A Luxury Discovery of Southern Ireland

Depart your home city and arrive the next day in Dublin

On arrival at Dublin Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Dylan Hotel. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

Dublin City Tour, Trinity College Tour & Dublin Castle

We start the day with a tour of Dublin and discover several landmarks such as the old city wall, Temple Bar and the River Liffey, before visiting Chester Beatty’s library, described as the finest collection of manuscripts and books made by a private collector in the 20th century. The museum includes representative samples of the world’s heritage (artistic, religious and secular) from about 2700 BC to the present century.

Next, we enjoy a tour of Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. The college’s magnificent Old Library displays Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells. Written around 800 AD and celebrated for its lavish decoration, the manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin).

This afternoon, discover Dublin Castle, a historic fortress and government complex that has played a central role in the city’s history for centuries. It was originally built in the early 13th century and served as a residence for the British monarchy, a military fortress and the seat of the English administration in Ireland. We take the opportunity to explore its impressive State Apartments, medieval undercroft and the Chapel Royal, where beautiful Gothic architecture can be seen. There’s time for dinner at leisure before we head back to our hotel.

Russborough House & Walled Gardens

We spend today at glorious Russborough House. This magnificent Palladian mansion was built in the mid-18th century and has been home to many notable families of the aristocracy, evidenced by its remarkable collection of art and antiques. We explore lavish interiors, featuring ornate plasterwork and fine furnishings, and learn more about the history behind magnificent artwork on our tour. There’s time to wander the beautifully landscaped gardens, which include a charming walled garden and also enjoy a light lunch.

Later, we check into the Killashee Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights of our tour.

Hunting Brook Gardens & June Blakes

Hunting Brook Gardens is a captivating display of imaginative plant combinations and borders of vibrant color, along with an enchanting woodland. Created by the renowned horticulturist Jimi Blake, the gardens are thoughtfully designed to enable a diverse mix of exotic plants to thrive, making them a delight to wander, surrounded by peaceful countryside. We enjoy a guided tour here before heading to June Blake’s.

A place of intrigue and restoration, June Blake’s Garden is a testament to the artistic flair and horticultural expertise of June Blake. Her garden features an eclectic mix of plant species, each chosen for its unique beauty and contribution to the overall tapestry of colors and textures. We enjoy a guided tour here and explore the meticulously curated landscapes of native and exotic plants before stopping for some refreshing tea and cake.

Rock of Cashel & Kilkenny Castle

This morning, we visit the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s top archaeological spots, set on a rocky outcrop. The prominent hill is dotted with a range of ancient fortifications, including a storied 12th-century round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and a 15th-century castle.

We then stop at a traditional Irish pub in Kilkenny, where we’re treated to a hearty Irish lunch – perhaps choose to enjoy the Irish Stew and a Guinness. After lunch, we make our way to Kilkenny Castle, a majestic fortress that has stood since the 12th century, surrounded by beautiful countryside. We explore the the period rooms on our guided tour and learn more about the significant events witnessed here.

This evening we head to Marlfield House for our overnight stay.

New Ross, Mount Congreve & Lafcadio Japanese Gardens

Ireland’s history is brought to life at the Dunbrody Famine Ship at New Ross, our next stop. We learn about the bravery of Irish people onboard an authentic replica of an 1840s emigrant boat, complete with costumed performers, insightful displays and details of their harrowing journey. After weeks spent dangerously crossing the Atlantic, the emigrants arrived in North America and made up a quarter of the population in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore by 1850.

Next, we visit Mount Congreve Gardens, a horticultural masterpiece of rare and exotic plants that thrive thanks to the passion and dedication of Ambrose Congreve, who developed them over several decades. The gardens span over seventy acres, abundant with a diverse range of flora, including magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons. We take a stroll through the meticulously maintained landscapes, taking in the vibrant colors and tranquil ambiance, before enjoying a light lunch. Afterward, the Estate Director takes us on a fascinating tour of the estate.

This afternoon, we explore Lafcadio Japanese Gardens, a serene and beautifully designed landscape inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. The gardens feature a variety of elements such as koi ponds, stone lanterns and pruned trees that create a tranquil atmosphere. Our guided tour provides an insight into the design philosophy behind these gardens, and we also visit the tea house.

Doneraile Court & Estate & Tourin House & Gardens

We discover the beautifully landscaped gardens and architectural grandeur of Doneraile Court & Estate. The grounds include walking trails, ornamental gardens and a picturesque lake, while the court itself is a magnificent Georgian structure. We enjoy a guided tour and uncover more about Doneraile’s connection to notable figures.

Later, we explore Tourin House & Gardens, a serene escape into horticultural artistry. On our guided tour, we wander the meticulously well-kept gardens of vibrant flowers and plants and the house, wonderfully dressed in period furnishings.

 

Dromana Estate & Titanic Exhibition Cobh

This morning, we visit Dromana Estate, a unique Hindu-Gothic style structure surrounded by gardens of flora and fauna. A member of the Fitzgerald family takes us on a guided tour, and we discover more about the family’s significant influence on the region.

We then make our way to the maritime town of Cobh for our Titanic Experience. As the last port of call for the Titanic, the Titanic Experience here offers a unique insight into the lives of the passengers who boarded the ship from this location. Our guided tour takes us through the original departure point, and we learn, through interactive exhibits, about the Titanic’s journey and the stories of those who traveled on it.

Cork & Blarney Castle

In the morning, we spend some free time in Cork. Enjoy the lively atmosphere here and wander the bustling streets lined with shops and cafés, or take a leisurely walk along the scenic River Lee. Explore the English Market, a historic indoor market where you can sample local delicacies and fresh produce. There’s also the Crawford Art Gallery – an impressive collection of both contemporary and classical works.

This afternoon, the medieval Blarney Castle awaits, built nearly 600 years ago by a powerful Irish magnate and now one of the country’s most famous visitor attractions. Millions have flocked here to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence and never again be lost for words, but there is so much more to see, including the atmospheric dungeons, a poison garden and the lovely countryside views from the battlements.

Ring of Kerry scenic drive

Our tour manager takes us on a scenic guided tour of the Ring of Kerry, journeying through an untouched landscape of tranquil lakes and rolling hills, passing through charming towns such as Killorglin, Waterville and Kenmare.

Glin Castle & Bunratty Castle

This morning, we visit Glin Castle. Nestled on the banks of the River Shannon, the castle is surrounded by beautiful scenery and dates back over 700 years. We enjoy a guided tour of the landscaped gardens and find out more about rare plant species, the castle’s storied past and its architectural significance. We enjoy lunch here before heading to Bunratty Castle this afternoon.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is set in 26 acres of unspoilt County Clare countryside. The most complete castle in Ireland and meticulously restored to reflect the grandeur of its past inhabitants, it’s fascinating to imagine how lords and ladies once lived in this 15th-century gem. We enjoy a wander through the castle and take a Jaunting Car Ride over the grounds.

Aran Islands

After breakfast, we make our way to the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inisheer. Known as Inis Oírr in Irish (pronounced Inish-Ear), this charming island is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches and beautiful landscapes, peppered with ancient stone forts and traditional cottages, where the Irish language is still widely spoken. We are treated to a pony and trap tour to take in the highlights of this delightful isle, the old-fashioned way.

We continue to our second location of the day for a leisurely cruise along the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, enjoying the geological wonders from below, admiring the views of the Arran Islands and listening to the onboard commentary. Stretching for eight miles along County Clare’s Atlantic Coast and 214m at their highest, the cliffs offer stunning scenery and are home to one of the major colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds in Ireland.

Limerick & Irish National Stud

We spend some free time in Limerick. As Ireland’s third largest city, there is plenty to discover, including a variety of cathedrals, traditional pubs, museums and art galleries such as the Hunt Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts and remarkable artworks, ranging from pre-historic archaeological material to masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Renoir and Yeats.

This afternoon, we combine the world of horses with serene Japanese gardens, with a visit to the Irish National Stud, en route to Dublin. We learn more about the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses on our guided tour and enjoy a tranquil stroll through the gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat with their meticulously maintained landscapes and beautiful water features.

This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at the hotel.

Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.