Castles & Gardens Of Ireland's Ancient East
- Duration: 6 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TGLE9478
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
6 days
6 Day Coach Holiday
Be spellbound by dramatic castles, fascinated by life aboard an authentic 1840s ship, and relish the tranquillity of beautiful gardens on this enthralling holiday, based in Enniscorthy in Ireland’s Ancient East. An old Norman settlement on the picturesque banks of the meandering River Slaney in leafy County Wexford, Enniscorthy features pretty parks, the neo-gothic St Aidan’s Cathedral, an award winning castle, and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre attraction. Holiday highlights include the romantic Johnstown Castle a turreted treasure with lavish interiors and jaw-dropping stories to tell. Mount Congreve Gardens is one of ‘The Great Gardens of the World’ and home to one of the planet’s largest private collections of plants from every continent. We visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship where costumed characters tell the story
about life as a famine emigrant. We spend time in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, and discover the hidden gem that is Huntington Castle and Gardens. Finally, our scenic trip along the Mount Leinster Heritage Drive completes our breathtaking break.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Coach Holidays (Ireland)
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- Coach travel throughout
- Return ferry crossings to Ireland
- Excursions as stated
- ABTA bonded for your peace of mind
Holiday Highlights & Inclusions
• Guided tours of the Dunbrody Famine Ship, Johnstown Castle and Huntington Castle & Gardens†• Entry to Mount Congreve Gardens
• Scenic trip on the Mount Leinster Heritage Drive
• Excursions to Waterford and Kilkenny
• Five nights dinner, bed & breakfast
• Coach travel throughout
• Return ferry crossings to Ireland
• ABTA bonded for your peace of mind
†Huntington Castle not available on the April date. Instead we include entry to Kilkenny Castle.
Your Excursions
Dunbrody Famine Ship & Johnstown CastleFirst up is a guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship experiencing life as a famine emigrant through costumed characters. This premier tourist attraction with mighty masts and billowing sails is an authentic full-scale reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel and presents a world class interpretation of life onboard. We move on to romantic Johnstown Castle for a tour of this gothic-revival fortress. Admire original features, hear tales of Norman knights, Cromwellian invaders and the 1798 rebellion and walk through the subterranean servants’ passageway. Outside, explore the Irish Agricultural Museum and ornamental gardens.
Mount Congreve Gardens & Waterford
A morning visit to Mount Congreve Gardens, an eighteenth century Georgian estate and a haven for plant and history fans. Enjoy the beautiful, themed gardens where you’ll find thousands of distinctive trees, plants and shrubs. Perhaps enjoy a cuppa in the Stables Café and browse the gifts in the Secret Garden Shop. We continue to Waterford for free time.
Huntington Castle & Gardens, Mount Leinster Heritage Drive & Kilkenny
First treat is a guided tour of the sumptuously furnished rooms of Huntington Castle†, still lived in by descendants of the original owner. View the living quarters and formal rooms such as the Tapestry Room and Conservatory as well as the dungeon, while
enjoying stories about the castle’s occupants through the ages. We then board our coach and embark on the Mount Leinster Heritage Drive passing glorious countryside, traditional villages and the sky-scraping Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Leinster as we wind our way to Kilkenny for some free time.
Dunbrody, Johnstown Castle, MountCongreve Gardens,
Collect 250 Coach Miles
COACH MILES is our fantastic reward scheme, allowing you to save money the more you travel with us. On this holiday you can collect 250 coach miles.
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Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club - Enniscorthy
This four star hotel with a circular stone tower rests on the banks of the River Slaney, close to Enniscorthy Castle. It boasts a comfortable and tastefully decorated interior and a lounge. There are also great leisure facilities.
Click Here for more information on the hotel symbols
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