Dublin: Wicklow, Kilkenny, Glendalough & Sheepdog Tour

Exploring Ireland’s countryside through a day trip from Dublin offers a wonderful way to experience the country’s natural beauty, history, and rural charm. The Wicklow, Kilkenny, Glendalough & Sheepdog Tour from Paddywagon Tours packs a lot into about ten and a half hours, taking you through lush landscapes, ancient ruins, lively medieval streets, and a lively demonstration of border collies herding sheep. What makes this trip stand out is the blend of scenic stops, cultural experiences, and the chance to interact directly with working farm animals, including adorable lambs and talented sheepdogs.

One thing I really appreciate about this tour is the inclusion of free walking tours in both Glendalough and Kilkenny—these add a flexible layer to your day, letting you explore at your own pace. Also, the sheepdog demonstration is a highlight that brings the countryside alive, offering a playful and educational look at traditional farming practices. On the flip side, a point to consider is that the time spent in Glendalough may feel a bit rushed, as some reviews mention. If you’re a slow walker or craving deeper exploration, you might want to plan additional time or visit on your own later.

This tour offers excellent value for travelers eager to see a mix of Ireland’s natural beauty, medieval heritage, and engaging farm life—all in one packed day. The guided elements, combined with optional walking tours, make it a well-rounded experience, especially for those who want a taste of several regions without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors or those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Ireland’s diverse landscape and culture.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Scenic Diversity: The tour covers mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and medieval towns, ensuring you see the varied landscapes Ireland has to offer.
• Authentic Farm Experience: Meet friendly border collie sheepdogs and lambs on a working farm, which adds a genuine, hands-on element to your day.
• Flexible Exploration: Free guided walking tours in Glendalough and Kilkenny allow for personal discovery without extra cost.
• Comfortable Transport: The coach includes unlimited WiFi and USB ports, making the long drives more pleasant and connected.
• Time Management: While packed with highlights, some travelers find the time for each stop a little tight, especially in Glendalough.
• Limited Food Options: Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy meals in Kilkenny’s pubs and cafes.

Navigating the Wicklow, Kilkenny, Glendalough & Sheepdog Tour

This 10.5-hour adventure from Dublin is designed to give you a broad taste of Ireland’s highlights, blending natural scenery with historic towns and rural farm life. I’ll guide you through what to expect at each step, sharing insights that will help you decide if this trip fits your travel style.

Starting Point and Logistics

You can choose to meet at either 34 O’Connell Street Lower or 25 Suffolk Street, both centrally located. From there, a comfortable coach whisks you out of Dublin, with WiFi and USB ports making the journey enjoyable. The drive to Wicklow, about 80 minutes long, gives you a chance to relax, watch the Irish countryside slide by, and get into holiday mode.

First Major Stop: Glendalough

Arriving at Glendalough, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of monastic ruins, lakes, and waterfalls. You’re given about an hour for self-guided exploration, which some might see as brief. In fact, the review from a GetYourGuide traveler noted, “Id give it a five star but the time spent in Glendalough was very short.” Still, the optional free walking tour helps you make the most of this time and learn about the site’s history and natural beauty.

What I love here is the contrast between the peaceful lakeside scenery and the ancient stone ruins—perfect for photos or a quiet stroll. If you’re a nature lover or history enthusiast, this stop offers plenty to absorb, even in a limited time.

The Wicklow Mountains and Farm Visit

Next, the coach heads into the Wicklow Mountains, showcasing Ireland’s lush, rolling hills and wild landscapes. This is Ireland’s “Garden of Ireland,” and the views are genuinely breathtaking, especially if you’re lucky with the weather. Then, you arrive at a working farm in Hollywood, where the highlight is meeting border collie sheepdogs and adorable lambs. The guided demonstration lasts about 45 minutes, and it’s a lively, playful session that highlights traditional farming skills with a modern twist.

The sheepdogs are the real stars here—they’re surprisingly playful and eager to show off their herding skills. The farm visit is a genuine peek into Irish rural life, and the friendly farmers often share stories that add warmth to the experience.

Kilkenny: Medieval Charm and Leisure

After the farm, it’s time to head to Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval jewel. You’re given about 1.5 hours of free time to wander the cobbled streets, explore shops, or relax in a pub. Many travelers enjoy sampling the local Kilkenny red ale or some hearty Irish fare—perfect after a busy morning. The optional walking tour here, like in Glendalough, helps you uncover hidden corners of the city and learn about its history as a hub of arts and crafts.

One of the reviews highlights the appeal: “Kilkenny and the sheepdog tour was very good,” suggesting it’s a favorite part of the trip. The town’s medieval castle, cathedral, and artisan shops give you ample opportunity for memorable photos and authentic Irish atmosphere.

Return Journey and Final Drop-offs

The coach then departs for Dublin, with a 2-hour scenic drive back, allowing you to reflect on your day’s adventures. The tour concludes at your original meeting points, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or explore more on your own.

Price, Value, and Practical Tips

The tour’s price covers transport, the sheepdog demonstration, optional walking tours, and WiFi access—that’s quite a package for a full day around Ireland’s highlights. Since food and drinks are not included, I suggest bringing snacks or planning to eat in Kilkenny, where local pubs serve hearty Irish fare and good pints of Kilkenny red ale.

For those wondering about value, the inclusion of free guided walking tours in both Glendalough and Kilkenny adds significant worth, offering insights that you might miss exploring alone. The sheepdog demonstration is also a memorable highlight, especially for families or animal lovers. And, given the reviews, the tour provides a balanced mix of nature, history, and rural life, making it a well-rounded introduction to Ireland.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Ireland who want a rundown without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It suits those who enjoy scenic drives, cultural sites, and authentic farm experiences. However, if you prefer slow-paced, in-depth exploration, or need wheelchair accessibility, this might be less ideal. Also, be aware that the time in Glendalough may feel rushed—if you’re a slow walker or want to spend longer at each site, consider supplementing with your own plans.

Final Thoughts

This Wicklow, Kilkenny, Glendalough & Sheepdog Tour offers a lively, varied day that showcases Ireland’s natural beauty, historic towns, and rural traditions. It’s a good value for those keen on seeing a lot without the stress of organizing it all themselves. The combination of scenic landscapes, engaging farm demonstrations, and historical explorations makes it a memorable day trip—especially if you’re traveling from Dublin and want to get a real sense of Ireland’s countryside and heritage.

While the short window in Glendalough might disappoint some, the overall experience delivers a balanced, authentic taste of Irish life. The friendly guides, scenic views, and interactive sheepdog demonstration make this a trip worth considering for an enjoyable, hassle-free day out.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10.5 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening, giving you a full day of exploring.

Where does the tour start and end?
You can choose to meet at either 34 O’Connell Street Lower or 25 Suffolk Street in Dublin, and the tour concludes back at these points.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might find it convenient to bring snacks or enjoy the local cuisine at Kilkenny’s pubs and cafes.

Is there WiFi on the coach?
Yes, unlimited free WiFi is available on the vehicle, along with USB ports, so you can stay connected during the drive.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While generally family-friendly, it’s best for children who can comfortably spend a full day on a coach and enjoy farm activities. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

How long is the stop at Glendalough?
You’ll have about one hour to explore, but some travelers feel this is a bit brief for fully appreciating the site.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This tour strikes a fine balance between scenic beauty, culture, and fun farm life, making it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a well-rounded Irish countryside experience.