Discover Powerscourt Gardens in spring, when the estate is ablaze with colour and over 10,000 tulips gently dance throughout the gardens. We also visit some fantastic attractions, including the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, plus a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, one of the premier tourist attractions in southeast Ireland.
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel across into Wales making stops for refreshments before arriving in Caernarfon and our overnight hotel.
Day 2 MONDAY We travel to Holyhead for the early crossing to Dublin, having breakfast on board. Upon arrival in Ireland, we head south to the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre to admire the range of intricately crafted silverware including jewellery, tableware and gift items. Later, we continue to Carlow for our four-night stay.
Day 3 TUESDAY Enjoy a full day excursion, which takes us into County Kildare to visit the famous Irish National Stud and the adjacent Japanese Gardens – an absolute joy to explore! Nowhere better symbolises all that is great about County Kildare – the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry – than the stud. This unique attraction of outstanding natural beauty is home to some of the world’s most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens.
Day 4 WEDNESDAY We head for the Wicklow Mountains for our visit to Powerscourt House & Gardens. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer a sublime blend of formal gardens and sweeping terraces. However, in spring the star of the show is the glorious tulip display with over 14,000 tulips planted in colourful displays at various points across the Estate. Also included in our visit is a fascinating behind the scenes look at Powerscourt whiskey production with a distillery tour and one tasting.
Day 5 THURSDAY A free day for you to explore the town of Carlow. The town is home to the Delta Sensory Gardens – a highly acclaimed award-winning garden and described as ‘An Oasis of Peace and Tranquillity’ set in 2.5 acres. (Entrance not included)
Day 6 FRIDAY Departing Carlow we visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a full-scale, seaworthy replica of an 1845 three-masted barque, offering an immersive museum experience of Irish famine emigration. We continue to Wexford for our final night at the four-star Newtown Park Hotel.
Day 7 SATURDAY A short drive takes us to Rosslare for the morning ferry to Pembroke (Breakfast included on-board). The drive home takes us through South Wales and over the River Severn, making refreshment stops en route.
Conveniently situated just a 3-minute walk from Carlow town centre, the Seven Oaks Hotel offers traditional hospitality in this quaint rural county of Ireland. The 89 bedrooms offer every luxury and are superbly furnished with TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, luxurious toiletries, hairdryer, iron and board, tea and coffee making facilities and a safe. The Leisure Club has a 20-metre swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and gym. There is an award-winning restaurant and a bar. There is a lift to all floors although there is a small flight of steps to reach some bedrooms at the rear of the hotel.
