This fantastic tour from Dublin will take you on a spectacular train journey south by Killiney Bay, around Bray Head and along the beautiful east coast to Wicklow, where you will swing west into the mountains. You will depart the train in the town of Arklow, where your guide will lead you to the waiting luxury coach. From here, you will drive to the village of Avoca.
The Avoca area is known for its famous copper mines, and was celebrated in the song "The Meeting of the Waters" by Thomas Moore. It is not clear as to when the area was settled, but Ptolemy mentions the river Obhoca on his early map of Ireland. Avoca has been used as a filming location for several films and BBC television series, and is also famous for its hand weaving.
During your guided tour you will make a visit to the oldest working woolen mill in Ireland, where you will see hand weaving demonstrated. You will have some free time for shopping, a quick lunch on your own, or maybe a pint.
After the break, you will drive to the ancient monastic city of Glendalough (Glen of the two lakes) which sits in a beautiful mountain setting. You will be taken to the Upper Lake of Glendalough, the original site of the monastic settlement, featuring sights such as Reefert Church, Temple-na-Skellig, St. Kevin's Cell, St. Kevin's Bed, the Caher, and various crosses. Your guide will walk you back along the boardwalk to the monastic city where you can see ruins of churches, a graveyard, and the famous Round Tower.
From Glendalough, you will be driven to the nearby rail head where you will board a scheduled train back to Dublin.