Day 1. Monday: An early start this morning as we travel to the port of Holyhead for a relaxing and scenic ferry crossing to Dublin. On arrival in Ireland’s vibrant capital, we continue south into the beautiful County Wicklow, passing through the charming village of Enniskerry. Here we arrive at the welcoming Summerhill House Hotel, our base for the next four nights. Settle in and unwind, with dinner, bed, and a hearty Irish breakfast included throughout your stay. Enniskerry is a picturesque village nestled in a lush valley at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, only a short drive from Powerscourt Estate, famous for its stunning gardens and distillery.
Day 2. Tuesday: Today we visit the magnificent Powerscourt Estate, one of Ireland's finest heritage attractions and home to some of the country's most celebrated gardens. Enjoy free time to explore these stunning landscaped grounds at your own pace, discovering elegant terraces, ornamental lakes, tranquil fountains, hidden pathways, and breathtaking views towards the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Wander through the beautiful Italian and Japanese Gardens, admire the seasonal floral displays, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. Our visit is rounded off with a guided tour of the Powerscourt Distillery, where you'll learn about the traditional craft of Irish whiskey production and the estate's fascinating history, ending a memorable day in beautiful County Wicklow, rich in history, beauty, and timeless charm.
Day 3. Wednesday: Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of County Wicklow and the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains National Park. Travel through the picturesque villages of Roundwood and Laragh before arriving at Glendalough, the ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Explore this peaceful valley, renowned for its historic ruins, tranquil lakes, and spectacular scenery. We then continue through the beautifully wooded Vale of Avoca, made famous as the setting for the BBC television series Ballykissangel and home to the renowned Avoca Handweavers. Set within the grounds of a historic estate, visitors can watch skilled weavers at work (admission charge applicable). Finally, we follow the coastal route back to Enniskerry, completing a memorable day.
Day 4. Thursday: Today offers the perfect introduction to Dublin, beginning with a two-hour guided coach tour of Ireland's vibrant capital. With its compact city centre and wealth of attractions, Dublin is ideal for exploring at your own pace, with the afternoon free to discover the city independently. Framed by mountains, divided by the River Liffey, and bordered by a beautiful bay, the city blends over 1,000 years of history with a lively modern atmosphere. Discover elegant Georgian squares, historic landmarks, colourful street art, bustling cafés, and traditional pubs full of character. After the tour, enjoy time to browse the shops, visit fascinating museums, galleries, distilleries and attractions or simply relax with a pint of Guinness while soaking up Dublin's unique warmth, charm, and welcoming spirit.
Day 5. Friday: We depart early, journeying towards Dublin Port to begin the final leg of our adventure. Enjoy a full, hearty breakfast onboard the ferry as you relax and take in views. As the ferry sails away, we reflect on unforgettable memories made and the magic of Ireland that will stay with us long after we arrive home.
Passports: British or Irish citizens travelling on the Irish Sea routes do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but must have Photographic Identification. Useful means of identification when travelling on this route are passport, driving licence and a bus pass.
Travel Insurance: All passengers must be in possession of fully comprehensive travel insurance.
We require the full name and date of birth for all passengers travelling.