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Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin
Badge of ExcellenceCounty Dublin, Ireland
From US$46.22
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Attractions
- 10 hours
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Break from Dublin for a tour of medieval Irish architecture and folklore in Kilkenny and Glendalough. Aboard a luxury coach, take a day trip to the top sights in south-east Ireland from Kilkenny Castle to the Wicklow Mountain National Park and Glendalough’s medieval monastic settlement. This tour also includes a stop at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, where you'll be able to see border collies corral sheep across the fields, chat with the Shepherd and his family and mingle with the lambs.
- Visit south-east Ireland's top attractions, including Kilkenny Castle
- Take the scenic route through Wicklow Mountains National Park en route to Glendalough
- See border collie sheepdogs in action at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains
- Explore the monastic settlement at Glendalough, and see medieval archeology alongside abundant wildlife
- Round-trip transport by luxury, air-conditioned coach from Dublin
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
See the best of Kilkenny and Glendalough in just one day in the comfort of a luxury coach.
What's Included
- Complimentary walking tours of of Kilkenny Medieval City & Glendalough Monastic Site
- Stop at Wicklow Gap glacial valley
- Free unlimited 4G Wi-Fi available on the coach
- Food and drinks
- Hotel drop off
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting points
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Start time
08:00 AM
End points
This activity ends in a different location. See details below:
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What To Expect
Depart Dublin early to get maximum time at your first stop of the day – Kilkenny Castle. Built in the 12th century, this Anglo-Norman castle stands dramatically along the River Nore, dominating the backdrop of Kilkenny city. Tour the castle at your own pace, exploring the renovated chambers and corridors, and then meander through the enchanting rose garden before heading into town. At your leisure, explore the charming village of Kilkenny. A true mecca of medieval architecture, Kilkenny offers many splendid sights for the cultured explorer. Explore the Black Abbey, built in 1225, and the Hole in the Wall Elizabethan Tavern, both recently restored to their original design. And don’t miss St Francis Abbey Brewery, brewing Irish ales for more than eight centuries.
Following your Kilkenny tour, stop at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, where you'll be able to see border collies corral sheep across the fields.
Afterward, head over the wild and rugged Wicklow Gap glacial valley for some spectacular views of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Enjoy a unique photo opportunity with a scheduled stop at the top of the mountain. Gaze down through the centuries old passage way linking east and west Wicklow. Retrace the footsteps which the Celtic clans and St Kevin travelled when traveling through the forested countryside and view the park’s upper slopes, blanketed in heath and bog, before dipping down into the glacial valley of Glendalough.
Throughout history, visitors have come to ‘the valley of the two lakes’ for its mystical history, archaeology and unique wildlife. The monastic city of Glendalough, found in the 6th century by St. Kevin, was once an active locale featuring areas for manuscript writing and copying, an infirmary, guest houses, and a monastery. Now it offers guests a peek into Ireland’s rich cultural history. You’ll have approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to journey through the monastic city before heading back to Dublin.
Following your Kilkenny tour, stop at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, where you'll be able to see border collies corral sheep across the fields.
Afterward, head over the wild and rugged Wicklow Gap glacial valley for some spectacular views of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Enjoy a unique photo opportunity with a scheduled stop at the top of the mountain. Gaze down through the centuries old passage way linking east and west Wicklow. Retrace the footsteps which the Celtic clans and St Kevin travelled when traveling through the forested countryside and view the park’s upper slopes, blanketed in heath and bog, before dipping down into the glacial valley of Glendalough.
Throughout history, visitors have come to ‘the valley of the two lakes’ for its mystical history, archaeology and unique wildlife. The monastic city of Glendalough, found in the 6th century by St. Kevin, was once an active locale featuring areas for manuscript writing and copying, an infirmary, guest houses, and a monastery. Now it offers guests a peek into Ireland’s rich cultural history. You’ll have approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to journey through the monastic city before heading back to Dublin.
Wild Rover Tours (Pass By)
The Curragh Racecourse (Pass By)
Kilkenny Castle
3 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Laragh
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Wicklow Gap
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Wicklow Mountains National Park
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Please be outside one of the 3 available pickup locations listed
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Children 2 years and under are not allowed to travel
- Please be there 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Louis_S
Kevin, our guide was great! He was knowledgeable and so personable. At each destination he provided a quick overview with suggestions for an enjoyable experience. Great variety of Ireland’s landscapes.
Reviews
5.0
3,585 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 3,585 reviews
We had a wonderful time...
James_V, Sept 2023
We had a wonderful time on the tour! Neil did a great job of guiding us around our stops. Answering questions and giving us recommendations for traveling in Dublin area and even food recommendations! Pete did a wonderful job of driving and keeping us safe. Both gentlemen were so nice and accommodating and I would highly recommend this tour.
Great scenery
Pauline_D, Sept 2023
Elisa was so informative and very friendly. She had a few games that made the bus ride fun. The Wicklow mountains were spectacular. The sheep and dogs were also fun
Excellent experience with Elisa and Sergio
Luis_B, Sept 2023
The tour was exactly as described, and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Elisa (tour guide) and Sergio (driver) were excellent. Very insightful and amazing experience. Good pace as well.
Liam did an amazing job...
Michelle_H, Sept 2023
Liam did an amazing job start to finish. Peter was a great driver. We walked away with a wonderful experience.
Storm Agnes and a Great Time
Lori_V, Sept 2023
Even though the day included biblical weather, the driver could not have been more skilled, and the guide could not have had a better attitude. I learned facts drawn from literature, history, folklore, geology, and more… An ideal day all around. I highly recommend this tour!
10/10
Patrick_A, Sept 2023
Ian was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and great banter (extra points for the corny jokes) and I think Warren could navigate those mountain roads with his eyes closed. The best day trip in my week long stay in Dublin and I can’t believe it was so affordable.
An experience....
Crystal_P, Sept 2023
Visiting Kilkenny was interesting, but definitely didn't feel like there was enough time to really explore the sites of the city and get something to eat. Glenlough was a pretty beautiful experience. Walking in the forest was very peaceful. The sheep dog trials were pretty cool, but I thought we would get an opportunity to hold a baby sheep but we didn't.
Overall I didn't really enjoy this tour because our guide didn't seem to actually pay attention to our questions or give us information we might need. He just seemed to be reading from a very monotone script. Not my cup o tea.
I would do it again just for the view
Saundra_H, Sept 2023
The views during the trip were breathtaking! Getting to walk through nature. Seeing a real sheep dog herd and learning the process was eye opening and fun. Best driver and tour guide we could have asked for.
Great tour guide and tour
Belinda_A, Sept 2023
Our tour guide Liam Ryan was amazing. He has a masters in Irish history and was a funny and interesting man. He was very inclusive of everyone person on the tour. I enjoyed the fact we had our own free time at each stop but could also join Liam on his guided tours at each location as well. The last stop at the farm with sheep dog demonstration was a highlight.
Nice and unforgettable teip
Ali_B, Sept 2023
Nice trip
Amazing instructor Mr DAVID great knowledge of history, and great songer took us to Irish culture 👍
Thanks a lot for making our trip unforgettable.
...
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Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin
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