Wicklow Day Trip: Glendalough, Waterfall & Sheepdog Show

Six centuries of monastic ruins, Ireland's tallest waterfall, and working sheepdogs in a single afternoon

A guided day trip from Dublin to County Wicklow covers three stops: Powerscourt Waterfall, the 6th-century monastic site of Glendalough, and a working sheep farm with a live sheepdog demonstration. You depart Dublin at 9:30 AM from the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street, travel with a driver-guide, and return around 4:45 PM. All activity admissions and transportation are included; lunch is not. Arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough

• Meet guide at Molly Malone Statue
• Depart Dublin at 9:30 AM
• Visit Powerscourt Waterfall
• Explore Glendalough monastic ruins
• Have lunch near Glendalough (not included)
• Attend live sheepdog demonstration
• Return to Dublin around 4:45 PM

The Experience

The tour leaves Dublin at 9:30 AM and heads south into County Wicklow. Your first stop is Powerscourt Waterfall, where you have up to an hour to walk the scenic trails around the 121-meter cascade and the forested estate grounds. The waterfall sits in a tree-lined valley and has been a filming location for movies and TV shows — the walk itself is the draw, not a quick photo stop.

Next is Glendalough, a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by Saint Kevin in what locals call the "valley of the two lakes." You get two hours here to explore the ancient ruins, walk among the lakes and forested hills, and eat lunch at a nearby restaurant (you arrange and pay for it separately). The site is open to wander at your own pace; the guide provides context but does not lead a fixed walking route.

The final stop is a working sheep farm where a local farmer demonstrates how trained sheepdogs herd sheep using voice and whistle commands. The farmer talks through the dog breeds used in Ireland, the sheep breeds on the farm, and what the animals are raised for — then you watch the dogs work. It is a live working demonstration, not a performance, and it gives a real look at rural Irish farming. You arrive back at the Molly Malone Statue around 4:45 PM, though traffic can shift that time.

What’s included

• Driver-guide in English.
• transportation to and from Dublin.
• admission to all activities (Powerscourt Waterfall, Glendalough, and the sheepdog demonstration).
• USB ports and WiFi on the bus.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Irish Day Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided route through three distinct stops—waterfall, monastic site, and working farm—rather than piecing together your own itinerary across Wicklow's spread-out landmarks.

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Top questions

Can I bring my young children on this tour?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants can sit on an adult's lap during the drive. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the Powerscourt Waterfall stop involves walking scenic trails at your own pace.

What is there to do during the two hours at Glendalough?

Glendalough is a 6th-century monastic site with ancient ruins spread across a valley between two lakes and forested hills. You explore the remnants at your own pace, learn about Ireland's spiritual and historical heritage from your guide, and have time to eat lunch at a neighbouring restaurant (not included in the tour price).

What happens at the sheepdog demonstration?

A local farmer introduces you to working sheepdogs and explains the breed, training and duties of the dogs used on Irish farms. The farmer also talks about the different sheep breeds in Ireland and what they are used for. The main event is a live demonstration where the sheepdogs herd sheep using voice and whistle commands — you watch the dogs work on the farm.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Lunch is not included, but you have two hours at Glendalough to eat at a neighbouring restaurant at your own cost. The tour also stops at service stations along the road where you can buy food and use toilet facilities.

What should I know about the meeting point and timing?

Meet your guide and fellow travellers at the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the 9:30 AM departure time. The return to Dublin is scheduled for around 4:45 PM, but traffic can affect the arrival time.