this bus the main public transportation option for both Glendalough and the Wicklow area.

Dublin to Kilkenny (train or bus):

There is no direct public transportation between Glendalough/Wicklow and Kilkenny, so you must return to Dublin first by taking St. Kevin’s Bus, which is the same bus you used to get to Glendalough/Wicklow. Once you’ve arrived back in Dublin, simply follow one of these routes if you’re taking public transportation.

• Train (Irish Rail):
  • Journey Time: 1 hr 30 min
  • Route: Dublin Heuston Station → Kilkenny MacDonagh Station
  • Ticket Cost: €20–€24 round-trip adult ticket (about $23–$28 USD)
• Bus (JJ Kavanagh & Sons):
  • Journey Time: 1 hr 40 min to 2 hrs
  • Route: Dublin City Centre → Kilkenny
  • Ticket Cost: €30 round-trip adult ticket (about $35 USD)

Highlights from Glendalough and Wicklow

For all my nature lovers (and photographers), you’re going to love these sites! While my pictures turned out beautiful, seeing the trees, mountains, and lake in person was so surreal. I went in the morning in November, so it was a bit cold, but so so worth it! Okay, enough of me yapping about the stunning Glendalough and Wicklow — below are some helpful things to know!

• Opening Hours:
  • Glendalough Monastic Site & Trails: Open 24 hours! The outdoor areas (lakes, valley, ruins, trails) are open all day, every day since it’s a public heritage site and national park area.
  • Glendalough Visitor Centre: 9:30 AM — 5:00 PM (varies slightly by season)
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park: Open 24 hours! The park itself doesn’t close — it’s a large natural area with trails and scenic spots always open.
• Ticket Cost:
  • Glendalough Monastic Site: The monastic ruins, round tower, and walking trails are completely free.
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park: The park, viewpoints, lakes, and trails have no entrance fee.
  • Glendalough Visitor Centre (museum + small exhibition): Ticket: €5 per adult (about $6 USD) (optional)
  • Car parking fees (if driving): Usually €4–€5 depending on the lot (about $5-$6 USD)

Here are some things to do while visiting Glendalough and Wicklow!

1. Explore Glendalough Monastic Settlement

At this site, you can see a 1,500 year old round tower and ancient stone churches, making it one of the most important and well preserved historical landmarks in Ireland. The whole area feels so peaceful, surrounded by lakes, mountains, and forest paths that make the valley even more magical to walk through.

2. Stroll through Wicklow Mountains National Park

As you pass the monastic settlement, you can follow the trails, enjoy the nature, and take as many pictures as you want. The paths are peaceful and easy to walk, and eventually you’ll end up at the Upper Lake, which is one of the most beautiful lake views in the whole valley (trust me, it’s breathtaking in person).

3. Rest at the food truck area near the Upper Lake

There’s usually a small snack or coffee truck near the Upper Lake car park where you can grab something warm to drink or a quick bite before continuing your walk. It’s seasonal, but it’s such a nice little stop if you happen to catch it open.

4. Visit the Wicklow Gap

This is another great stop to enjoy nature, take in the views, and get some really nice photos. The scenery is wide and open, making it a peaceful place to pause before continuing your trip.

Highlights from Kilkenny

Another charming city to visit in Ireland is Kilkenny! This is a great area to explore, walk around, and enjoy its medieval streets. When I visited, I was only here for a couple of hours, but it was still enough time to wander through the city and see some highlights. Here are some things you can do in Kilkenny, especially if you’re limited on time!

1. Visit Kilkenny Castle

One of the most iconic landmarks in Ireland. You can tour the inside, walk through the beautiful gardens, and enjoy the huge open lawn area.

• Opening Hours:
  • 1 April to 30 September: 9:15 AM – 5:30 PM (last admission 5:00 PM)
  • 1 October to 30 March: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
• Ticket Cost:
  • Adult Ticket (Self-Guided): €8 (about $10 USD)
  • Adult Ticket (Guided Tour): €12 (about $14 USD)

2. Climb St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower

You can actually climb the round tower here, and the views over the city are stunning. It’s one of the only round towers in Ireland you can still climb.

• Opening Hours:
  • October – April: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday–Saturday)
  • May – September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday–Saturday); Sunday from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Ticket Cost:
  • Adult ticket (Cathedral & Tower Climb Admission): €12 (about $ USD)
  • Adult ticket (Cathedral Admission): €7.50 (about $9 USD)
  • Adult ticket (Tower Climb Admission): €7 (about $8 USD)

3. Wander Through Kilkenny’s Cafés and Local Shops

Kilkenny has a cozy, small town feel with cute cafés, craft shops, boutiques, and local artisans—perfect for strolling and grabbing a treat.

Final Thoughts

I’m glad I stumbled on this day trip or I would’ve missed out on another one of Ireland’s stunning sites! What’s awesome is how close it is to Dublin. If you’re staying in Dublin, I highly recommend taking at least one day trip, whether it’s to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway or to Wicklow/Glendalough and Kilkenny. And if time permits, I honestly recommend doing both because each one gives you a completely different view of Ireland. I know I keep talking about how beautiful the nature and cities are here, but it’s really something you have to see in person to understand why I rave about these places!