This tour will delight those interested in the charm and intrigue of a classic European Garden. Explore the history and culture of Ireland as you enjoy some of the Emerald Isles most enchanted places.
Day 1 – Arrive in Dublin and be met by your experienced and professional driver/ guide. First you will stop at Killashee House for tea and scones. After a refreshing break, you will journey south into Wicklow Co. where you will visit the impressive Powerscourt Estate. This magnificent property is well recognized as one of the world’s greatest gardens. After a visit and tour, you will journey to Mount Juliet Estate. After checking into your room and freshening up a bit, you will have a short tour of the property, and a visit with the hounds. While this intriguing mansion is synonymous with horses, the hunting dogs on site are one of the most adoring attractions you will encounter during your stay. Overnight: Mount Juliet, Kilkenny (B)
Japanese Gardens in the grounds of Powerscourt in Co Wicklow.
Day 2 – Today after breakfast you will visit Dunbrody Abbey, where you might lose yourself in its intricate yew hedge maze. Continue on to Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum on the banks of the River Nore whose features include the Monkey Puzzle Walk. The next stop will be Newtownbarry House & Gardens designed by Sir Charles Lanyon for a tour followed with afternoon tea at Newtownbarry House. . Overnight: Mount Juliet, Kilkenny (B)
Day 3 – Journey into the heart of the Blackwater Valley and arrive at Longueville House in time for lunch and a walk on the grounds. The oak trees on the front lawn date from 1815 and are planted in the formation of the battle of Waterloo. Each tree represents a regiment in the armies of Wellington and Napoleon. Continue on to the wonderful 5 Star Hayfield Manor, your home for the next two nights. Remainder of afternoon will be free to relax, if you don’t have plans we suggest a visit to the charming lobby bar for a pint. Overnight: Hayfield Manor, Cork (B)
| Includes: |
|---|
| Services of a professional Irish Driver/Guide and luxury vehicle |
| 8 nights outstanding hotel accommodations including 5 nights in 5 Star properties |
| Full Irish breakfast daily |
| Document Holder with appropriate vouchers |
Day 4 – After a “Manor House” breakfast one of the highlights of this trip is a visit to Garnish Island, an island garden of rare beauty. The gardens are landscaped with Neo-Classical follies and planted with sub-tropical flora. Perhaps you might see the seals that frequent the rocks on the southern shore. Then on to Bantry House, the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry where you could have some light refreshments on your own before taking a self guided tour of the house, which contains an important collection of furniture, art, and tapestries. The “Cardinal Rule” in planning this estate was that the house, garden, and site represent a single unit. One could not have been conceived without the other. Overnight: Hayfield Manor, Cork (B)
Day 5 – Today you will leave West Cork and travel into the “Kingdom of Kerry” and arrive for a tour of Muckross House and Gardens, an imposing Victorian mansion in the Elizabethan style. You will arrive mid afternoon at the wonderfully restored Great Southern Hotel in the heart of Killarney. Tonight may be the perfect evening to stroll through the town and catch some traditional Irish music in one of the many pubs. Overnight: Great Southern, Killarney (B)
Day 6 – The once forgotten Vandeleur Walled Garden at Kilrush House highlights the itinerary today. This garden specializes in many unusual plants that thrive in the area’s unique climate. Afterwards, you will cross the Shannon River by car ferry and continue on to Dromoland Castle, arriving with time to enjoy some of the ample activities offered at this amazing property. Overnight: Dromoland Castle Hotel, Clare (B)
Day 7 – Today you will travel to Dublin and enjoy more follies! Stop at Barberstown Castle for lunch on your own and then continue on to Castletown House, which is said to have influenced the design of the White House. There are two follies on the grounds, The Conolly Folly or Obelisk and The Wonderful Barn. You will continue into the city and arrive at the wonderfully positioned Fitzwilliam Hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this cosmopolitan city independently. Overnight: The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin City (B)
Day 8 – This morning after breakfast you will be given a driving tour of the city en route to Dublin Castle. While visiting the castle, you will have a tour of the State Apartments. At the conclusion of your visit you may choose to take a stroll down Grafton Street for that last minute shopping. Remainder of afternoon and evening will be free for you to shop, tour or stop into one of the many quaint pubs for a taste of the local fare. Dinner will be on your own this evening. Dublin is home to Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head. We often suggest dinner at this establishment, complete with entertainment and mesmerizing storytelling of Irish folklore. Overnight: The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin City (B)
Day 9 – Depart for the airport following breakfast with time for last minute duty-free shopping and a leisurely airport check-in. (B)
| Vehicle Type (or similar) | # of passengers | Jan - Mar, 2021 | Apr - Oct, 2021 | Nov - Dec 15, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Sedan | 2 | $4,999 | $6,469 | $5,469 |
| Mercedes Viano | 4 | $3,879 | $4,489 | $3,549 |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 6 | $3,169 | $4,149 | $3,169 |
