Glendalough - Private Guided Hikes

Glendalough – Private Guided Hiking Tour

Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (customisable)
Perfect for visitors, families, small groups & anyone looking to explore Ireland's most iconic valley with a local guide.

Step into one of Ireland's most famous landscapes with a private guided hike through Glendalough — the "Valley of Two Lakes." This is Wicklow at its most breathtaking: ancient monastic ruins, peaceful forest paths, glacier-carved valleys, lake shores, and sweeping mountain views all in one place.

Unlike a rushed group tour, this private hike is designed around your pace, your interests, your day. Whether you prefer a relaxed scenic walk or a more challenging climb to one of the surrounding viewpoints, your guide will tailor the route to suit your group.

What You'll Experience

• Explore the 6th-century Monastic City, Round Tower & ruins
• Walk along the Upper & Lower Lakes with stunning scenic stops
• Follow forest and mountain trails shaped by the last Ice Age
• Hear the stories of St. Kevin, Wicklow's monastic legends & local folklore
• Learn about the valley's wildlife, geology, glacial history & hidden viewpoints
• Optional extensions to Spinc, Poulanass Waterfall, or Derrybawn Ridge (fitness-dependent)

With towering cliffs, peaceful woodlands, shimmering lakes and Ireland's most important early-Christian site, Glendalough offers one of the best walking experiences in the country.

Route Options (Your Choice)

You can choose from:
Scenic Lake Walk (easy–moderate)
Spinc Boardwalk Viewing Point (moderate–challenging)
Poulanass Waterfall & Derrybawn Ridge Loop (moderate)
Custom mix depending on fitness & weather

What's Included

• Fully private guided hike

• History, folklore, legends & wildlife stories

• Safety-led guiding by an experienced Guide

• Time for photos, breaks & viewpoints

• Route tailored for your group

What to Bring

• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes

• Waterproof jacket

• Water & snacks

• Small backpack

Pricing

€250 – Private Guided Glendalough Tour (up to 3.5–4.5 hours)
(Additional guides may be required for large groups — price depends on group size.

Lugnaquilla Private Guided Hike

Lugnaquilla – Private Guided Hike

Lugnaquilla, standing at 925 metres, is the highest mountain in Wicklow and offers one of the most rewarding full-day adventures in Ireland. This private guided hike takes you deep into the heart of the Wicklow uplands, crossing open mountain terrain, rolling ridges, and the dramatic slopes surrounding the Glen of Imaal. Along the way your guide will share local history, wildlife stories, and navigation insights, bringing the landscape to life as you steadily climb towards the broad, flat summit plateau. The top of Lugnaquilla is famous for its incredible 360-degree views—stretching across the Wicklow Mountains, into the vast wilderness of the Military Range, and on clear days out to the Irish Sea and distant peaks to the west.

A private tour ensures the day is tailored entirely to your group's ability and pace, with safety and comfort always at the forefront. Whether you're an experienced hiker looking for a challenging ascent, or a visiting group seeking a memorable day in Ireland's mountains, this route delivers a true sense of achievement. Your guide will manage route choice, weather assessment, and navigation throughout, allowing you to relax and enjoy one of Ireland's most iconic summits with complete peace of mind.

What to Bring

Lugnaquilla is a full-day mountain hike, so proper clothing and equipment are essential. Please bring sturdy hiking boots with good grip, a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, hat and gloves, and a small backpack with at least 1.5–2 litres of water. Pack a good lunch, high-energy snacks, and an extra warm layer as conditions on the summit can be much colder than the valley below. In summer, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended; in winter, additional insulation and waterproof gloves are important. Your guide will advise on specific conditions in the days before the hike.

Pricing

€300 for a private group, tailored to your pace and experience.
This includes a full day of guiding, route planning, safety management, and navigation. Ratio 1 : 12

Extra guides may be required depending on the group size, especially for larger private groups or mixed-ability groups. Additional qualified guides for large groups. depending on the route, availability, and the specific demands of the day.