Irelands Hidden Treasures

Saturday

We journey to Holyhead in North Wales for our afternoon sailing to Ireland and continue to our overnight stay at the Talbot Stillorgan Park (4-star rated).

Sunday

Spend this morning exploring Dublin before heading north through the ancient landscapes of Navan and Cavan, to the lakeland county of Fermanagh for our 4-night stay at the Manor House Hotel

Monday

This morning we head to the lovely Blessingbourne Country Estatefor a guided tour of the house and gardens with its fascinating history, by the lady of the manor. We finish the tour with tea and homemade cakes.

Tuesday

Relax in the hotel before a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park, one of the country’s major museums. Here, you’ll experience the epic story of Ireland’s emigration from the thatched cottages of Ulster to the
American Frontier, brought to life through costumed re-enactments. This afternoon we visit Belleek Pottery, Ireland’s oldest pottery having produced delicate Parian china for over 150 years. This evening, enjoy one of the highlights of the tour, a sunset dinner cruise on lovely Lough Erne on-board the’ Lady of the Lake’ (3-course dinner included).

Wednesday

A local coach transfers us into Enniskillen. Nestling on a small island that separates Upper and Lower Lough Erne the town boasts a beautiful waterside setting. Here, we include a visit to the Enniskillen Castle Museum. In the afternoon we are free to explore the town with its Buttermarket – a fine collection of galleries, shops and cafes and a popular Railway Museum

Thursday

After breakfast we depart the Manor House Hotel and travel to Hillsborough Castle, near Belfast. One of the most beautiful, and interesting historic properties in Northern Ireland and the official residence of the Royal
Family when they are in Northern Ireland. From here we continue to the Stormont Hotel (4-star rated), for dinner and our final nights stay.

Friday

We board the late morning sailing from Belfast to Cairnryan, arriving at 1.45pm from here, we return south through the Scottish Borders to Henley, returning for approximately 9.30pm.