Springtime in Ireland & Tulips at Powerscourt

Monday

A morning departure from as we travel to Holyhead and the early afternoon cruise sailing to Dublin. On arrival, we head direct to our hotel in Carlow where a warm welcome awaits and dinner is served in the hotel.

Tuesday

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.

Wednesday

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
hand-crafted 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.

Thursday

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.

Friday

Departing after breakfast we spend a little free time in Dublin before catching the
afternoon ferry to Holyhead and homeward bound.