Gardens and Houses of Ireland Itinerary
Day One
Arrive at Dublin airport. Pickup. Tour of Dublin City.
Visit Trinity College, 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 Two
A full day tour to the County of Wicklow which is affectionately known as ‘The Garden of Ireland’.
Visit Fernhill Gardens to see the Victorian laurel lawn and Mount Usher Gardens.
Truly spectacular are Powerscourt Gardens and House with its sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, rambling walks and walled gardens.
Afternoon visit of Russborough House which dates back to the 18th Century.
Dinner and overnight in Dublin.
Day Three
Depart Dublin today and travel to Waterford.
Enroute visit Altamount Gardens, beautiful formal gardens with clipped yews, herbaceous borders and a lily pool.
Beyond this is a glen, 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.
Finally arrive in Waterford for dinner and overnight.
Day Four
Morning visit of the world famous Waterford Crystal Factory.
Visit Kilmokea which is a privately owned Georgian rectory and has two gardens; an Italian Garden and a lower garden 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 . The history of the castle dates back to 1185.
Dinner and overnight in Waterford.
Day Five
Journey to Kerry today stopping off in County Cork to visit Anne's Grove Gardens, a Robinsonian Garden, surrounding an eigthteenth century house overlooking the Awbeg River.
The woodland garden contains a notable collection of rhododendrons, 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 sightseeing.
Dinner and overnight in Kerry.
Day Six
Travel to West Cork 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.
Onto 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 Seven
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 Eight
Transfer to Dublin airport today for departure.
