Kilkenny, Waterford & the Wicklow Mountains

Wicklow Mountains

Rock of Cashel Waterford Kilkenny

IRISH SEA

Powerscourt Gardens

6 Days from £499 6 Days from £679 May, Jul & Sep

Join us on an exploration of the unspoilt region of Ireland’s Ancient East, from the Wicklow Mountains National Park with its sweeping peaks and moors draped in heather, to the sublime Powerscourt Gardens, ranked as No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic. We combine stunning scenery with the historic cities of Kilkenny and Waterford, home of the world famous Waterford Crystal. If you are looking for an enchanting and captivating break in the Emerald Isle then this is not to be missed.

COACH ITINERARY

Day 1

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our hotel in Kilkenny, our base for the next four nights.

Day 2 Waterford & Suir Valley Railway & House of Waterford Crystal

We start the day with a scenic heritage train journey on the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, taking in the panoramic views as we travel along the picturesque banks of the River Suir and the beautiful Suir Valley. We continue on to the thriving maritime city of Waterford, where we visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Our guided tour takes us through the home of the world famous Waterford Crystal’s manufacturing facility where we learn how the stunning crystal is made, including demonstrations from the Master craftsmen using the traditional methods of mouth blowing, hand finishing, sculpting and engraving.

Day 3 Wicklow Mountains National Park & Powerscourt Gardens

We head into the Wicklow Mountains National Park which covers 20,000 hectares of stunning mountain scenery, with vast sweeps of heather-clad moorland, hills, bogland, deep glacial valleys and lakes. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife habitats. Afterwards, we continue on to the beautiful Powerscourt Gardens, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Sugarloaf Mountain and boasting a wonderful blend of striking terraces, fine statuary, ornamental lakes and a wide variety of trees. Designed from 1731 onwards and stretching over 47 acres, the estate includes formal walled gardens, distinctive Italian and Japanese gardens and the Pepperpot Tower, modelled on a pepper pot from Lord Powerscourt’s dining table!

Day 4 Kilkenny & Rock of Cashel

This morning, we spend some time at leisure in the charming town of Kilkenny with its network of medieval lanes which meander in the shadows of the 13th-century St Canice’s Cathedral and historic castle. The riverside walks and traditional pubs are not to be missed. Later, we head west to visit the iconic Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular archaeological sites, set on a rocky outcrop. The prominent hill is dotted with ancient fortifications, including a 12th-century round tower, 13th-century Gothic cathedral and 15th-century castle.

Day 5 Dublin (with optional guided tour £14pp)

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites and monuments to see from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Day 6

We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home. Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning. YOUR BREAK INCLUDES

y 4 nights at the 3-star Springhill Court Hotel,

Kilkenny with dinner & breakfast (includes farewell gala dinner) y Glass of wine or beer with dinner every evening at the Springhill Court Hotel y Excursions to the House of Waterford

Crystal, Wicklow Mountains National Park,

Powerscourt Gardens, Rock of Cashel & Dublin y Heritage train journey on the Waterford & Suir

Valley Railway y Guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal y Escorted by a tour manager in Ireland

Optional locally guided city tour of Dublin (£14pp)

ADDITIONAL DETAILS BY COACH

y Return coach travel and ferry crossings y 1 night at a selected 3-star hotel in the Dublin area with dinner y 1 breakfast on the return ferry home Please note: due to our early departure, breakfast on the final morning will be taken on the ferry. ADDITIONAL DETAILS BY AIR

y Return flights to Dublin y Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person) y Airport transfers in Ireland y 1 night at a selected 3-star hotel in the Dublin area with dinner & breakfast

YOUR HOTELS

Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny  The 3-star Springhill Court Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Kilkenny. The hotel features comfortable, well-equipped rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also features a bistro and bar plus a leisure club and spa with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym. Selected hotel  We also spend the last night of our stay at a conveniently located 3-star hotel in the Dublin area.

Hotel accessibility information

Springhill Court Hotel - Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance. 33 ground floor rooms.

Single supplement £175