Garden of Ireland and County Wicklow

Local departure by coach, then to Holyhead for the ferry to Ireland, and onward to our hotel, near Tulfarris in County Wicklow for four nights.

Join us on our excursion to the spectacular  Wicklow Mountains, visiting the town of ‘Ballykissangel’ fame, Avoca. In Avoca you will be able to stand on the Lion Bridge, where the rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg converge to take in the view which inspired the poet Tom Moore to write his famous song, ‘The Meeting of the Waters’. 

We continue to the valley of the two lakes, Glendalough, celebrated equally for its beauty and for its historical and archaeological interests. We end the day in the seaside resort of Bray.

Enjoy a full day optional excursion, which takes us into County Kildare to visit the famous Irish National Stud and the adjacent Japanese Gardens, which are a joy to wander. Nowhere better symbolises all that is great about County Kildare, the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, than the stud, a unique attraction of outstanding natural beauty that is home to some of the most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens to be found anywhere in the world.

A day of exploring the Wicklow coast on our included excursion. The first stop will be in Wicklow, which is a pretty resort with a shingle beach. A spit of land called the Murrough was used by the Vikings as a refuge and now has a promenade and even a railway along some of it. The tour continues south around Brittas Bay to Arklow, one of the largest resorts on the east coast. We continue into  County Wexford and the attractive market town of Gorey. A stone Celtic cross on Gorey Hill commemorates the Insurrection, which occurred here at the end of the 18th century. You return to the coast for the final port of call at Courtown Harbour, a colourful sight with dozens of fishing and pleasure boats.

We travel to Dublin on our included excursion. In Dublin, with its fascinating history, you can join an optional sightseeing tour which will take in the major sights and splendid architecture such as Trinity College, the Four Courts, the National Gallery and, of course, St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

We continue to our overnight hotel on the outskirts of the city.

To Holyhead, then home.

Regional departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Holyhead for the ferry to Ireland, and onward to Carlow for a four-night stay.

Join our full day tour to the spectacular Wicklow Mountains. We head to the valley of the two lakes, Glendalough, which is celebrated equally for its beauty and for its history and archaeology.

We continue to the famous Mount Usher Gardens. Criss-crossed with dainty footbridges, the River Vartry flows through the centre of this authentic Robinsonian garden, with its enviable collection of trees, shrubs and plants. Voted 'Best Garden to visit in Ireland' by BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Monty Don has nominated Mount Usher as one of his favourite gardens. 

We end the day in the town of ‘Ballykissangel’ fame, Avoca. Stand on the Lion Bridge, where the rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg converge, to take in the view which inspired the poet Tom Moore to write his famous song, ‘The Meeting of the Waters’.

Enjoy a full day included excursion, which takes us into County Kildare to visit the famous Irish National Stud and the adjacent Japanese Gardens – an absolute joy to wander! Nowhere better symbolises all that is great about County Kildare – the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry – than the stud. This unique attraction of outstanding natural beauty is home to some of the world’s most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens.

Included excursion to beautiful Powerscourt House & Gardens, renowned as one of the most breathtaking and charming estates in Ireland. Explore the magnificent 47 acre gardens, voted third best garden in the world, and marvel at the sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. Among the highlights include Italianate terraces, the walled garden, the Japanese Garden and waterfalls.

We travel to Dublin on our included excursion. In Dublin, with its fascinating history, you can join an optional sightseeing tour which will take in the major sights and splendid architecture such as Trinity College, the Four Courts, the National Gallery and, of course, St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

We continue to our overnight hotel on the outskirts of the city.

To Holyhead, then home.