Ireland · SHEEPDOG DEMONSTRATIONS
The 11 best sheepdog demonstrations tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Leave Dublin with an English-speaking guide such as Gina, Godfrey, Harry, or Quiggs, then visit Glendalough, cross the Wicklow Mountains, watch a working sheepdog show, and explore Kilkenny. Expect 10.5 hours, long bus stretches, free time, and plenty of walking.
“Just do it, it’s perfect and absolutely worth the money. Dylan was an amazing guide.”
Leave Dublin at 8 a.m. for Glendalough’s monastic ruins, Wicklow Gap, a 45-minute sheepdog demonstration, and two hours in Kilkenny. You’ll travel by air-conditioned coach with a guide such as Carol, Oli, or Gina, then return around 6 p.m.
“Absolutely amazing! Beautiful scenery at the mountains, fun learning about and watching the sheep dog demo, and lovely town to end the day. I would highly recommend this tour!”
At Caherconnell in the Burren, a guided visit to the well-preserved stone fort leads into a lively sheepdog demonstration. Guides such as Sean, Ian, Pat, and Stephanie explain the site, while the shepherd shows how border collies respond to commands and work sheep. Covered seating, a cafe, and dog visits add practical appeal.
“The guided fort tour was informative and the guide made sure my daughter was engaged with his stories and jokes. We had excellent weather, but if you don’t, the herding demonstration was covered and enclosed on 3 sides. Add bonus, especially for younger kids, they let us pet the dogs at the end.”
Leave Dublin with an English-speaking driver-guide for Powerscourt Waterfall, Glendalough’s medieval monastic ruins, and a sheepdog demonstration at Barnbawn. You get transport, admissions, WiFi, and USB charging for $51, but bring money for lunch and wear shoes suited to uneven paths.
“I did like the places I visited, but having been there before, I must say they have changed greatly. Powerscourt waterfall has become more like a public park where people are spending the day and having a barbecue, and Glendalough was so crowded with people that in some places you couldn’t hear your own words. I just wish people would show more respect for ancient places like these. The views were stunning and the tour guide very knowledgeable, transportation was comfortable and we were very well looked after.Read more”
Spend about seven hours exploring County Wicklow from Dublin with a driver-guide. You’ll see Powerscourt Waterfall, walk among Glendalough’s sixth-century ruins and lakes, and visit a working sheep farm for a sheepdog demonstration. Guides such as Alec, Matthew, Andre, and Flann are praised for their stories and safe driving.
“Great experience at the waterfalls and the valley! However the sheep dog demonstration was not there as the person in charge pulled out without notice We were a bit disappointed Mr Frank was quite professional and a superb guide!”
Leave Galway at 10:30 for a 7.5-hour Connemara outing with a local guide such as Michael, Mike, or Richie. Explore Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian garden, stop in Leenane beside Killary Fjord, and watch Joe’s sheepdogs work the hills.
“I booked this tour last minute, and wow, I am SO glad I did! Loved the small group atmosphere and was thrilled to have Mike as our driver/guide. Lots of opportunities for photos and breathtaking sites. Prepare yourself to see fjords, mountains, lakes, wildlife, and incredible villages. The cong abbey is well worth exploring. The sheep dog demo was a highlight - Joe and his dogs will blow you away.”
Meet farmer Tom or PJ at a working Connemara sheep farm, watch a border collie herd sheep by whistle and voice command, and help feed lambs when available. The one-hour visit includes fine Killary Fjord views, optional rainwear and boots, and hand shearing in summer.
“Fun experience watching the sheep dog herd sheep! Scenery was beautiful! Easy to find and staff were friendly!”
Join a farmer on a working Connemara mountain farm near Leenane. Watch Rex the trained sheepdog herd sheep, feed lambs when available, see summer shearing, try cutting turf with a slean, and walk the grounds with wide country views.
“Amazing tour, had a lot of fun. ☺️ Would recommend. The dog, Rex was super cute and good at his work, lambs very adorable. Definitely worth the price.”
Ride from Galway with a small group of up to 20, stopping at Aughnanure Castle, Leenane, Cong Abbey, and a Connemara sheep farm. Guides such as Michael and Berry add local stories, while farmer Joe brings the sheepdog demonstration to life.
“This tour offered a variety of steps, all of which were interesting. Especially enjoyed the small group aspect and the flexibility that allowed.”
Travel privately with Derek from Galway through Connemara’s mountain valleys, bogs, coast, and Gaelic-speaking villages. Visit Kylemore Abbey, Aughnanure Castle, Killary Fjord, and a working sheep farm with a sheepdog demonstration. The 8-hour tour suits groups of up to four.
“We had a wonderful day on our tour of the Connemara Region with Derek. He tailored the tour around our interests and we had a great time. We loved the geography, the sheep farm experience, and Kylemore Abbey. The best part of the tour was all of the knowledge that Derek shared with us. Our experience was rich in both history and culture.”
Travel privately from Galway along the Wild Atlantic Way with a driver, stopping at Dunguaire Castle, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Caherconnell, Doolin, and the Cliffs of Moher. You set the pace for photos, enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, and watch trained border collies work sheep.
“Our driver was great took us to some vey nice castles and called out some cool details along the drive. The van was very comfortable, clean and nice!”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
