Escape Dublin For Ireland's Largest National Park For The Perfect Day Trip Into The Mountains

Ireland is one of the most friendly European destinations, and Dublin, the largest city, attracts millions of travelers each year. The lively city is a dream come true for history lovers, with plenty of opportunities to view historic architecture and visit world class museums. The nightlife scene is exciting and fun, and tourists adore the welcoming atmosphere. There are plenty of chances to catch traditional Irish music in classic pubs scattered all around the city. You can shop until you drop at luxury designer shops or eclectic locally owned boutiques and dine at restaurants ranging from laid-back and casual to opulent and luxurious. There's truly a little something for everyone, but if you're looking for some more adventurous experiences, you should definitely consider escaping the city on a day trip to see some of Ireland's breathtaking natural scenery.

You won't have to travel far from the hustle and bustle of Dublin to feel totally immersed in nature. Ireland's largest national park, Wicklow Mountains National Park, is only about an hour away. You can easily take a day trip to explore the area, and it's well worth carving out some time in your itinerary to witness the scenery and small towns along the way. Booking a guided tour from Dublin is the easiest and most convenient option. You won't have to worry about arranging transportation, and your local guide will ensure that you experience all the best sights and things to do.

Wicklow Mountains National Park encompasses approximately 50,000 acres of the breathtaking Irish countryside. It is one of only six national parks in Ireland, and was established in 1991. It's one of the most popular places for hiking in the country. Hikes range from short easy walk through the green meadows, to strenuous multi-day treks that are ideal for experienced backpackers. The ecosystem supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, and it's nicknamed the "Garden of Ireland." There are more than 10,000 plant species within the park, most of which resulted from the ice age.

Most of the mountain range is around 2,000 feet high, and the highest peak, Lugnaquillia, reaches over 3,000 feet and is the 13th tallest mountain in Ireland. It's a popular destination for mountain climbers. The lush green meadows come alive with wildflowers in the summer months, and the rolling hills, craggy mountains, and fast moving streams are a paradise for nature lovers.

History lovers will enjoy visiting Glendalough, which is home to the ruins of a medieval monastery that dates back to the 6th century. It's easy to imagine why the site was chosen — the surrounding valley is magical, and there's an easy hike to the nearby Poulanass Waterfall. If you plan on doing some hiking, be cautious of the clothing you pack. Rain is common in Ireland, so ensure you bring the proper gear and comfortable shoes with good traction are a must. 

The easiest way to explore the beauty of Wicklow Mountains National Park is by booking a guided day tour with Viator. The Wild Wicklow Tour picks you up in a comfortable shuttle for the hour-long drive to the park. After a short stop at Killiney Hill, you'll head down to the coast and enjoy amazing views for the duration of the journey.

You'll stop by a cute cafe called Avoca Kilmanacanoge where you can purchase tasty baked goods, coffee, and tea, and browse a selection of locally made souvenirs. Continuing along the winding mountain roads of Sally Gap, you'll pass by some filming locations for movies like "Braveheart" and "P.S. I Love You" before stopping by a traditional Irish Pub for lunch. You'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore the historic ruins of Glendalough before hopping back on the shuttle for the journey back to Dublin. A tasting of a local Irish whiskey before heading home is included in the cost of your tour. The entire tour takes about eight and a half hours to complete, including drive time.

Thousands of people who have taken the tour have left raving reviews. In an online review posted in 2024, Michael-M called it the "best tour in Ireland." He wrote, "The views from atop Killiney Hill was breathtaking. Stories about the round turrets as a warning system took you back in time. Sally Gap was another outstanding stop, seeing the lakes, heather, sheep, etc. I could picture the scene in Braveheart that was filmed here. Glendalough's tower and the stories was fabulous! The tour was well worth the time and the money. The tour guide, Niall, was informative and humorous." There are over 2,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars.