Bray to Wicklow Mountains Tour by Coach or Minibus
A Wicklow Mountains tour from Bray is a full day that starts in the hills within minutes of leaving the seafront. The usual loop takes in the Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Glendalough and the Wicklow Gap. Which roads you can use depends on the size of the vehicle, so settle that before fixing the route.
Journey
- Bray to Wicklow Mountains Tour
- Approximately Full day
- Serving Bray
About Wicklow Mountains
- A sweeping national park of heather uplands, glens and bog roads, famed as a filming location and the "Garden of Ireland".
- Nearest base: Bray
Shaping the loop
A typical day goes up through Enniskerry to the Military Road, the R115, over the Sally Gap, then along the R759 past the viewpoint above Lough Tay towards Roundwood. From there the R755 leads to Laragh and Glendalough for lunch and a walk. The return can climb west over the Wicklow Gap on the R756, or come back the quicker way along the R755 and the N11. Each section adds time on narrow roads, so the operator fits the loop to your hours.
Vehicle size decides the route
The Military Road climbs to about 500 metres at the Sally Gap, with narrow stretches, sharp bends and open moorland. A minibus or a midi coach covers it far more comfortably than a full-size coach, and can stop at roadside viewpoints a big vehicle has to pass. A 49-seater keeps mainly to the R755 and the larger roads. For a big group, ask whether two smaller vehicles would open up the mountain roads.
Stops, breaks and timing
Plan around Glendalough, the longest stop, and keep the other stops shorter. EU rules give the driver a 45-minute break once driving time reaches four and a half hours; on this day the lunch stop normally covers it. Viewpoints along the R115 and R759 are roadside pull-ins rather than coach parks, so whether the vehicle can stop is the driver's call on the day. Heather is at its best in August, and the uplands are noticeably colder and wetter than Bray at any time of year.
Can a 49-seat coach go over the Sally Gap?
The operator decides that for each booking, looking at the vehicle, the weather and the season. A full-size coach is often routed by the R755 instead, while minibuses and midi coaches can take the Military Road.
How long is the day?
Plan on seven to nine hours from Bray and back, depending on how long you stay at Glendalough and whether the return goes over the Wicklow Gap. Tell the operator your latest return time and the loop is fitted to it.
Popular Transfers from Bray
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