Kilkenny, Wicklow and Glendalough Sheepdog Trials from Dublin
Description
Discover everything that makes Ireland unique on this full-day tour from Dublin, combining breath-taking scenery, rich history and authentic rural experiences. Begin in the medieval city of Kilkenny, where a guided walking tour introduces its historic streets, followed by free time to explore Kilkenny Castle and local shops. Continue into the Wicklow Mountains, the “Garden of Ireland,” with panoramic views and a scenic photo stop at the Wicklow Gap (weather permitting). Visit Glendalough, a stunning 6th-century monastic settlement set beside peaceful lakes, where a second guided walk brings Ireland’s early history to life. A highlight for many guests is the visit to a traditional sheep farm, where you’ll experience an authentic sheepdog trial and see highly trained dogs expertly guide their flock. Travelling from and back to Dublin by luxury coach with a dedicated guide and professional driver, this tour offers exceptional value and a complete Irish experience in one unforgettable day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This tour departs from Dublin between 8:10 AM and 8:30 AM, depending on the meeting point selected at the time of booking. The tour offers three convenient central meeting locations, and customers can choose whichever departure point suits them best. As you leave the city, your guide will share information about Dublin’s history, landmark buildings, and local folklore and stories about its people. Schedule Adjustment: Please note that on Sundays and during the winter months (November to February), the itinerary changes: we start with Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains, and a sheepdog demonstration; then visit Kilkenny in the afternoon, arriving around 2:15 PM.
Travelling though the County of Kildare, rich land the home to Irelands thoroughbred race horse breeding industry. The Curragh is extensive area and National Park, it is the home to wild life while also the military base, Irelands largest prison and of course the home of Irish flat racing.
Our tour departs Dublin early in the morning, arriving in Kilkenny at approximately 10:00 AM. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a short guided walking tour introducing the city’s medieval charm, fascinating history, and key landmarks. During the walk, your guide will also share helpful recommendations for brunch or lunch, along with suggestions for shops, cafés, and attractions to explore during your free time. Following the guided tour, you will have time to discover Kilkenny at your own pace. You may choose to visit the grounds and gardens of Kilkenny Castle. You will have free access to explore the extensive castle parklands and gardens. Entry to the castle interior is not included in this tour but can be purchased and visited independently if you wish. Kilkenny’s compact and walkable layout makes it easy to browse artisan boutiques, explore historic streets, or relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere in one of the city’s many cafés or traditional pubs.
Leaving Kilkenny at 12:30 PM, we enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning Wicklow Mountains, often called the “Garden of Ireland.” This peaceful route winds through rolling hills and lush countryside, giving you a chance to relax and take in the natural beauty.
Travel through the breath-taking Wicklow Mountains, often known as the “Garden of Ireland,” as you journey along one of the country’s most scenic routes. If weather permits, we stop at the Wicklow Gap, one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes at 475 metres, where you can step out and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the rugged landscape. The dramatic scenery here has featured in several famous productions, including Braveheart, PS I Love You, and the TV series Vikings.
Arriving at Glendalough at roughly 2:15 PM, you will have around 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore one of Ireland’s most remarkable historic and scenic locations, set within the Wicklow Mountains. This early medieval monastic settlement was founded in the 6th century by Saint Kevin and has drawn visitors for centuries thanks to its unique combination of history, archaeology, wildlife, and natural beauty, often known as the “Valley of the Two Lakes.” Your guide will offer an optional guided walking tour of the monastic site, sharing history, local folklore, and the stories behind the well-preserved ruins, ancient graveyards, and the iconic 30-metre round tower, originally built as a bell tower and place of refuge. After the introduction, you will have free time to explore at your own pace. You may choose to walk to the lakes, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take photos, or relax at the visitor facilities where light food and refreshments are available before returning to Dublin.
Experience authentic rural Ireland with a 30-minute visit to our traditional sheep farm in Laragh, nestled in the heart of the Wicklow countryside. Often described by guests as one of the highlights of the day, this stop offers a genuine insight into Irish farming life away from the usual tourist trail. Watch skilled shepherds demonstrate impressive sheepdog trials, as highly trained dogs respond instantly to whistle commands and expertly guide the flock across the hillside, showcasing the remarkable bond between handler and dog. You may also have the opportunity to meet the farmer, learn about local traditions, and, depending on the season, even hold and cuddle adorable little lambs. This hands-on and memorable experience provides a rare glimpse into Ireland’s rural heritage and remains a favourite moment for many visitors. Surrounded by rolling green fields and mountain scenery, this peaceful stop offers a calm and authentic break in the heart of Wicklow.
The tour typically returns to Dublin at approximately 6:15 PM. During the summer months, when the tour visits Kilkenny first and Glendalough in the afternoon, drop-off takes place on Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2, D02 PW96. During winter months, drop-off takes place on D’Olier Street, D02 Y309. Both drop-off locations are within easy walking distance of O'Connell Street and Temple Bar and are well served by public transport options. Please note that return times may vary due to weather, traffic conditions, or unforeseen delays during the day.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children 2 years and under are not allowed to travel
- Some locations include uneven natural surfaces; sturdy strollers are recommended.
- Guests requiring front-row seating due to mobility needs or disabilities are kindly asked to notify our team in advance so arrangements can be made prior to departure and to help avoid delays or stressful situations on the morning of the tour.
- This tour travels on winding mountain roads and may not be suitable for travellers who experience motion sickness. Front-row seats are reserved exclusively for guests with mobility needs or disabilities and cannot be allocated for motion sickness requests.
Reviews(8,453)
We had a fantastic tour with Neil and Darren today. We appreciated the well thought out experience which included great story telling of the history of Ireland and some fantastic sight seeing of multiple locations in the one day, that didn’t feel like overkill. Neil is so knowledgeable, funny and personable, taking the time to get to know everyone on the tour and tailoring stories and facts based off our interests. We would recommend this tour with Neil and Darren and would be great to do another tour with Wild Rover tours next time we visit Ireland. Thank you Neil and Darren.
We had a great time today. Beautiful views and great info. The baby lambs were the highlight.
My husband and I went on Wild Rover's Kilkenny Medieval City, Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough tour, and it was the best tour ever. We've done tours in Montreal, Versailles, and around Iceland - and this was the BEST. We were lucky enough to have Ian as our guide and Stipe as our driver. First off, let's talk about our driver, Stipe. This fellow is a consummate pro. He took sharp turns like a boss. In Dublin, he would get within an inch of another bus and clear it with ease. I'm honestly not sure how he managed some of the tight squeezes he did without hitting anything, but he managed it all with ease. Second, Ian. What an absolutely charming and delightful human! He was so personable and knowledgeable. He shared all sorts of insights and random facts that I wouldn't have even thought to ask or look up online. I learned so much about Ireland, Dublin, and each of our stops. I loved Ian so much that I asked if he would take a photo with me and my husband (which he gladly agreed to). It was obvious to me how much Ian loves Ireland, and it was absolutely infectious. I wish all tour guides had the passion and enthusiasm that Ian had throughout the entire tour. At the end, he went to each group to ask about their experience and offer specific recommendations for restaurants or activities after the tour. Ian also kept it real with the group and told us places to avoid that will prey on tourists to get an extra euro or two from us. Loved that! Both Stipe and Ian get an A++++++ from me! 💚🤍🧡 Third, the stops. Kilkinney was just lovely. It's small, walkable but has something for everyone. A medieval castle (with an adorable cat in the garden), shopping, food, friendly humans, everything! Our drive and brief stop in the Wicklow Mountains was breathtaking. There are no words sufficient to describe Ireland's natural beauty. The monastery in Glendalough was so serene and picturesque. We walked around the lower lake and it was very doable for everyone in our tour guide. There's so much history at that site, and I loved it all. Lastly, the stop at Cullen's Sheep Farm. I am a child trapped in an adult body, so I GEEKED OUT at Cullen's. The sheep dog presentation was so cool. We held baby sheep (one was two days old 🥹) and that was the highlight of my entire vacation (which included two other countries). That was the best way to end the tour. It was a day I will never forget. To say I recommend this tour is an understatement. The price is such a bargain for everything you get on this tour. You'd be crazy not to go on this tour. It's the best money you could spend. Be prepared to have an amazing time and to fall completely in love with Ireland and her people.
Paul and Stipe were amazing guides. If you are considering tours while in Ireland put this one at the top of your list. Your day will be filled with experiences you will forever remember. From the castle tour, to the trail walking, and best of all, the sheep herding performance, it’s hard to say which is best. Thank you Paul and Stipe for an incredible day!!
Wonderful experience, worth every penny.
Great experience. Paul was great tour guide.
My wife and I were visiting Ireland from the United States, and this Wild Rover tour was one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide, Ian, struck the perfect balance between history, storytelling, and humor. He didn't just tell us dates and facts—he explained what makes Ireland unique. From the history of Glendalough and Kilkenny to local traditions, geology, and even the origin of the term for cyclists in the Wicklow Mountains: "MAMIL" (Middle-Aged Men in Lycra!), every stop along the way became more interesting because of his commentary. He also pointed out fun little details we never would have noticed on our own, like Ireland's highest "urban center" sitting at only about 550 feet above sea level. A special word of appreciation goes to our driver, Stipe. I honestly don't know how he managed to navigate a full-sized coach through some of those incredibly narrow Irish roads. There were several moments when we found ourselves on roads that barely seemed wide enough for a single car, yet Stipe calmly and professionally guided the bus through tight turns and oncoming traffic with remarkable skill. His driving inspired complete confidence throughout the day. The itinerary itself was fantastic—Kilkenny, the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and the sheep farm each offered something completely different, making for a wonderfully balanced day. If you're considering this tour, don't hesitate. It was well organized, informative, and a tremendous value. Thank you, Ian and Stipe, for giving us memories that we'll be talking about long after we return home. Sláinte!
Wild Rover provided an excellent tour with Ian, our guide, and Stevie, our driver—apologies if I’ve misspelled his name! Ian was knowledgeable, witty, and entertaining throughout the day. We loved visiting Kilkenny Castle, stopping to admire the stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains, learning about the tower and walking the paths at Glendalough, watching the sheepdog demonstration, and finally getting the chance to hold a little lamb! The bus ride itself was beautiful as well. Seeing the fields, mountains, and countryside from the comfort of a pristine, comfortable bus was a pleasure. We felt safe and in very capable hands with Stevie behind the wheel. Thank you, Ian and Stevie, for such wonderful memories!
Super tour! Ian was very entertaining and shared a lot of interesting knowledge throughout the trip. Stipe was friendly and an excellent driver. We had a great experience with Wild Rover, now already for the fifth time!!
What an amazing day! I took my six year old and was worried she would be bored, but we absolutely loved the tour. Ian was our guide and was very informative and kind. He gave my daughter a sheep pin, which made her so happy! He also made sure she got a good view of the sheep dog demonstration. The bus was very comfy. I would definitely recommend Wild Rover!
