Ireland 2013 Itinerary

1

Thu, May 16

Depart US bound for Shannon

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy inflight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.

2

Fri, May 17

SHANNON ARRIVAL & BUNRATTY

After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport, your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and take you to your coach.

Travel west to the Clare coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, an impressive wall of limestone which rises 700 feet over the Atlantic surf. Your route then takes you through the Burren, a vast lunar-like limestone plateau that is home to many rare Irish wild flowers. Then drive inland to Bunratty and after checking into your hotel visit Bunratty Castle and explore the many halls and chambers of this medieval castle. Bunratty Castle dates back to 1425 and is the most complete building of its type. Bunratty Folk Park comprises a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland and a 19th century village street with a pub, school, general store and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. Continue to Ennis and check into your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax or sightsee independently.

This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories.

OVERNIGHT: OLD GROUND HOTEL, ENNIS

3

Sat, May 18

ADARE & KILLARNEY

Depart Shannonside and drive through the outskirts of Limerick and south to Adare which is famous for its main street of thatched houses. After a stop for photos and a walk along the main street, journey into the mountainous country of Kerry and into Killarney, settled beside three lakes in the shadow of Ireland's highest mountains.

After checking into your hotel with time to freshen up, join your group outside the hotel for a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park and visit Muckross House & Gardens. The Walled Garden Centre, at Muckross, was officially opened in April 2000. Since then, the centre has become a popular destination in its own right. Designed to form an integral part of the world famous Muckross Gardens, the centre opens out onto the Victorian Walled Garden. It is further complemented by the recreation of a mid-19th century parterre and recently restored Edwardian Glasshouses. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY PLAZA HOTEL, KILLARNEY

4

Sun, May 19

GLENGARRIFF & GARINISH ISLAND

Drive south from Killarney via the scenic Loo River valley to Kenmare. Continue across the Caha Mountains to Glengarriff, located at the head of Bantry Bay. Sub-tropical vegetation thrives here due to the sheltered bay and relatively mild climate. At Glengarriff take a short boat ride to Garinish Island to visit the delightful gardens. These formal gardens have a collection of plants and trees from all over the globe that flourish in a scenic setting of mountains on the mainland and sea.

Next visit the Cois Cuain Garden. Mary & Bob Walsh may have had to use a pick axe rather than a spade to plant in their seaside garden but growing conditions, thanks to the greenhouse climate of the Gulf Stream, are incredible. Tender plants from Australasia and South Africa flourish in nooks between the rocks, and plants that normally need cosseting can safely be left out all winter. The Walshes only began gardening seriously in 1991 when they retired to their holiday home overlooking Dunmanus Bay. They began in front of the house planting Olieria macrondontaas a wind break and then shrubs interspersed with plants. Quite without their ever intending it to happen, the garden has grown to three and a half acres, embracing a natural rockery area, a grassy stream garden planted with trees, a vegetable garden and a seaside path between fuchsias and camellias. In the evening join your fellow travellers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY PLAZA HOTEL, KILLARNEY

5

Mon, May 20

LISSELAN GARDEN, CAPPOQUIN HOUSE & GARDENS & WATERFORD

Today your travels take you south along the coast to Clonkilty Here you will visit Lisselan Gardens which were laid out in Robinsonian style from the early 1850’s. William Bence-Jones chose a site on a promontory above the river for a French chateau style house designed by Lewis Vuliamy. The Bence-Jones family created 30 acres of gardens which take advantage of the natural features and contours provided by the valley and the Argideen river running through it. The gardens are much as they were in their Edwardian hay day containing many spectacular features such as an azalea garden, rockery, Japanese maple, rose wreathed pergola, water garden, and a rhododendron garden. The shrubbery contains mature pines, spruce, holly and more unusual plants including acacia, myrtle, eucalyptus, Robinia and Judas tree. A series of flagstone pathways and rustic bridges add ambience and character to the gardens.

Next we travel to Cappoquin House & Gardens. Cappoquin House is an 18th Century Georgian mansion built on the site of an old FitzGerald castle. The house and 5 acre informal south facing gardens enjoy magnificent views over the River Blackwater. The Keane family home has been Cappoquin House for over 200 years. Large collection of unusual trees and shrubs. Continue to Waterford and check into your hotel. Enjoy some time to relax or independently sightsee before joining your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

After dinner in the hotel this evening take a short walking tour through the older sections of Waterford with a local guide. Walk along Merchant’s Quay where ships docked in former times and see the Clock Tower. Pass the Norman stronghold of Reginald’s Tower and stroll along the Mall to see the City Hall, Theatre Royal and many other places.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GRANVILLE HOTEL, WATERFORD

6

Tue, May 21

WOODSTOCK, ROTHE HOUSE & MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS

Your first visit today is at The Gardens at Woodstock in Innistiogue was opened to the public in 2007. The privately owned garden offers you the ability to see plants as they grow and develop. The terraced flower garden lies to the western side of the walled garden and was completed in the early 1850's by Lady Louisa Tighe. It comprises three long terraces, formerly devoted to annual bedding schemes.

In Kilkenny visit the Rothe House & Gardens. The Rothe House Garden is a recreation of a historic garden from the 17th century. It is the only urban garden of this period which is open to the public. After some free time in Kilkenny head back to Waterford to visit the Mount Congreve Gardens.

The gardens at Mount Congreve, Waterford, consist of around seventy acres of intensively planted woodland garden and a four acre walled garden. The owner, the late Mr Ambrose Congreve, was inspired by Mr Lionel de Rothschild’s exceptional garden at Exbury in Hampshire, England. It was here that his interest in gardening was nurtured and he became infected with a passion and enthusiasm for plants such as Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Camellias and indeed many other floras from every continent in the world. The entire collection consists of over three thousand different trees and shrubs, more than two thousand Rhododendrons, six hundred Camellias, three hundred Acer cultivars, six hundred conifers, two hundred and fifty climbers and fifteen hundred herbaceous plants. Return to Waterford to freshen up before dinner with your group in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GRANVILLE HOTEL, WATERFORD

7

Wed, May 22

ABBEY ROAD GARDEN, DUNBRODY & POWERSCOURT GARDENS

This morning depart your hotel and visit Abbey Road Garden which is a three- quarter acre, cottage style garden. Filled with interesting and unusual Alpine and herbaceous plants, shrubs and mature trees, water features and scree beds. Situated on the site of the mediaeval Abbey of Killculliheen, this secluded three quarter acre garden has been developed over the past 15 years using as a base an old garden which was part of the Abbey farm, first mentioned as early as 1656. The rich soil and sheltered site are perfect for growing a wide range of unusual perennials, alpines, shrubs and trees. The garden has scree beds, a small woodland area, water features and enclosed yard.

Then travel north to New Ross and visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship. This is a replica of a sailing vessel built in 1845 to transport emigrants from Ireland to North America. The visit will give you an insight as to what life on board ship was like as well as filling you in on the history of the famine years.

Continue north to Powerscourt and visit Powerscourt Gardens and explore these splendid grounds which contain specimens gathered from many countries and climate zones. If time allows you will stop at the garden of Carmel Duignan in Dublin. A self-confessed plantaholic, she has amassed an extraordinary collection of plants - from old, familiar favourites to plants that are on the cutting edge of tenderness, rarity and current fashion. Old and new have been planted together with flair and artistry and the resulting combinations of colour, shape and texture produce pleasing and innovative compositions throughout the garden. Then check into your hotel and freshen up before dinner in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN

8

Thu, May 23

DUBLIN DISCOVERY & TEA WITH HELEN DILLON

This morning a city sightseeing tour will introduce you to this capital city with its many historic buildings, delightful gardens and lively shopping streets. Drive around the principal areas. Visit Trinity College to view the 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells. Close to the center of Dublin, visit the National Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1795, the gardens contain wonderful Victorian glasshouses. Stroll around the many different types of gardens containing numerous collections of plants and trees from all over the world.

In the afternoon visit Helen Dillon’s garden. A world renowned plantswoman, writer, lecturer and broadcaster. With her husband Val, she has created a garden that is considered to be one of the gems of the horticultural world. This widely acclaimed garden is a mix of startling design and perfectly grown plants - many of them rare and unusual. The view of the garden from the windows of the elegant drawing room is in the lexicon of most photographed scenes in contemporary gardening. Enjoy tea with your fellow travellers and Helen at the garden. The remainder of the day and evening are free for independent activities and dining.

OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN

9

Fri, May 24

IRISH NATIONAL STUD, JUNE BLAKE GARDEN & CORKE LODGE

This morning drive to Kildare which is in the heart of Ireland's horse country. A visit to the Irish National Stud will show you the history and current trends of horse-breeding in Ireland. See some of the magnificent horses and learn about horse-breeding. Then take a walk around the Japanese Gardens which were established in 1908 and represent the "Life of Man" from cradle to grave in the traditional Japanese style of gardening. Also see the charming St. Fiachra’s Garden with water features and beehive huts.

Then drive a short distance to Wicklow and visit the garden of June Blake, a passionate plantswoman who runs a remarkable garden and rare plants nursery from her home, an early Victorian, steward’s cottage. The gardens extend over approximately three acres and contain an eclectic collection of plants from around the world.

Continue to Shankill and visit the Corke Lodge which is situated on the lands owned by Hannagh Tilson Magan and commissioned by her or by her son William Henry Magan between 1815 and 1820. The most striking feature of the house is the bold architectural treatment of the classical façade. The gardens are an intrinsic part of the presentation of Corke Lodge. Planted as a pleasure ground soon after 1815, it contains fine specimens of Evergreen Oaks, American Cedars and Sequoias as well as a magnificent Cork tree. Return to your hotel in Dublin to relax before dinner with the group.

This evening join your fellow travellers for a fun filled evening of Irish music, good food and great entertainment at the Merry Ploughboys Pub. A great way to finish a memorable holiday in Ireland.

OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN

10

Sat, May 25

SHIRLEY BEATTY’S GARDEN & RATHMICHAEL LODGE

This morning visit the garden of Shirley Beatty. A Regency villa, built in the 1830s, which provides the perfect backdrop for a small rear garden, extending to 30 m. Current planting started in 2009 and the garden now consists of herbaceous borders, leading through, under an archway, to a small vegetable garden and plant area. The borders are filled with a wide selection of rare and unusual plants, which Shirley has collected over her 50 years gardening experience and travels.

The last garden to be visited is Rathmichael Lodge, a charming rambling house, situated between the mountains and the sea, has an enchanting 2.5ha old-world garden. It reflects the characters of Corinne and Richard Hewat and exudes atmosphere, fragrance and colour due, in part, to the over one hundred roses that grow there. Old roses and modern hybrids, climbers and shrubs - they revel in the benign climate of this garden and they proliferate on walls, through apple trees, around an ancient orchard and mingle in abundant borders with other rare and interesting plants. A particularly inspiring sight is Rosa 'Parade' growing on the back wall of the ochre- coloured house. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Dublin for some free time to shop or for those of you who did not get enough of the Botanical Gardens another visit might be in order.

This evening join your fellow gardeners in the hotel dining room for a farewell dinner. There will be plenty of time to discuss all of the beautiful gardens you have seen in Ireland. There are still so many more to see that a trip back might be just what you need.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN

11

Sun, May 26

HEAD BACK TO THE UNITED STATES

All too soon, your vacation in Ireland has come to the end. Transfer to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to check in for your flight, clear security and claim you VAT refund. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and fly west across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.