Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin
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10 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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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.
- 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
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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.
Itinerary
Included is a guided walking tour offered by your tour guide.
For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.
The Monastic Site dates from 600AD original established by Saint Kevin. Your guide will walk and guide you though the site recounting old stories and folklore. There old church ruins, the round towers, ancient graveyards and of course the beautiful scenery.The towers have a single entrance high up and the Monks would barricade themselves and their precious Bible Manuscripts in the tower specifically built to keep the Vikings raiding parties at bay secure from pillage and murder. Our guests have ample time to walk the two lakes if they wish and while at the site there is a lovely venue at which light food and refreshments can be bought. 2 hours visiting time.
Duration: 2 hours
Admission Ticket Included
The National Park is the mountain range and also the Glendalough Monastic site and lakes. The tour spends 2 hours at the monastic site to include the walking tour and the drive through the Wicklow Gap with a stop at the top where there is a beautiful scenic point
Duration: 2 hours
Admission Ticket Free
A stop of between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours our visit to Kilkenny City offers a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ireland's medieval past and its present which Kilkenny showcases the very best of. It is considered to be one of the cultural and craft centres on the island.Your Guide will offer to all a free walking guided tour of the city to include Kilkenny Castle grounds, all the notable sites through the narrow winding cobbled stone streets. Stories of history, you will have ample time to freely browse the sites and shops. With open access, the wonderful extensive Castle grounds behind the fortified 1000 year old granite walls is a must visit. Across from the Castle is Butler House & Gardens, beautiful gardens and the Castle stable yards where silversmith crafts men and women are at work, sculptures, painters, tanners and potterers. The workshops are open to the public. Visit the haunted Black Church and Rothe House filled with Viking artifacts. Artisan cafes galore!
Duration: 3 hours
Admission Ticket Free
Is one of the highest Irish mountain passes and located in County Wicklow.The wild and rugged scenery is the film location for many movies from Braveheart to PS I Love You and more recently the tv series Vikings.
We have a stop at the top of the Gap and you have the opportunity to stroll the area and capture some images.
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Travelling though the County of Kildare, rich land the home to Irelands thoroughbred race horse breeding industry.
The Curragh is extensive area and National Park, it is the home to wild life while also the military base, Irelands largest prison and of course the home of Irish flat racing.
We visit a working Irish sheep farm set in the Wicklow Mountains. At the farm there will be a Sheep Dog Trials where the Shepard will work with his collie dogs in a demonstration through the fields of the farm. After this there is a open answer and question session with the farmer and all passengers get the opportunity to mingle with the lambs, sheep and the dogs. The setting is magical at the foot of the hills located in a beautiful valley.
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
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Traveler Tips
- "You will want to bring your walking/hiking shoes to at least head up to the lower lake while you're there." See review
- "There is a lot of walking/hiking, especially at the Glendalough Monastic Settlement and Wicklow Mountains National Park, so I recommend boots if you have them." See review
- "I am sure if you ask the tour company, they can arrange a taxi to take you via the road to see the lake." See review
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Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin
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