Dublin to Glendalough (Wicklow) by Coach or Minibus
Glendalough is about 55 km south of Dublin, around an hour and a quarter by coach. Groups from the city choose between the quicker road via the M11 and the slower but more scenic Military Road across the mountains. Many combine the visit with Powerscourt on the same day.
Journey
- Dublin to Glendalough (Wicklow)
- Approximately 1h 15m
- Serving Dublin
About Glendalough
- A serene glacial valley cradling an early-Christian monastic city of a round tower, churches and two dark lakes deep in the Wicklow Mountains.
- Nearest base: Bray
The quicker road
From the city the coach goes out to the M50 and south on the M11 to Kilmacanogue, then follows the R755 inland through Roundwood to Laragh, where Glendalough is signed. It is the most straightforward route for a full-size coach. From north Dublin or the airport, the M50 leg goes through the barrier-free toll near Blanchardstown, which is paid online or by tag rather than at a booth.
Over the mountains
The Military Road, the R115, leaves Dublin at Rathfarnham, climbs through Glencree and over the Sally Gap, and comes down to Laragh. It is the way to see the uplands, but it is long, narrow in places and exposed in bad weather. It suits a minibus or midi coach better than a 49-seater. A common plan is to go out one way and come back the other.
At Glendalough
Coaches park at the OPW visitor centre car park, which has charges at busy times. The round tower and churches are close by; the Upper Lake takes longer, out along the Green Road through the woods. Group guided tours are arranged through the OPW. The site is busiest from late morning on summer weekends, so leaving Dublin by 9am gets the group there ahead of the late-morning rush.
Adding Powerscourt
Powerscourt Estate near Enniskerry is a short detour from the M11 and fits on the way out or back. Coaches can pull up at the house and gardens entrance. With both stops, plan for a full day of eight hours or more, and tell the operator the order you prefer so the timings work.
Can a large coach use the Sally Gap road?
It depends on the vehicle, the season and the weather, and the operator decides when planning the route. A full-size coach usually goes by the M11 and R755.
Can we go from Dublin to Glendalough by limo?
For up to three passengers, a chauffeur car with a driver makes the trip by the M11 and R755. If you want a stretch limousine, say so on the quote request and the operator confirms whether it suits the route.
Is there time for a walk?
On a full day, yes. Allow two to three hours on site. That covers the ruins, the visitor centre exhibition and the Green Road out to the Upper Lake and back.
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