The 7 Best Sheepdog Experiences in Ireland

1.Kilkenny, Wicklow & Glendalough Tour & Sheepdog Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,599 reviews · from $34Our pick

Leave Dublin for Glendalough’s monastic ruins, the Wicklow Mountains, a working sheep farm, and medieval Kilkenny. A local English-speaking guide, such as Gina, Godfrey, or Harry, provides commentary while a farmer demonstrates traditional sheep herding. Expect a scenic 10.5-hour day with plenty of walking, limited meal time, and free time in Kilkenny.

“A great experience!! I never felt rushed in any of the stops we made! The sheepdogs & farmer Mike stole the show. But best of all, our guide and driver (Luke & Amir) were amazing. Not just knowledgeable, but very witty, they kept everyone’s interest in mind, and their safety. 5/5 stars!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Sheepdog demonstration

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,215 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $45Top rated

Leave Dublin at 8:00 a.m. for Glendalough’s monastic ruins, Wicklow Gap, a working sheep farm, and medieval Kilkenny. Guides such as Carol, Gina, and Oli add history, music, jokes, and practical tips, while the sheepdog demonstration offers a close look at Irish farming. Expect a full coach day with walking, free time, and no hotel pickup.

“Not alot of time on the bus. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and driver was excellent. I would do this trip again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 645 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $34

At Caherconnell in the Burren, you’ll tour a well-preserved stone ring fort with an expert guide, then watch trained border collies work sheep under a covered viewing area. Guides such as Pat, Sean, Ian, and Stephanie bring humor and archaeology to life. Allow 1 to 2 hours, with a cafe and shop on site.

“This was such a great experience. While I booked primarily for the sheepdog experience, the fort tour was very informative and interesting and our guide was an expert in the subject matter. The sheepdog demonstration was also fascinating to see how the dogs have been trained and how they listen to certain commands. It was also great to get pictures with dogs after. Would recommend to anyone!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Wicklow, Glendalough, Waterfall & Sheepdog Demo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 212 reviews · from $51

Travel from Dublin to County Wicklow by air-conditioned coach, stopping at Powerscourt Waterfall, Glendalough’s medieval monastery, and a working sheep farm for a sheepdog demonstration. English-speaking guides such as Matthew, Warwick, Natasha, and Derrick share stories along the way. Lunch is not included.

“Natasha was THE best tour guide I’ve had in years, there was almost no time to see the Guinness Lake (Lough Tay) but she did her best and took us anyways because she knew I am a HUGE Vikings (TV show) fan and that show was filmed there, could not recommend her enough, she was also filled with information and fun facts about all of Ireland which kept us learning for the full 9 hours, I went alone and had the greatest time, I’m so glad I did it, thank you so so much Natasha! ☘️🫶🏻💖”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Sheepdog herding demo on working sheep farm. Galway. Guided.

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 25 reviews · from $27Best value

From Leenane, meet a Connemara sheep farmer and watch a trained dog work a flock. You may feed lambs, see summer shearing, try cutting turf with a slean, and walk the farm for wide mountain views. The English tour lasts 1.5 hours and costs $27 per person.

“we liked watching the herding dog and feeding the lambs”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Connemara, Sheepdog Show and Medieval Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews

Meet the Lally Tours team outside The Hyde Hotel for a 7.5-hour trip through Connemara. Visit Aughnanure Castle with a local historian, watch Joe’s sheepdogs work, and stop in Leenane and Cong with guides such as Michael or Berry.

“This tour offered a variety of steps, all of which were interesting. Especially enjoyed the small group aspect and the flexibility that allowed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Sheepdogs in the countryside, authentic Dubliners city tour combo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend about eight hours with guide Eamonn exploring Wicklow and central Dublin by private vehicle. Watch Irish sheepdogs work with a farmer for an optional €100, then see Phoenix Park, the Liffey, Fishamble Street, a 191-year-old pub, Jameson’s original distillery, and Temple Bar.

“Eamonn is the best there is! We had a total blast and his caring style makes you feel like family. Very knowledgeable and oh so fun!! Best day we had!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review