Bus Hire in Wicklow

Wicklow is the county town of County Wicklow, Ireland's Garden County, and sits on the east coast 50 kilometres south of Dublin on the Irish Sea. The town has a small fishing harbour, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle (Black Castle, on a promontory above the sea, 13th century), and the Wicklow Gaol (a preserved 18th-century prison on a steep hillside above the town centre). County Wicklow is the nearest scenic hill country to Dublin: the Wicklow Mountains National Park (20,000 hectares) begins on the outskirts of the county.

Dublin Airport (DUB) is 70 kilometres north via the N11 and M11 (approximately 1 hour by coach). Bray (22 kilometres north via the N11) is the most northerly Wicklow town and the county's main commuter hub. Arklow (21 kilometres south via the N11) is the second largest town in the county. Glendalough (35 kilometres west via the R752 and R756 through the Sally Gap road or via Rathdrum) is County Wicklow's most visited heritage and natural attraction.

Glendalough: Monastic Valley

Glendalough (35 kilometres west of Wicklow town via the R752 to Rathdrum and the R755 to Laragh, approximately 50 minutes by coach) is a glacially carved valley with two lakes (Lower and Upper Lough) and one of Ireland's most complete early medieval monastic sites, founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. The principal buildings are: the Round Tower (33 metres, 10th century, in excellent condition); the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul (12th century, the largest of the Glendalough churches); St Kevin's Kitchen (a 12th-century oratory with a miniature round tower forming its chimney); and the Gatehouse (the only surviving monastic gatehouse in Ireland, 11th century). The Wicklow Mountains National Park Visitor Centre at the upper car park provides interpretation; coach parking is in the lower car park (free for coaches). The Upper Lake (1 kilometre further up the valley, accessible on foot from the lower car park) has St Kevin's Bed (a cave cell above the lake) and the Reefert Church.

Wicklow Gaol

Wicklow Gaol (on Kilmantin Hill above the town centre, approximately 10 minutes on foot from the harbour) is a late 18th-century county gaol (1702, rebuilt 1790s) that held United Irishmen rebels after the 1798 Rebellion, Famine-era prisoners, and transportation convicts bound for Australia. The gaol is one of the most thoroughly interpreted historic prisons in Ireland, with guided costumed tours of the cells, the courtroom, and the transportation area. The gaol is open for group visits with advance booking; coach parking is on the main road adjacent to the gaol entrance. Key exhibits include the transportation records for convicts sent to New South Wales in the early 19th century.

Wicklow Mountains and the Military Road

The Wicklow Mountains National Park (beginning at Roundwood, 18 kilometres north-west of Wicklow town via the R764) is the largest upland area in Leinster. The Military Road (the R115, built 1800-1809 to penetrate the mountain fastness used by United Irishmen rebels) runs 60 kilometres from Rathfarnham in south Dublin to Aghavannagh in south Wicklow, passing through the Sally Gap, the Wicklow Gap, and Glenmalure (the deepest glacial valley in the British Isles). The Sally Gap (approximately 450 metres) is the scenic centrepiece of the mountain drive, with the Kippure bog and the headwaters of the Liffey visible from the road. Coaches can complete the Military Road circuit as a half-day from Dublin or Wicklow; the road is passable by full-size coach except in severe winter conditions.

What Bus Hire Costs in Wicklow

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Wicklow runs around 240 to 455 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 400 to 780 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 620 to 1,180 EUR per day. Wicklow is in the Dublin commuter belt and benefits from proximity to both Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains. Demand is moderate year-round, with peaks in summer for Glendalough groups. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

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