Fun Sheepdogs & Dublin city or Sheepdogs, mountains & Glendalough

About This Tour

Why choose between the Irish countryside and Dublin city when you can do both? This newly updated combo tour brings together two fan favourites in a single private day out.

You’ll head west into Wicklow for a genuine sheepdog demo with a working Irish sheep farmer - it’s optional and costs €100 total paid directly to the farmer, but it’s one of those experiences people talk about long after the trip. Then you’re into the city for pubs, history, a whiskey distillery, and the chance to try your hand at hurling in Phoenix Park.

The whole day is yours. It’s private, relaxed, and runs entirely to your group’s pace.

What’s Included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Onboard taste of local whiskey
• Irish music and language lesson
• Still or sparkling water
• Chocolate and potato chips (gluten-free snacks available on request)

What’s Not Included

• Gratuities
• Lunch
• Sheepdog demo fee (€100 total, paid direct to the farmer - optional)

Itinerary

1. West Wicklow sheepdog demo - A scenic drive out through the beautiful Irish countryside to see working sheepdogs with a genuine sheep farmer. Wonderfully educational and a real highlight for all ages. Optional activity, €100 total paid to the farmer. Continue on to the city after. (180 min)
2. River Liffey and city centre - Take in the main sights and bridges along the Liffey as you pass through central Dublin.
3. Phoenix Park - Explore the vast public park at the north-west edge of the city. Keep an eye out for the resident deer, or have a go at hurling, Ireland’s native Gaelic sport. (30 min)
4. A favourite Dubliners pub - 191 years old and still going strong - a proper spot for a pint. (45 min)
5. Medieval Dublin - Explore the remains of the old city and see the last remaining city gate at Cook Street nearby. (20 min)
6. Whiskey distillery - Established in 1780, this is the original home of Ireland’s most famous whiskey brand. (45 min)
7. Optional evening drop-off - If you’re in the mood to keep the night going, there’s an optional drop-off at a live music session in Dublin’s entertainment quarter. (20 min)

Good to Know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialised infant seats available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a private tour - your group only

Local Tips

The sheepdog demo is the highlight people remember most. Pay the €100 directly to the farmer - it goes to a working farm family, not a tour operator - and you get the real thing, not a performance version. If you’re travelling with children this is a non-optional optional.

If your group takes the Glendalough option instead of the city, walk the Green Road between the lakes rather than staying near the car park. The flat 3 km path runs from the visitor centre along the Lower Lake, past the round tower, through the woods, and out to the boardwalk at the foot of the Upper Lake. It covers the best of the monastic ruins and works for all ages and fitness levels. You’ll have Glendalough to yourselves if you time the arrival for before noon or after 3pm - the coaches come in between.

For the Glendalough option, eat in Laragh village - 1.5 km east of the monastic site - rather than the visitor centre café. Lynham’s of Laragh is the working village pub: turf fire, honest food, and the kind of welcome that makes the afternoon worth extending. The Wicklow Heather next door is the better kitchen if your group wants a proper sit-down.

In the city, the whiskey distillery stop is at the building established in 1780 - the original home of Ireland’s most famous whiskey brand. The tour is short and the tasting is included in the programme. If your group wants more time here, it’s worth noting this in advance so the guide can adjust the day.

Nearby on IrelandMe

• Glendalough - A 6th-century monastic city at the bottom of two glacial lakes, with the round tower that outlasted the Vikings, the flat Green Road walk past nine sets of ruins, and Lynham’s of Laragh a kilometre up the road when you’re done