From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, & Kilkenny Tour

Dublin to medieval Kilkenny in one smooth day. You’ll combine guided walks in Kilkenny and Glendalough, then finish with a real working-farm sheepdog demo in Wicklow.

I love the way the tour turns big sights into clear stops: Rothe House and Saint Frances Brewery in Kilkenny, then St. Kevin’s monastic remains in Glendalough. I also love the working sheep farm angle, where an Irish collie sheepdog trial shows you how shepherds handle the day-to-day.

One thing to plan for: this is a long day with no bathrooms on board, and food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to dress and snack smart.

Key Things You’ll Remember

• Kilkenny on foot with a guide: River Nore stroll options, Rothe House Viking artifacts, and craft-focused stops
• Glendalough’s St. Kevin sites: St. Kevin’s Kitchen, church, and the round tower on an included walk
• Wicklow Mountains movie backdrops: Wicklow Gap views tied to Braveheart and PS I Love You
• Irish collie sheepdog trial on a working farm: a hands-on, practical look at herding with real dogs
• Timing that keeps moving: guided time plus breaks, with winter Sundays sometimes flipping the order
• Little human touches: plenty of stories on the coach, and traditional Irish music on the way back

How the Day Starts and Why the Coaching Matters

This trip is built for people who want a lot of Ireland in one day without the stress of driving narrow roads, finding parking, or stitching together a route. From Dublin, you’ll board a coach with a live English-speaking guide and a separate driver, so you’re free to focus on the sights and the walking.

Pickup is from several central Dublin points (and you do need to arrive about 10 minutes early). The earliest pickup listed is 8:10 AM at Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham, with 8:20 AM at 33 College Green/Dame Street, and 8:30 AM at Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch (formerly Jurys Inn Christchurch).

Kilkenny Walking Tour: River Nore, Rothe House, and Beer-Adjacent Stops

Kilkenny is where the day eases into a human pace. You’ll get a guided walking tour with about 2.5 hours in the city, and the River Nore walk is included but optional, so you can choose how much legwork you want.

This is also the part of the trip where Kilkenny feels like a real working town, not a theme park. You’ll pass cobblestone streets and see stops that connect craft and history: the Kilkenny Art and Design Centre for the area’s goldsmith, sculptor, and painter traditions; Rothe House, known for Viking artifacts; and Saint Frances Brewery, described as Ireland’s oldest.

If you like history with specific details, you’ll enjoy the medieval gardens too. The walk can include historic fruit and veg varieties such as Gortahok cabbage and Blood of Boyne apples, which is the kind of fact you remember later because it’s so specific.

Practical note: lunch isn’t included, but you’ll have time to eat in artisan cafés during your city break. If you’re the type who hates waiting in line, I’d plan to grab something quick early in your free time so you’re not hunting when your hunger hits.

Wicklow Mountains Drive: Wicklow Gap to Sugarloaf in One Long Scenic Stretch

Once you leave Kilkenny, the day leans harder into scenery. You’ll drive through the Wicklow Mountains and glacial valleys of the region, with the Wicklow Gap called out as a cinematic area—one of those places where you can see why filmmakers picked the setting.

Wicklow is also where the tour gives you little “wow, that’s wild” moments that don’t require tickets. You’ll be shown the rugged mountain views, then head toward the Sugarloaf Mountains, which are described as higher than the Alps before the Ice Age. That’s a big claim, but it does clue you in: this is a place shaped by ice and elevation, not just gentle hills.

In the middle of the drive, you also pass through Roundwood, described as the highest village in Ireland. It’s the kind of detail you’d never catch if you were doing this independently without a guide to point out what you’re actually seeing.

Glendalough Monastery Walk: Two Lakes and St. Kevin’s Setting

Glendalough is a highlight for a reason. The name means glen of two lakes, and the monastery site gives you a clear sense of why early Christianity took root in Ireland. You’ll learn that this story includes Christianity being re-introduced after the Dark Ages, and you’ll hear about Saint Kevin, tied to the 7th-century monastery.

You’ll have a guided walking tour here with about a 2-hour block total, and the walk is included but optional depending on how you feel. The guide points out intact architecture such as St. Kevin’s Kitchen, the church, and the round tower, which is a great mix of buildings you can photograph and smaller details that make the whole place feel lived-in rather than frozen in time.

Weather matters more here than in the city. If you’re going in winter months (Nov–Feb), expect cold and wet conditions at ground level. I’d wear shoes with grip and bring a layer you can add fast, because you’ll be standing still for views and then walking on uneven stone.

Sheep Farm and Irish Collie Sheepdog Trials: The Most Fun Practical Lesson

This is the part I’d pick even if the weather turns. A working sheep farm visit sounds simple until you see a sheepdog trial in action, because it’s not just cute animals—it’s an actual method shepherds use.

You’ll watch Irish collie sheepdog trials on a working farm, and the experience is guided so you understand what you’re seeing: how the dog collects sheep and the way the shepherd’s job and the dogs’ instincts connect. Many guides are also good about keeping the group engaged, and you can feel when someone is comfortable with the farm setting.

There’s often a hands-on element too. Several people mention holding lambs, and even if your experience varies by day and animal comfort, you can still expect a close-up encounter that feels more real than any petting zoo setup. The best part is that the farm doesn’t feel staged—it feels like you’re getting a small window into someone’s real work.

The Order Change You Should Know (Winter Months and Sundays)

One detail that affects your day plan: in winter months (Nov–Feb) and on Sundays, the order typically flips. You’ll go to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains first, then visit Kilkenny City later in the afternoon.

That matters because light and energy change through the day. If you prefer city strolling earlier, the standard order may feel better; if you like fresh views without the afternoon crowds, the winter/Sunday order might suit you fine. Either way, you’re still getting the same core stops—just at different times.

Timing and Comfort: What to Pack for a 10-Hour Day

This tour runs about 10 hours total. That’s long enough that you should treat it like a full workday, not a casual stroll: comfortable walking shoes are a must, and you’ll want layers because the Wicklow Mountains can feel colder than Dublin.

Food and drinks aren’t included, and there are no bathrooms on board. You can buy food and drinks during stops, but don’t assume you’ll have a quick option between them. If you’re prone to getting hangry, bring a snack you like and save it for the moments when the coach is rolling and you’re waiting to get off.

Also, bring your camera. The tour is heavy on visual payoffs—mountain views, monastery buildings, and the distinct texture of Kilkenny’s streets. If your phone battery doesn’t last long, bring a charger or power bank. You’ll use it more than you expect.

Price and Value: Why This One Is Often Worth It

At around $51 per person, the biggest value piece is that the price bundles in the parts that usually cost you time and effort on your own. You’re getting transportation from Dublin by coach, a live guide, guided walking time in Kilkenny and Glendalough, and the sheepdog trial on a working farm.

If you tried to replicate this alone, you’d still spend money on transit or a rental car, plus you’d lose the built-in pacing that prevents “drive, park, scramble, repeat.” You’re also not just touring scenery—you’re getting story context. That’s what turns a collection of stops into a coherent day, especially at places like Glendalough where St. Kevin’s buildings make more sense once you know the outline.

One more value angle: guides vary, and many of the experiences described are upbeat and funny. People name guides like Ian, Maurice, Murphy, Elisa, Sean, Caroline, and John, and mention a mix of history, humor, and practical tips. You can’t guarantee the exact guide, but the program’s strength seems to be keeping the ride lively while still pointing out what matters.

Should You Book This Wicklow, Glendalough, and Kilkenny Tour?

Book it if you want a high-impact day from Dublin that mixes medieval towns, monastic Ireland, mountain scenery, and a working sheep farm all in one go. It’s a strong fit for first-time visitors who want orientation fast—especially if you’re not eager to drive Wicklow’s roads or plan multiple separate trips.

Skip it (or choose a different option) if you need lots of downtime, want guaranteed on-board comfort like bathrooms, or dislike walking—even though the walking tours are included, they’re optional, and you still will be on your feet enough to feel it.

If you like guided storytelling, hands-on farm moments, and the kind of scenic stops that look good even when the weather is moody, this is an easy yes. Dress for cold, pack a snack, show up early for pickup, and you’ll get a full day that feels like you actually learned something—not just saw it.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 10 hours.

Where do I get picked up in Dublin?

Pickup points listed are 33 College Green/Dame Street (8:20 AM), Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin (8:10 AM), and Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch (formerly Jurys Inn Hotel Christchurch) (8:30 AM). You’ll be picked up at one of these designated stops.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are transportation from Dublin by coach, a live tour guide and separate driver, a Wicklow Mountains stop, Glendalough walking tour plus a 2-hour stop, Kilkenny walking tour plus a 2.5-hour stop, and Irish collie sheep dog trials on a working sheep farm.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them during stops.

Are there bathrooms on board the coach?

No, bathrooms are not available on board.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes, the live tour guide is English.

Is there anything I need to bring or wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, check the weather forecast, and dress appropriately. A camera is recommended for the views. You’ll also want to bring your voucher/ticket to show to your guide before boarding.

Is the tour suitable for small children?

It’s not suitable for children under 3 years.