Castles, Crystal & Wonderful Waterford
- Duration: 6 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TGLE9621
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
6 days
6 Day Coach Holiday
Be spellbound by dramatic castles, fascinated by life aboard an authentic 1840s ship, amazed at the skill of crystal making, and enjoy the tranquillity of a beautiful garden on this enthralling holiday. You’ll be based in Enniscorthy on the picturesque banks of the meandering River Slaney in leafy County Wexford, in Ireland’s Ancient East. This old Norman settlement features pretty parks, the neo-gothic St Aidan’s Cathedral, an award winning castle, and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Highlights include romantic Johnstown Castle, a turreted treasure with lavish interiors and jaw-dropping stories to tell. Waterford Crystal is where you can experience how fine crystal pieces are created by master craftsmen using techniques that have remained unchanged throughout the centuries. We visit Dunbrody Famine Ship where costumed characters tell the story about life as a famine emigrant, 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, Huntington Castle & Gardens† and Waterford Crystal• Scenic trip on the Mount Leinster Heritage Drive
• Excursions to Waterford and Kilkenny
• Free time in Enniscorthy
• Four 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 Castle
First up is a guided tour of Dunbrody Famine Ship experiencing life as a famine emigrant through costumed characters. This premier tourist attraction with mighty masts is an authentic full-scale reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel and presents a world class interpretation of life on board. 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 rebellions and walk through the subterranean servants’ passageway. Outside, explore the Irish Agricultural Museum and ornamental gardens.
Tour of Waterford Crystal Factory & Waterford
A morning visit to Waterford Crystal where our guided tour will uncover the ancient art of mould making with skilled craftsmen flawlessly shaping molten crystal. You’ll then move on to the blowing platform where master blowers transform glowing crystal into majestic shapes before witnessing the cutting as master cutters utilise skills they’ve learned during an eight year apprenticeship. Afterwards, free time in Waterford. Perhaps walk through a thousand years of history in the city’s Viking Triangle with its quirky nooks and crannies, filled with ancient landmarks, craft studios and cosy cafes.
Huntington Castle & Gardens, Mount Leinster Heritage Drive & Kilkenny
Our 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, Waterford, Huntington
Collect 500 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 500 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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