See the Scenic Wonders of County Wicklow

This full day County Wicklow Private Day Tour by Executive Minivan allows you to experience the diverse scenic wonders of Wicklow, the wild Moorlands, and the wonderful Glens, Valleys and Lakes and the many picture post card villages that make Wicklow such a wonderful place.

Your chauffeur/guide will transport you to enjoy the scenic views at the James Joyce Tower, Powerscourt House and Gardens, Glendalough - the Glen of the Two Lakes, and through the Wicklow Mountains.

Your full day tour will be "in style" with transportation in a luxury Mercedes minivan.

Tour Highlights:

• James Joyce Tower
• Powerscourt House and Gardens
• Glendalough
• Wicklow Mountains

Included:

• Private Touring in a Luxury Mercedes Minivan
• Knowledgeable Personal Chauffeur/Guide (police vetted for governmental departmental assignments)
• Executive Vehicles adhering to all National and European Limousine Regulations
• Chauffeur expenses, fuel cost, parking tolls etc, as well as all related touring expenses are covered by your ticket price

Excluded:

• Attraction Entrance Fees
• Meals
• Chauffeur/Guide Gratuity

Itinerary:

Your Wicklow Tour starts with a visit to the James Joyce Tower, where Joyce lived briefly. It was the inspiration for the opening setting of Ulysses. Originally known as a Martello Tower, it was built in 1804 to defend against invasion by Napoleon. Today it is home to a museum dedicated to James Joyce, and climbing the tower gives magnificent views of Dublin Bay.

Then, the tour travels south to County Wicklow, also known as "The Garden of Ireland." The first stop is Powerscourt House and Gardens. Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful country estates in Ireland. Situated in the mountains of Wicklow, it was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. By the year 1300, a castle had been built and was in the possession of the le Poer (Power) family, from which it takes its name. With its adjoining 18th century gardens, Powerscourt is one of the finest examples of a stately home in Ireland.

From Powerscourt, you will travel to the magnificent monastic settlement of Glendalough. Glendalough, or the Glen of Two Lakes, is one of the most important sites of monastic ruins in Ireland. It is also known as the city of the seven Churches. This site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century and was a centre of early Christian learning until its demise in 1214 at the hands of the Normans. The two lakes, which gave the valley its name, came into existence thousands of years ago, after the Ice Age. The mountain streams eventually formed a large lake. Before the arrival of St. Kevin, this valley would have been desolate and remote. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show.

Your tour continues through the Wicklow Mountains via Sally Gap, admiring the beauty of the mountains which were formed 400 million years ago with the collision of the continental plates of North America and Europe. The Wicklow Mountains are part of a granite mass which is the largest in north-western Europe.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Vehicles are insured to International standards.
• In the event of a vehicle breakdown, no refund will be applied for the time lost. Your tour provider will do everything in its power to ensure this does not happen. Vehicles are maintained to national annual car testing standards.
• If the vehicle is soiled by a passenger in your party, you may incur valet charges of 100 euros, payable on-site for cleaning costs.
• We strongly suggest you arrange for travel insurance prior to your trip.
• Tour provider, its affiliates and agents are not responsible for loss, damage or theft of personal belongings and equipment, personal injury and illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Our Chauffeur Driver also a Guide?
Yes, chauffeurs are also guides and have considerable expertise in Ireland from many different perspectives. These include history, current affairs, restaurants, the best driving routes, best time of day to visit attractions, as well as a host of other topics such as activities, local events and festivals. Your chauffeur/guide can make your experience much richer and deeper than if you were touring on your own or on a bus.

Should I tip my chauffeur/guide?
Tipping is a discretionary matter. It is, however, customary around the world - if one is pleased with their tour - to tip the chauffeur/guide.

Is there time for shopping on this tour?
Wherever possible, time for shopping is allowed within the framework of your tour. But, this is not a "shopping tour," so the actual amount of time available for shopping is generally limited.

Does this tour include much walking and stair climbing?
Virtually all tours involve some walking, and some tours include more walking and stair climbing than others. You will have much control over how much walking you will do. Walking may be over uneven surfaces such as cobblestone city streets or the rocky pathways of ancient ruins. On many tours, it could be necessary to negotiate stairs. Please keep in mind that most of the buildings you may be visiting were constructed well before conveniences such as elevators were invented and have been preserved in their original state.

Pick-up and drop-off at virtually any Dublin lodging are included for this tour. Rates are per person in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-217-2297.