By Hook or By Crook

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 with the opportunity to visit the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Garden. A tribute to the well-respected Irish writer who made his home in Japan. Discover eleven story gardens which biograph Hearn’s life, with views overlooking the beach and bay.

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.