Kilkenny, Wicklow and Glendalough Sheepdog Trials from Dublin
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
Dublin
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.
The Curragh Racecourse
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.
Options
Guided Day Tour from Dublin
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Regular comfort and restroom stops included throughout the day
Guided walking tours in Kilkenny City & Glendalough Monastic Site
Air-conditioned vehicle
Scenic photo stop at Wicklow Gap, a high mountain pass with panoramic views (weather permitting)
Dedicated expert guide and separate professional driver throughout the day
Traditional sheep farm visit & live sheepdog trial demonstration
Parking Fees
Secure luggage storage space on all coaches
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
No restroom on board (regular comfort and restroom stops included throughout the tour)
Gratuities are optional and at your discretion, but always appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8,457 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5 out of 5! An Outstanding Day Exploring Ireland with Ian & Stipe!
CheetahChops,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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!
Excellent tour with family!
didil542,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wild 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!
Another great tour with Wild Rover
Tomaz B,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super 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!!
Beautiful scenery and sheep
Jet51584116929,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What 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!
Great fun!
emmafH1931JR,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the Kilkenny tour and there’s a good range of experiences all in one day! It was hard to get both a restaurant meal and a good length tour in at Kilkenny if you also did the optional walking tour, but that is just something to be aware of and you can also choose just not to do the tour as well! My friends and I really enjoyed it as a whole, especially with Ian as our guide and Stiben as our driver! We learned a lot and had many laughs!
Best Experience. Full star!!
277divyag,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much worth the money and my experience was beyond my expectations. Guide Ion and the driver Stepe have been so friendly and cheerful. I am definitely going to repeat this despite having completed my experience.
Great experience and guide
734maddief,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the guide Ian and driver Stepe(?) They were both wonderful! Ian was very insightful and provided us with both history tidbits and humour. His recommendations for food were spot on in Kilkenny. I would definitely book another tour with WildRover.
Fantastic Day Trip
Rebecca K,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic day trip out of Dublin. We were thoroughly impressed with our guide Paul and his knowledge throughout the tour. He had fantastic recommendations for food in Kilkenny and back in Dublin. The highlight of the day was seeing the Wicklow Gap and getting to hold lambs at the farm after watching the sheepdogs herd the sheep!
Breathtaking country side. History of each location was clearly explained by Paul.
570paulettee,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great great value for cost. A full day of activities with Paul, our tour guide and a very skilled driver, Christian. Views were breathtaking.
Excellent day trip! The...
Zoya B,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent day trip! The itinerary was well organized, with enough time at each stop to explore and enjoy the beautiful scenery without feeling rushed. The sheepdog demonstration was a highlight of the day and a unique Irish experience. Our guide, Ian, was outstanding. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor. Throughout the trip, he shared fascinating stories about Ireland's history, culture, and local traditions, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
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Operated by Wild Rover Tours