Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow & Kilkenny: Sheepdog Demo & Medieval Walks

Summary

From Dublin city streets to Wicklow’s wild hills with sheepdogs and Kilkenny’s medieval stones

You’ll leave Dublin behind fast on this day trip, swapping city bustle for Glendalough’s quiet lakes and mossy ruins before watching a real sheepdog at work in Wicklow’s hills. There’s time to wander Kilkenny’s medieval streets too — maybe even find your own favorite pub or coffee spot. It’s not polished or predictable; that’s what makes it linger afterward.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to fall away so fast. One minute we were weaving past Temple Bar and the Liffey, our guide tossing out stories about Viking graves and Trinity College — then suddenly, grey pavements turned into this wild green patchwork. The bus windows fogged up a bit from all our chatter (and maybe the Irish drizzle), but you could see Wicklow creeping in, all mossy stone walls and sheep that looked like they’d wandered out of a postcard.

Glendalough was quieter than I thought it’d be. There’s this smell — wet earth, old stone, something sweet from the trees — that kind of settles on your jacket. Our guide walked us through the monastic ruins, pointing at carvings I’d have missed on my own. Someone asked about St Kevin and he just grinned: “Long story, but there’s a blackbird involved.” Afterward, we wandered off by ourselves. I sat by one of the lakes for a bit; it was so still you could hear every footstep crunching gravel behind you. Not sure why that sticks with me.

Then came the sheepdog demonstration — honestly, I thought it’d be a bit touristy but it wasn’t at all. The farmer (he introduced himself as Tom) whistled and his dog shot off like it had somewhere important to be. You could feel everyone holding their breath when the flock shifted together. Tom talked about wool prices and how tough winters get here; his hands were rough but he laughed easily when someone tried to mimic his whistle (didn’t go well). It felt more real than anything else we did that day.

The drive over Wicklow Gap was quick — just enough time for wind to sneak through the bus door when we stopped for photos. Fields rolled out below us, dotted with wildflowers and sheep ignoring us completely. By the time we reached Kilkenny, my legs were ready for those uneven medieval streets. Two hours isn’t much but enough to get lost between crooked bookshops and find a pint older than Guinness itself (the bartender insisted). I skipped the castle tour for coffee in some tiny place where locals argued softly about hurling scores — couldn’t understand half of it but liked being there anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dublin to Kilkenny via Wicklow Mountains

• Depart Dublin city
• Drive through Dublin landmarks
• Arrive at Glendalough valley
• Guided walking tour of monastic city
• Free time to explore Glendalough
• Stop at Wicklow Gap viewpoint
• Visit Irish farm sheepdog demonstration
• Explore Kilkenny city at leisure
• Return to Dublin

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow & Kilkenny?

The tour lasts around 10 hours, returning to Dublin by 6:00 PM.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No, pickup is from a central location in Dublin city center only.

What do you see during the Glendalough stop?

You visit monastic ruins with your guide and have free time to explore lakes and trails at your own pace.

How long do you spend in Kilkenny?

You get about 2 hours of free time to explore Kilkenny's medieval center.

Is there a live sheepdog demonstration included?

Yes, you'll watch an Irish shepherd demonstrate working with his sheepdogs for about 45 minutes.

Are meals or drinks included on this tour?

No meals or drinks are included; it's recommended to bring a packed lunch or buy food during stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour involves walking on uneven ground; it's not recommended for young children or those with mobility issues.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned coach travel from Dublin city center with live commentary from your local guide along the way, guided walks at Glendalough’s monastic site, entry to a working Irish farm for an authentic sheepdog demonstration in Wicklow, plus plenty of free time in both Glendalough and Kilkenny before heading back in the evening.