From Dublin: Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny with Sheepdog Trails Full-Day Trip

Glendalough was absolutely stunning. The valley itself is beautiful, but if you take the time to hike to the top, the views are simply breathtaking and well worth the effort. The sheepdog demo was another highlight, especially meaningful to me as a border collie owner. Watching the dogs work was both fascinating and moving. Learning that sheep herding is a profession in decline made the experience feel even more special—this heritage practice may not be around in another 20 years, so witnessing it firsthand was unforgettable. The visit to Kilkenny Castle was also memorable. The medieval architecture, artwork, and exhibits were engaging, but what stood out most for me were the massive Irish elk skull and the exquisite marble table. Speaking with the guide added real depth to the experience and helped bring the castle’s history to life. Lastly, I want to commend Richard and Mustafa, our guide and driver, who did a fantastic job. They kept everything running smoothly, shared their knowledge generously, and made the day both enjoyable and stress-free. I would highly recommend this excursion for anyone traveling solo or with a group—it’s the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history.

I have to kick off this review by saying that Oli and Tomas were amazing as our guide and driver. Oli's love for Ireland and his knowledge were excellent. I was shocked when he said he’d only been doing this tour for 2 months. He made the long day trip really enjoyable. Tomas, well, let’s just say he’s the best driver on those twisty, windy roads of Ireland. We started our tour to Glendalough with rain, which made the pictures even more serene, and you could see how special this place is. Now, I probably should’ve stayed on the bus at the Wicklow Gap; let’s just say it was the fastest picture-taking session of the entire week (and I didn’t stay dry at all). The sheepdog demonstration was super interesting and totally worth the stop! Kilkenny was such a nice town, and you could feel the community vibe just by visiting. I did a quick tour of the castle after grabbing lunch. One suggestion for this tour would be to add at least 30 more minutes at Kilkenny so you can enjoy the castle a bit more. I'm really glad we booked our tours with Finn McCools Tours. When I come back to Ireland, I’ll definitely look them up again!

I had an absolutely wonderful time on the Dublin: Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Sheepdog demonstration tour with Finn McCools Tours. Our guide, Richard, and our driver, Bea, made the day truly special. Richard was an outstanding guide. His welcoming and friendly nature made the trip incredibly enjoyable. He has a ton of knowledge about Irish history, politics, and local myths. I asked him several detailed questions, and he answered them all with great understanding and detail, sharing fascinating info that brought each place to life. Bea, our driver, was equally impressive. The bus ride was super smooth and comfy, which made the long day feel effortless. I could relax and even catch some rest thanks to her excellent driving skills. Together, Richard and Bea are a fantastic duo. Their combined professionalism, knowledge, and kindness made this a perfect tour. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to explore the beautiful Irish countryside. Crowd size was 27 people. Admission fee was 45€.

We had the most wonderful experience on our Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains, and Kilkenny tour with Finn McCool Tours! Our guide Delaney was absolutely lovely – so warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, and she made the whole day engaging and fun. She really brought the history and landscapes to life while keeping everything light-hearted and enjoyable. A special mention to our driver Anna – she was incredible! Super skilled and safe behind the wheel, handling everything from city traffic to winding mountain roads and narrow countryside lanes with such calm and confidence. We felt completely at ease the entire time. Thanks to Delaney and Anna, the trip was not just beautiful but truly unforgettable. They made the long day feel effortless, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team to travel with. Highly recommend this tour – you’ll be in the best hands!