GLENDALOUGH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Ruins, Ridge Lines and Working Dogs: A Private Day in Glendalough & the Wicklow Hills
A private, eight-hour excursion from Dublin that pairs the monastic ruins of Glendalough with mountain drives, village stops and an optional sheepdog demonstration—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Ruins, Ridge Lines and Working Dogs: A Private Day in Glendalough & the Wicklow Hills.
Escape the city into County Wicklow’s lush landscapes: visit the iconic monastic ruins at Glendalough, stroll through parts of Wicklow National Park and take in mountain scenery and village stops, with the option to include a live sheepdog demonstration on a working farm for a local, rural note to the day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Glendalough’s monastic heart
The tour includes a visit to the famous monastic site at Glendalough—one of the highlights is seeing the ancient round tower and the remains of early Christian settlement that define the valley's historical core.
Wicklow mountains and scenic drives
Expect stretches of mountain scenery and a scenic drive through the Wicklow Gap, with walking opportunities inside Wicklow National Park that frame the valley views and roadside panoramas.
Working-farm demonstrations and village stops
Alongside natural and historical sites, the itinerary can include optional sheepdog demonstrations on a working farm, visits to charming Wicklow villages and recommendations for local food and craft beer.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
This is a relaxed, private full-day escape from Dublin: hotel pick-up or an agreed meeting point in the city, followed by scenic driving through County Wicklow to Glendalough for ruins and walks, continuing through mountain passes and villages with time for an optional farm-based sheepdog demonstration and local recommendations along the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private excursion suits—and who should double-check details.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for approximately 8 hours.
Pickup is from a Dublin hotel or an agreed meeting point in the city; confirm the exact time and location with the operator.
Operated as a private tour only (no shared groups).
The itinerary can include optional sheepdog demonstrations on a working farm, village stops, and local food and craft-beer recommendations—confirm which options you want when booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 8 hours long.
Where does the tour start?
Pickup is provided from a Dublin hotel or an agreed meeting point in the city.
Is this a private or shared tour?
This experience is operated as a private tour only; there are no shared-group departures.
Are sheepdog demonstrations included?
Sheepdog demonstrations on a working farm are offered as an optional part of the itinerary.
Can I drink alcohol on the tour?
Alcohol consumption is limited to those of legal drinking age.
Which sites will we visit?
The day typically includes Glendalough’s monastic ruins and round tower, drives through the Wicklow Gap and Wicklow National Park, and stops in local villages, with optional farm demonstrations.