Dublin & The Wicklow Mountains

Monday

A morning departure from as we travel to Holyhead and the early afternoon cruise sailing to Dublin. From here we take the short journey to our hotel. Serenely set in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, in Blessington, County Wicklow, the Blessington Lakes cover 5,000 acres of tranquil clean water and provide an area of breathtaking scenery.

Tuesday

Our first visit today is to the beautiful Altamont Garden Estate at Tullow, Co Carlow. Covering 16 hectares in total we will discover lawns and sculpted yews that slope down to a lake ringed by rare trees and rhododendrons. A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen, sheltered by ancient oaks and flanked by huge stone outcrops that leads to the banks of the River Slaney. We continue to Huntington Castle at Clonegal. Built in 1625 in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Blackstairs mountains, it was the ancient seat of the Esmonde family. The extensive grounds include an ancient yew walk and a number of ‘champion’ trees. We include a Guided Tour of the House.

Wednesday

A full days guided tour of ancient and modern Dublin. Drive through the main streets to see historic buildings such as Dublin Castle, the iconic H’apenny Bridge and Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed, rows of Georgian houses with gaily painted doorways and the new buildings around the Financial Centre beside the River Liffey. High on the list for many people’s Irish Experience is a pint of the black stuff and where better to drink it than the home of Guinness! We include a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, one of Dublin’s most popular visitor attractions and here you will discover all there is to know about Ireland’s most famous export.

Thursday

We travel north through the Wicklow Mountains to Mount Usher Gardens. Situated on the banks of the Vartry River, Mount Usher has been designed with over 5,000 different species of plants and trees from all parts of the globe. Water forms an essential part of the scenery with cascades and a suspension bridge visible from many sections.

Friday

Breakfast today is included on board our return sailing to Holyhead then we continue homeward.