8 Kilkenny Tours from Dublin, Compared

1.Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,897 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $48Our pick

Ride from Dublin to medieval Kilkenny, a Wicklow foothills sheep farm and Glendalough’s sixth-century monastic ruins. A guide leads walks in Kilkenny and Glendalough, while you get free time to explore both. Sheepdog demonstrations and lamb encounters are seasonal highlights. The day lasts about 10 hours, with coach Wi-Fi and a maximum group of 63.

“The sheep farm, Glendaloug, Kilkenny tour was wonderful. Liam, the guide and Pete, the driver were delightful. Even the singing. It was a perfect day for me,”

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2.Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6,235 reviews · from $45

Leave Dublin by coach for Glendalough’s monastic site and lakes, a brief Wicklow Gap photo stop, then a walking tour and free time in Kilkenny. English-speaking guides share local history, folklore and stories on the road. The $45 fare includes transport and guided walks; lunch and Kilkenny Castle entry cost extra.

“We had an incredible experience on this tour, thanks in large part to our amazing guide, Pat. He was extremely friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable—not only about the places we visited, but also about Irish history, culture, and the people. Pat shared so many fascinating stories that really brought the sites to life. He made sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves, constantly checking in and encouraging us to ask questions. Nothing felt rushed, and you could really tell he cared about making the day special for everyone.Read more”

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3.Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,895 reviews · 9 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Leave Dublin at 8:45 am for a full day in Wicklow and Kilkenny. Walk among Glendalough’s lakes and 6th-century monastic ruins, stop at the Wicklow Gap, then explore Kilkenny on a guided walk and at your own pace. A guide and separate driver handle the day; guides have included Pat, Philip, Jerry and Teresa.

“This was the BEST day trip we had! Our guide, Pat, was amazing! Knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming and funny! We learned a lot about the places in the history of Ireland. Alec, the driver, was also very nice. It goes to show the big difference it makes when you have a driver AND a guide instead of all-in-one.”

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4.Kilkenny, Wicklow & Glendalough Tour & Sheepdog Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,599 reviews · from $34Best value

Spend 10.5 hours outside Dublin visiting Glendalough’s monastic ruins and lakes, crossing the Wicklow Mountains and watching a sheepdog demonstration at a working farm. Finish with free time in medieval Kilkenny. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with names such as Gina, Godfrey and Quiggs among the guides praised for their stories and humor.

“All perfect ! I wanna go again. And I'm recommending it to my friends. The guide is very friendly and kind.”

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5.Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Sheepdog demonstration

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

Travel from central Dublin by air-conditioned coach to Glendalough, the Wicklow Gap, a working sheep farm and Kilkenny. You’ll hear live commentary, have time to explore the monastic ruins and medieval streets, and watch a shepherd work with trained sheepdogs. Guides such as Carol, Oli and Gina have led the trip, though your guide may vary.

“Absolutely wonderful tour. If you are in Dublin and fancy one day get away out of the city centre then this tour is great. Comfortable bus, had a lovely driver Nishad but absolutely 10/10 tour guide Gina that just made this trip one I will remember. She was so knowledgeable, kind, funny and always willing to help or give advice and tips. I travel a lot and Gina was definitely one of the best tour guides I met so if she is on your next trip you know you will have a blast! Well organised trip, we had enough time in each stop to explore all we wanted.”

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6.Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, & Kilkenny Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,710 reviews · from $51

Ride from Dublin to Kilkenny, the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough with a live English-speaking guide and a separate driver. You’ll have time for guided walks, a visit to a working sheep farm and a traditional collie sheepdog trial. Guide assignments vary; past tours have featured Ian, Maurice, Caroline and Kevin.

“This was the perfect way to spend our grandma's birthday. our tour guide, Maurice, was a delight and a wealth of knowledge. He made sure to make my grandma's birthday so special by including her in everything, dedicating songs to her on the bus ride, and having us all sing her happy birthday. Also, the journey was well broken up and so well organized. Highly recommend!”

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7.Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 177 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $195

Leave Dublin by reserved train seats for Kilkenny, where you have time to explore the castle area and city, then continue to Waterford for an included House of Waterford Crystal visit. A guide coordinates the day and shares local history. Paddy is a frequently named host, but the schedule is fixed around train departures. Castle entry and meals cost extra.

“The Waterford tour was outstanding! Very well done. The guide explained all of the steps during production and answered all questions.”

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8.Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin: Including Kilkenny City

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 164 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $48

Travel from Dublin through County Wicklow to Glendalough’s 10th-century round tower, wooded paths and lakes, then cross the Wicklow Gap before two hours in Kilkenny. Your guide provides commentary on the coach, while sightseeing at both stops is largely at your own pace. The tour includes WiFi and USB ports, but not lunch or Kilkenny Castle admission.

“Truly a remarkable tour … well worth it… even though it rained. Ruins are well worth seeing. Very comfortable ride.”

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