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Sun 2 – Thu 6 Apr 4 Springtime in Ireland & Tulips at Powerscourt – Woodford Dolman Hotel, Carlow
Powerscourt House & Gardens
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Dates & Prices
Sun 2-Thu 6 April 2023 4 NightsUPGRADE L U X U R Y C O A C H UPGRADE £639
Discover Powerscourt in spring, when the estate is ablaze with colour and over 10,000 tulips gently dance throughout the gardens. We also visit some fantastic attractions, including Kilkenny, Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, and the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. Look What’s Included on your Holiday
Holiday Itinerary
Sunday A morning departure from as we travel to Holyhead and the early afternoon cruise sailing to Dublin. On arrival in Dublin, we head direct to our hotel, the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow where a warm welcome awaits and dinner is served in the hotel. Monday Breakfast in the hotel, we then head for the Wicklow Mountains for our visit to Powerscourt House & Gardens, recently voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, however the star of the show in springtime is the arrangement of over 14,000 tulips planted in colourful displays at various points across the Estate, particularly in the Walled Garden and along the herbaceous border. Also included in our visit is a fascinating behind the scenes look at Powerscourt whiskey production with a distillery tour. Tuesday Today we visit the attractive medieval city of Kilkenny on the banks of the River Nore, with its Elizabethan architecture and winding passages and lanes. Kilkenny has a fascinating history and a thriving crafts industry. See the magnificent 12th century Kilkenny Castle which overlooks the River Nore and the Kilkenny Design Craft Centre home to a selection of Irish handcrafted gifts in the city or why not visit the Medieval Mile Museum in the heart of St Mary’s church filled with artefacts and sculptures. Wednesday We visit Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre this morning to admire the range of intricately crafted silverware including jewellery, tableware and gift items. This afternoon, we enjoy time at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, St Fiachra’s Gardens, awash with seasonal colours. We learn about the lives of the magnificent horses bred and stabled here and can visit the new visitor centre, a purpose-built, interactive exhibition which takes us through every stage of owning a racehorse. Thursday Departing after breakfast we spend a little free time in Dublin before catching the afternoon ferry to Holyhead and homeward bound. ✓ Door to Door Service ✓ Our own courier service ✓ Luxury Traveller Coach with ‘First Class’ seating ✓ Return Ferry Crossings ✓ 4 nights half board ✓ Outlined Excursions ✓ Entrance to Powerscourt Gardens ✓ Distillery Tour/Tasting ✓ Newbridge Silverware Visitors Centre ✓ Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens & St Fiachra’s Gardens. Not included: All lunches.
Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow HHHH
Set on the banks of the River Barrow, the Woodford Dolmen Hotel has lovely grounds with views of the Killeshin Hills and 10 acres of gardens, complete with resident fairies in the magical fairy garden. Around 5 minutes’ drive from Carlow town centre, the charming hotel houses 81 modern bedrooms with neutral décor. There is a stylish bar with plenty of seating for relaxing, while the restaurant serves up dishes prepared with fresh, local produce in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
©Rob Durston@irelandscontentpool.com
National Botanic Gardens
NEW TOUR
Dates & Prices
Sun 16-Thu 20 July 2023 4 Nights £749
Ireland is famous for its castle gardens, its emerald green landscape and its botanical gardens. The mild and moist Irish climate is very well suited to plant growth. Our gardening tour is packed full of gems, yet is relaxed and unhurried, taking in the very best that this area of the Emerald Isle has to offer. Look What’s Included on your Holiday
✓ Door to Door Service ✓ Our own courier service ✓ Club Class Extra Legroom Coach ✓ Return Ferry Crossings ✓ 4 nights half board ✓ Outlined Excursions ✓ Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens & St Fiachra’s Gardens ✓ National Botanic Holiday Itinerary Gardens of Ireland ✓ Malahide Castle & Sunday A morning departure from as we travel Gardens ✓ Belvedere House. to Holyhead and the early afternoon sailing to Not included: All lunches. Dublin. On arrival in Dublin, we head direct to the stunning Johnstown Estate Hotel, ideally situated from which to explore Ireland’s capital city of Dublin and the hidden gems on offer within our itinerary, including the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, the Botanic Garden of Ireland, Malahide Castle & Gardens and magnificent Belvedere House. Monday This morning we enjoy time at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, St Fiachra’s Gardens, awash with seasonal colours. We learn about the lives of the magnificent horses bred and stabled here and can visit the new visitor centre, a purpose-built, interactive exhibition which takes us through every stage of owning a racehorse. Tuesday We visit the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland – an oasis of calm and beauty. The Gardens contain important collections of plant species and cultivars from all over the world and are famous for the exquisitely restored historic glasshouses. From here we journey to Malahide Castle & Gardens for a 45-minute guided tour. Located on the north coast of Dublin City, Malahide Castle is set in 250 acres of stunning parkland and is home to one of Ireland’s four botanical walled gardens with 5000 species of plants including a wonderful collection from many Southern Hemisphere countries. Wednesday Today’s excursion takes us to Belvedere House. This magnificent 160-acre estate, on the shores of Lough Ennell, features a fully restored Georgian villa, Victorian Walled Garden, 18th century parkland and woodland walking trails. But most intriguing are the various romantic follies and each of these impressive structures has a captivating story to tell. The Jealous Wall at Belvedere is the largest folly in Ireland and hides a story of sibling rivalry and the haunting past of the ‘Wicked Earl’ who once owned Belvedere. The Victorian Walled Garden features many exotic plants and is well worth a visit. Thursday Departing after breakfast we enjoy a short-guided tour of Dublin before boarding the afternoon sailing to Holyhead, arriving back into Henley during the late evening.
Johnstown Estate HHHH
The Johnstown Estate is where Georgian splendour meets modern day luxury. The 1750’s Georgian Rural Residence is set on 120 acres of parkland, overlooking the river Blackwater nestled between the villages of Johnstownbridge and Enfield. Located only located only 35 minutes from Dublin city centre. Situated on Ireland’s Ancient East the rooms are located on 2-floors with lift access available. Restaurant, bar/lounge. The hotel is also home to Ireland’s premier Spa Resort and Leisure Club with a 20-metre pool and state of the art Gym Facility.
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Waterford Crystal Tour
Dates & Prices
Sun 21-Thu 25 May 2023 4 Nights £659
Discover Ireland’s Ancient East, from our base in County Wexford, a region of legends and stories from ancient times to modern day. Wander down the cobbled streets of medieval towns; visit the world’s oldest working lighthouse; explore castles and gorgeous gardens whilst visiting cosmopolitan Kilkenny in this distinctive part of Ireland.
NEW TOUR
Look What’s Included on your Holiday
✓ Door to Door Service ✓ Our own courier service ✓ Club Class Extra Legroom Coach ✓ Return Ferry Crossings ✓ 4 nights half board ✓ Outlined Excursions ✓ Dunbrody Famine Ship ✓ Johnstown Castle & Irish Agricultural Museum ✓ Tour of Waterford Crystal ✓ Huntingdon Castle & Gardens. Not included: All lunches.
© Huntington Castle
Holiday Itinerary
Sunday We drive south into Wales and our afternoon sailing to Rosslare. Upon arrival in Ireland, we continue to our hotel in Enniscorthy for our 4-night stay. Monday We begin the day in New Ross and a guided tour of the 1840’s Dunbrody Famine Ship and its insight and interpretation of the Irish emigrant experience. From here, we drive to the Hook Peninsular to visit the world’s oldest operational lighthouse with stunning views from the Hook headland. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see some dolphins or the village of Crooke on the other side of the bay? Johnstown Castle, Wexford is our next destination where a tour is arranged of the Gothic-Revival Castle with time to explore the Irish Agricultural Museum, lake walks and ornamental gardens which are self-guided. Tuesday Today begins in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, where we have a tour of the factory arranged at the House of Waterford Crystal, where glowing balls of molten crystal are blown, sculptured and engraved in front of your eyes. We venture on to the coastal town of Dungarvan, before heading along ‘The Copper Coast’ which embraces the panoramic seascapes and villages, including Bunmahon, the centre for Copper Mining in the 19th century, before arriving in the seaside resort of Tramore. Wednesday A short drive to Huntingdon Castle and Gardens. Built in 1625 and still in the same ownership, a guided tour with a family member will tell tales of this beautiful castle and gardens. Enjoy the tearooms before heading along the Mount Leinster Heritage Trail, through Fenagh and Bagenalstown, on to the vibrant city of Kilkenny to explore the shops, studios and eateries. Our return continues further along the Mount Leinster Heritage Trail through the charming Georgian, granite village of Borris. Thursday Departing after breakfast we make our way to Dublin for the afternoon sailing to Holyhead, arriving back into Henley during the late evening.
Huntington Castle
Riverside Park Hotel and Leisure Club, Enniscorthy HHHH
This modern, luxurious hotel with a circular stone tower enjoys an enchanting location on the banks of the River Slaney, less than a 10minute walk from Enniscorthy Castle and the bustling market town of Enniscorthy. It boasts a sumptuous interior with a lounge where entertainment is hosted and a promenade bar with views of the river. Leisure facilities include indoor swimming pool. Mobility Grade: 4. Location reasonably level with isolated steps. Good access throughout for those with mobility issues. Lift to all floors.
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Kylemore Abbey
Dates & Prices
Sun 4-Sat 10 June 2023 6 Nights £1019UPGRADE L U X U R Y C O A C H UPGRADE
See County Galway, the Connemara National Park and Westport from our base in Clifden. With its spectacular scenery and emerging reputation as the West’s ‘Gourmet Capital’, this is a wonderful base from which to explore.
Holiday Itinerary
Sunday We drive north to Holyhead and our ferry to Dublin. We continue to our overnight stay at the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar. Monday We travel across Ireland, pausing at thriving Galway for time at leisure before making our way to the Station House Hotel, Clifden, our base for the next 4 nights. Tuesday Today we journey north for an included tour of Westport House. Built in 1730, the house boasts original architecture within a superb parkland setting including a lake, terraces, waterfalls and magnificent views of Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. The rest of the day is free to explore the pretty town of Westport, situated on the shores of Clew Bay. Wednesday After breakfast today we will board the coach and make our way to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden. The dramatic landscape and iconic image of a gothic castle reflected in a Connemara Lake has made Kylemore Abbey world-famous and it is now the largest tourist attraction in the west of Ireland. Later, there is free time in the bustling coastal town of Clifden – often referred to as the ‘Capital of Connemara’.
Look What’s Included on your Holiday
✓ Door to Door Service ✓ Our own courier service ✓ Luxury Traveller Coach with ‘First Class’ seating ✓ Return Ferry Sailings ✓ 6 nights half board ✓ Outlined excursions ✓ Guided tour of Westport House Estate ✓ Entrance of Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Garden ✓ Sheep Herding & Refreshments at Glen Keen Farm ✓ Killary Cruise ✓ Guided tour of the Celtic Crystal Visitors Centre. Not included: All lunches.
Thursday We travel through the Connemara National Park and witness the dramatic scenery of the Twelve Bens Mountain range before arrival at Glen Keen Farm where you will be treated to a sheep herding demonstration, traditional Irish music and refreshments. On then to Killary where we include a delightful cruise along Killary Fjord, enjoying 9 miles of uninterrupted views of some of the finest scenery in the west of Ireland. Friday Departing Clifden we enjoy a guided tour of the Celtic Crystal Visitor Centre in Moycullen. Following this visit, head east, checking into the Maldron Hotel, Newlands Cross near Dublin for our overnight stay. Saturday Breakfast today is included on board our return sailing to Holyhead then we continue homeward.
The Clifden Station House Hotel HHH
The Clifden Station House is a modern hotel set around the old Clifden Railway Station. More than 60 years ago the last Steam Train departed from Clifden to Galway. Today the Railway Station, its Station House Platform and Engine House have been magnificently restored and transformed into The Clifden Station House & Courtyard. The hotel also has a leisure centre & indoor swimming pool. Mobility Grade: 4. Located a short walk from the town centre, the location reasonably level. Lift to all floors.
