Dublin: Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Sheepdog demonstration

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10 hours (approx.)

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Overview

A beautiful tour through some of the the most peaceful parts of Ireland from the valley of Glendalough to the stone streets of Kilkenny
Experience a real shepherd and his sheepdog at work , herding a flock of sheep at Glendalough.
Hike around one of Irelands most amazing outdoor locations and travel over the Wicklow Mountains in style!
You will explore the fantastic little city of Kilkenny, at your leisure visit the castles, abbeys, and city streets that have stood for hundreds of years.

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Live commentary on board
Professional guide

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Charlemont House
Parnell Square North, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 F2X9, Ireland

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Temple Bar (Pass By)

Your tour will start with a tour out of Dublin, beginning right after the coach departs your guide will be there to point out all that there is to see on the way through and out of Dublin City. This journey is one of stark changes in the landscape; from the grey streets of Dublin to the green roads of Wicklow, how the scenery develops as we take this short drive to the next county over is something to be seen. Along the route we will drive right through the heart of Dublin City past Trinity College and Temple bar. Along the Liffey past the Guinness Brewery and up into Kilmainham where the Viking settlers of Dublin buried their dead. This is a journey from Dublin; the Fair City to Wicklow; the Garden of Ireland and it is one to be remembered!

Glendalough Monastic Settlement

Glendalough also known as The Valley of Two Lakes is one of the most beautiful and isolated valleys in all of Ireland. Buried right in the heart of Wicklow in the middle of the largest area of uplands in all of Ireland is a tranquil place of peace and exploration. Being one of the earliest and most significant Monastic sites in all of Ireland, your guide will bring you on a walking tour of the old city to show you the depth of history to be found there. The ruins of the monastic city are some of the finest preserved examples of their kind in Ireland. From the Round Tower to the wish granting Cross of St Kevin, explore it all at your own pace after the guided tour as you will be given plenty of free time. Perhaps you’ll hear the story of St Kevin and the Blackbird or hear of the Pagan Celts. Memories and moments are found easily here in Glendalough whether in the Monastic City, sitting by the streams and in the trees or around the shores of the lakes themselves.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Wicklow Mountains National Park

This stop is not the only part of the tour to take place in the Wicklow Mountains. In truth from Glendalough almost all the way to Kilkenny will be a tour through the mountainous heart of eastern Ireland but here we take a short stop at one of only two roads over the mountains. We stop at the top of Wicklow Gap amidst fields of Rushes mixed with Heather and other wildflowers where domestic sheep roam freely by the winding road. You will find a viewing platform offering a spectacular vista down towards Dublin Bay but even on the odd foggy day you will still find yourself surrounded by the wildness of Wicklow. Around 15 minutes.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ballybought

The next stop is at an Irish Farm where a very talented Shepherd will demonstrate to you how he works alongside his animals. Ireland is one of the oldest agricultural places in the world having evidence of settled farming going back 5500 years! Come meet someone who is at the forefront of this story, meet their sheep and dogs too! The shepherd and his well trained team of Sheepdogs will show to you the incredible skill and dedication to their craft! You’ll learn all about the history of Wool and the farming of sheep in Ireland and why it is such an important part of our history. You’ll see a brilliant demonstration of skill and dedication here as well as the depth of compassion to be found on an Irish Farm alongside the facts about some of the difficulties faced by Irish farmers in our modern age. Demonstration lasts for about 45 minutes

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kilkenny

The stop of the day before out return back to Dublin! You will get around 2 hours to explore this beautiful city. Surrounded by beautiful medieval architecture, this is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Ireland. You could spend your time simply wandering the narrow, winding streets as people have for centuries. Walk over stones worn smooth from the footfall of people traveling along them across the centuries as you take in the surroundings. Visit Kilkenny Castle, see how the medieval era came crashing down in explosive fashion with the arrival of Gunpowder. Find the haunted pub and hear the tale of the first ever Witch Trail to take place in Ireland. Perhaps you’d like to try a pint from a brewery older than Guinness and get to know what some call a ‘Real Irish Beer’! From shopping to sightseeing, old book shops and quaint antiques, having a quite coffee after walking the Medieval Mile; you will not have to look far to find what you’re looking for in the city of Kilkenny!

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Dublin (Pass By)

We return to Dublin around 6:00 PM, but the experience doesn’t end there! As a special bonus, every guest aged 18 and over will receive a complimentary whiskey tasting experience in the heart of the capital. Savor the rich flavors of Ireland’s finest whiskeys at your leisure—book it for the same day or any time after your tour with Finn McCools. Simply ask your guide for all the details and get ready to raise a glass to an unforgettable adventure!

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for small children. If they are very used to travelling on a bus tour and very used to walking, please book 1 seat per child and bring your own child seat.

Not recommended to those with walking disabilities (a fair amount of walking involved)
Not recommended for participants with back problems, with heart complaints, pregnant women or other serious medical conditions
If passengers are late to the pick up the bus will not wait for them even if they call the office before hand. Must make sure they are on time. If passengers are intoxicated at any stage of the tour they will not be allowed on/back on the bus.
The pick up point is in the City Centre so there is no parking available for passengers to leave their cars for the entire day.
Use the bathroom prior to coming to the pick up point. Bring a packed lunch and also wear comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes as well as a rainproof jacket.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 53 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Dublin: Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Sheepdog demonstration?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (IST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025