Day 1 – Arrival
 |
After your arrival at Dublin airport you are transferred
to the city centre of Dublin. Visit Trinity College which
is the home of the world famous ‘Book of Kells’
and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a 12th century Cathedral
which was once the home of Dean Jonathon Swift. In the afternoon
enjoy a visit to the National Botanic Gardens which were established
in 1795 and today contains over 20,000 floral species. Dinner
and overnight in Dublin. |
Day 2 – Wicklow
 |
A
full day tour to the County of Wicklow which is affectionately
known as ‘The Garden of Ireland’. In this area
of lush mountains and valleys we have a variety of lovely
gardens. Visit Fernhill Gardens to see the Victorian laurel
lawn and Mount Usher Gardens which date back to 1868 and displays
plants from all corners of the earth. Truly spectacular are
Powerscourt Gardens and House with its sublime blend of formal
gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes
with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over
200 variations of trees and shrubs. Afternoon visit of Russborough
House which dates back to the 18th Century. Dinner and overnight
in Dublin. |
Day 3 – Dublin / Waterford
 |
Depart Dublin today and travel to Waterford. Enroute visit
Altamount Gardens, beautiful formal gardens with clipped yews,
herbaceous borders and a lily pool. There is a lake with inviting
small islands and winding paths lead around the lake. Beyond
this is a glen, carpeted with bluebells and ferns, leading
on through ancient mossy oakwoods to the beautiful River Slaney.
Continue on to Kilkenny city to visit Rothe House which is
an Elizabethian complex built in 1594. Finally arrive in Waterford
for dinner and overnight. |
Day 4 – Waterford
 |
Morning visit of the world famous Waterford Crystal
Factory. Visit Kilmokea which is a privately owned Georgian
rectory and has two gardens; the first is the Italian Garden
and beyond this main garden a path leads through to the lower
garden which sets a totally different mood with a lake, a
stream and paths through woodland among rare and tender plants.
Visit Lismore Castle and Gardens. It is said that the poet
Spenser wrote part of his ‘Faerie Queene’ in these
gardens which boast a fine collection of magnolias and mamelias.
The history of the castle dates back to 1185 but has undergone
several reconstructions since then. Dinner and overnight in
Waterford. |
Day 5 – Ring of Kerry
 |
Journey to Kerry today stopping off in Co. Cork to
visit Anne's Grove Gardens, an attractive Robinsonian Garden,
on a sloping site, surrounding an 18th century house overlooking
the Awbeg River. The woodland garden contains a notable collection
of rhododendrons, there is a walled garden with 19th century
hedged compartments, fine herbaceous borders, rose beds and
a water garden. Some free time in Kerry upon arrival for personal
sightseeing. Dinner and overnight in Kerry. |
Day 6 – Dingle Peninsula
 |
Travel
to West Cork today where you will enjoy a boat trip to Garinish
Island and its Gardens, designed by Harold Peto. The island
is renowned for its richness of plant form and colour, changing
continuously with the seasons. Then on to visit Bantry House
and Gardens, which dates to 1740 when the second Earl of Bantry
collected many valuable artefacts which are still to be seen
in the house today. The gardens are one of the best examples
of an Italian style garden in Ireland with panoramic views
overlooking Bantry Bay. Dinner and overnight in Kerry. |
Day 7 – Kerry / Portlaoise
 |
Depart
Kerry today and travel to Dublin. En route visit the awe inspiring
Rock of Cashel, a limestone mound over 60 metres high and
the noblest cluster of medieval monuments to be found in Ireland.
Finally arrive in Dublin for dinner and overnight. |
| Day 8 – Departure |
Transfer to Dublin airport today for departure. |
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