A story of 5000 years of farming at 

Newtown Hill

What does Newtown Hill Archaeology & Sheepdogs offer?

Archaeology Tour- High above Ireland's capital city lies Newtown Hill, an archaeological landscape that spans across the Maguire's family farm. Join the landowners father and son Philip & Daniel Maguire, as they guide you on a journey of 5,000 years of living and farming in the majestic Dublin Mountains. On this unique tour you discover the deep-rooted connection the landowners have for the land and how the long-standing tradition of farming has resulted in a remarkably preserved oasis of archaeology which features an Early Medieval ringfort and a burial mound and a settlement enclosure dating to the Bronze Age. Duration: 2 hours

Sheepdog Demonstration- Witness the incredible bond between Philip and his three border collies in our sheepdog demonstrations. Skye, Callie and Nell show off their skills, intelligence and discipline to maneuver the local breed of Wicklow Cheviot Sheep under Philip's commands. Philip discusses his insight into training sheepdogs, the behaviour of sheep and being a full-time farmer in the Dublin Mountains. Duration: 45 mins

Book tickets

Want to experience what Newtown Hill has to offer for yourself, click on the following links to see when our next tour is

Archaeology Tour - Next date to be confirmed

Sheepdog Demonstration - Next date to be confirmed


Group bookings

Looking for a unique and memorable group experience in the Dublin Mountains? We welcome private groups of all sizes for an engaging blend of Irish archaeology, farming heritage, and live sheepdog demonstrations. 

  • Schools & Educational Groups
  • Universities & Colleges
  • Historical & Archaeological Societies
  • Corporate & Team-Building Events
  • Stag & Hen Parties
  • Tour Operators & Travel Groups
  • Youth Organisations (Scouts, Guides, etc.)
  • Active Retirement & Community Groups
  • Photography & Walking Clubs
  • Family Celebrations and Private Gatherings
  • Contact us now!

    Contact us

    Phone- Philip- 0872765237

    Email- philipmaguire0@gmail.com

    Instagram- newtown_hill

    Facebook- Newtown Hill Archaeology & Sheepdogs

    Important Information

    Location· Johnnie Fox's Overflow Car Park, Ballybetagh Road, Glencullen, Dublin 18, D18X635

    Parking- Free Parking for Cars & Buses

    Customer Advice

    • Wear suitable clothing for outdoors
    • Wear appropriate footwear suitable for a short hill walk
    • Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams
    • Archaeology Tour is not recommended for children under 12


    More about our experiences

    Archaeology Tour


    Join guides and local farmers Philip and Daniel for a journey through the remarkable archaeological landscape on their farm at Newtown Hill. Along the way, they'll share family stories and local history, highlighting ancient houses, burial sites, and field systems that date across 5,000 years.

    The walk concludes at the summit, offering breathtaking panoramic views stretching from Dublin Bay to the Wicklow Mountains. The walk is about 2 kilometres in distance with 8-10 stops of several minutes along the way so a moderate level of fitness is required. The tour takes 2 hours.


    €30

    Sheepdog Demonstration


    Philip and Daniel will give an insight into farming on the Dublin mountains with their flock of Wicklow Cheviot Sheep and how their sheepdogs Skye, Callie and Nell assist him in his daily work. Philip will demonstrate the incredible skill and intelligence of the border collie and how they work under his commands to maneuver the sheep. The rural tradition of sheepdog herding takes lots of training and patience which highlights the unique bond between man and dog. This is just a short walk from the car park in an adjacent field. The experience takes 45 mins with audience interaction throughout and even a chance to pet the dogs at the end!

    Adult- €15

    Child-€10

    Contact us
    0872765237  philipmaguire0@gmail.com