Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival. After your arrival at Dublin airport you are transferred to the city center of Dublin. Visit Trinity College which is the home of the world famous Book of Kells and St. Patrick's Cathedral, a twelve 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: Waterford/ 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 eighteenth century house overlooking the Awbeg River. The woodland garden contains a notable collection of rhododendrons, there is a walled garden with nineteenth 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: West Cork Tour. 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 color, 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 artifacts 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/ Dublin. 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.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights en suite accommodation in 3-star Hotels
- Irish Breakfast and dinner and all entrances as indicated on the itinerary
- Transport throughout in a modern coach with an English speaking guide
- All Taxes and Services
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Ireland
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Archeology/History
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