Glendalough, Powerscourt Waterfall and Sheepdog Show Tour from Dublin

Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt Waterfall drops about 121 metres down a granite cliff face on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains, making it the highest waterfall in Ireland. It lies within the grounds of the Powerscourt estate, in a sheltered parkland of giant redwoods, beech and oak trees along the River Dargle, and the falls are at their fullest after rain.

You arrive at about 10:30 and have 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk to the foot of the falls, take photos and enjoy the riverside lawns. Entry to the waterfall park is included on this tour, so there is no need to buy Powerscourt Waterfall tickets on arrival. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops for families and casual walkers.

The Glendalough monastic site

Glendalough, the Valley of the Two Lakes, was chosen by Saint Kevin as a place of retreat in the 6th century, and the monastery he founded became one of the great centres of learning in early Christian Ireland. Most of the surviving buildings date from the 10th to the 12th centuries, including a 30-metre round tower, the roofless cathedral, St Kevin's Church with its stone roof, and a graveyard of Celtic crosses.

The round tower, built as a bell tower and lookout, is the symbol of the valley and appears in almost every photo. Many travellers searching for a Glendalough tour from Dublin come for this site, and with almost two hours here you can see the ruins at your own pace and still have time for lunch at the cafes or food trucks near the visitor area.

The Upper and Lower Lakes of Glendalough

Beyond the monastic city, the glacial valley holds two lakes framed by steep forested slopes. A flat boardwalk path leads from the ruins past the Lower Lake to the larger Upper Lake in about 30 minutes, through woodland where deer are often seen grazing. The Upper Lake is the classic viewpoint, with mountains rising straight from the water.

The lakes are part of Wicklow Mountains National Park, the largest national park in Ireland. Visitors who wonder whether Glendalough is worth visiting usually answer after this walk: the mix of history and wild scenery is unique so close to the capital. Good shoes are useful, as paths can be muddy after rain.

Sheepdog demonstration at Barnbawn

The last stop is a family hill farm at Barnbawn in the Wicklow uplands, where sheep farming has shaped the landscape for generations. The farmer introduces his working border collies and explains how they are trained from puppies to respond to whistles and calls.

You then watch the dogs gather a flock from the hillside and guide it through gates and around the field with remarkable precision, all directed by a few short commands. It is a real farming skill rather than a show for tourists, and children especially love meeting the dogs after the demonstration. The visit lasts about 45 minutes before the 75-minute drive back to Dublin, with plenty of time to ask the farmer questions.

The Wicklow Mountains drive

County Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland for its mix of mountains, valleys, forests and lakes, all within an hour of the city. The drive from Dublin takes you through rolling farmland and up into granite hills covered in heather and gorse, with views over wooded glens and mountain streams.

Your driver-guide uses the journey to tell the myths, legends and history of the area, from early monks to local folk tales. For travellers looking for a Wicklow day tour from Dublin without driving on narrow mountain roads themselves, this guided coach day is a relaxed way to see the region, with photo-worthy views of valleys and reservoirs along the way.