Dublin, Kilkenny & The Garden Of Ireland

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart your local pick up point and head west across Wales to join your ferry for the crossing across to Ireland. Relax on board and enjoy the trip as you start thinking about everything you're going to see on this delightful holiday. Disembark and head on to the pretty town of Carlow and the 4* Woodford Dolmen Hotel, your base for the next 5 days. Once checked in mid-evening, enjoy dinner and your first real taste of Ireland. Afterwards, why not relax in the bar with a drink.

Days 2 - 4

Enjoy hearty, traditional Irish breakfasts every morning to set you for whatever each day has in store for you. There'll be plenty of time to enjoy your hotel and local surroundings but don't forget to join us on your INCLUDED excursions. These include a full day to Dublin and a full day touring through the picturesque Wicklow Mountains along with a half day spent enjoying pretty Kilkenny. Return to your hotel every evening to share stories with your fellow travellers and enjoy more delicious Irish meals.

Day 5

An early start today as we say goodbye to Carlow and the Emerald Isle and begin the journey back home. Join the ferry for the crossing back to West Wales and then head on home through Wales full of great memories.

The Wicklow Mountains, Avoca, Glendalough & Mount Usher Gardens

The Wicklow Mountains offer some of the most stunning countryside in Ireland and a drive through this scenic oasis is never anything other than stunning, with the vast majority of the mountains protected through its designation as a national park.

During your tour through the Wicklow Mountains, you’ll spend time in stunning Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful visitor attractions. For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. At its heart is its historic monastic ruins, founded back in the 6^th century by Saint Kevin. It is a truly inspirational place to visit with a host of ancient ruins to visit, including a once-grand cathedral.

You’ll also enjoy a visit to the gorgeous Mount Usher Gardens and Avoca Garden Cafe where the planting is enchanting! Delightful in every aspect, Mount Usher is one of the finest examples of an authentic ‘Robinsonian’ style garden combining a distinguished collection of trees and shrubs with informal floral planting schemes in a sheltered valley setting. There is an ever-changing panoply of colours and textures enhanced by wafting scents as one season changes to another. We provide you with a detailed tree trail guide to help you locate the many ‘show-stoppers’ as you wander around.

Dublin

Welcome to Dublin, a city that's as intimate as a village and as friendly as an Irish pub. Framed by mountains, centred on a river and edged by a beautiful bay, the city's streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic buildings, hip cafés and traditional "old man" pubs, as Dubliners call them. Walk the streets and you'll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the sounds of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to festivals, film and food markets. Unsurprisingly perhaps, Dublin is a resoundingly social place, packed with culture, creativity and craic (fun). You'll see it in the busy pubs, in the music and in the chat. Slainte!

KIlkenny

The city of Kilkenny is home to one of the most recognisable landmarks in Ireland: the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Go back in time and explore Ireland’s Medieval Mile, a discovery trail running through Kilkenny city. One of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, Kilkenny is a true gem in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East. Enjoy traditional Irish food drink and entertainment or shop 'til you drop at independent boutiques and local shopping centres and browse creations from Kilkenny’s prominent local arts, craft and design scene. You’re going to love it…

Tour Includes

• 4 nights stay in Ireland including breakfast & dinner
• Return ferry crossings between West Wales and Ireland
• Full day excursion through the Wicklow Mountains including entry to Mount Usher Gardens
• Full day excursion to Dublin
• Half day excursion to Kilkenny
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

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Accommodation

Woodford Dolmen Hotel 4* Carlow

The 4* Woodford Dolmen Hotel is a delightful hotel set just south of the pretty town of Carlow. Its modern and spacious rooms are equipped with a great range of amenities including tea and coffee making facilities. There is an excellent restaurant where you will enjoy tasty breakfasts and evening meals in the best traditions of Ireland. The peaceful setting of the hotel makes it an ideal choice when you're looking to relax after a big day of sightseeing!

Visit the hotel website by clicking this link

Please note bedrooms have shower over a bath. Accessible rooms are strictly limited and need to be confirmed in advance of booking. Back to top