County Wicklow & Dublin Coach Tours | Overnight Coach Tours

Itinerary

Day 1, Traveling to Ireland

We depart Abbey Foregate car park in Shrewsbury at approximately 08.30am, but depending on the time of the ferry crossing we could be leaving earlier. The journey involves a 2 ½ hour drive to Holyhead with a comfort break enroute. The ferry crossing is roughly 3 ½ hours to Dublin, then we have a scenic journey to our hotel in beautiful County Wicklow, which takes about 1 ½. After that, there is time to unpack before getting together for a wonderful dinner.

Day 2, June Blake’s Garden; Jimi Blake’s Hunting Brook Gardens and Russborough House and Parkland

After a refreshing sleep and a real Irish breakfast we make our way to two beautiful gardens, which many of you have said are on your visiting list. We are very fortunate because both gardens are opening especially for us.

June’s Garden

Our first stop is June Blake’s garden with an introductory talk from June on arrival. For the last eleven years June has created an experimental and contemporary garden. Set in the heart of West Wicklow in the grounds of an early Victorian steward’s house and farmyard, it is surrounded by mature trees and meadows.

Covering about 3-acres the garden contains an eclectic collection of plants from around the world. There are areas of bold herbaceous planting and a shade garden of ferns, grasses, bamboos and other choice woodland plants. We will have light refreshments here before we board the coach for the short journey to Hunting Brook Gardens.

Jimi’s Hunting Brook Gardens

Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, Hunting Brook Gardens is made up of 5-acres of contemporary exotic gardens and 15-acres of woodland gardens and valley. It has some famous admirers. Monty Don says ‘…no matter how many times you visit it, you always find something new. Whilst Chris Beardshaw says ‘… the garden is tended by a gardener who positively overflows with enthusiasm’. Carol Kleine is another great admirer.

Jimi will meet us for an introductory talk to Hunting Brook. He is very well-known on Irish radio and television and has been a frequent visitor to Gardeners’ World and an exhibitor at the RHS Shows.

Russborough House and Parkland, West Wicklow

This 200-acre estate takes full advantage of the spectacular views of the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow mountains beyond. It sits in the heart of the panoramic West Wicklow landscape. A light lunch will be served on arrival in Russborough’s gorgeous new courtyard café.

Built in the mid-1700s to display the great art assembled by the 1st Earl of Milltown, Russborough House later became home to the world-famous Beit Collection – one of Ireland’s most notable ensembles of fine and decorative arts. Highlights include oil paintings from 17th – 20th centuries by famous artists along with important collections of 18th century decorative arts. Its classical design, perfect scale, architectural detail, and exquisite decoration mark this Palladian jewel as the most beautiful Georgian house in Ireland.

The Park is a delight to lose yourself in and be immersed in 300-years of history. Follow the tree-lined pathways to discover the original 18th century features such as the marvellous circular Hippodrome, the Walled Garden, and Lady’s Island with its Japanese inspired bridge, the ice-house, the lime kiln and the serpentine lakes.

After enjoying the house and grounds there is time to explore the two-level gallery shop offering a veritable trove of interesting gifts. From here we make our way back to the hotel to relax before dinner.

Day 3, Mount Usher Garden, Avoca Handweavers Mill & Avoca Village

There is no rush this morning and if you can move after your breakfast we will board the coach for a spectacular 1-hour journey through the National Park and over the mountains to the famous Mount Usher Garden. Named by Monty Don as one of his favourite gardens in the world. The River Vartry runs through Mount Usher and there are many scenic walks to enjoy with stunning views. Many of the trees in the garden are labelled. You will also be provided with a useful guide book of the garden.

Madelaine Jay, the owner of Mount Usher Gardens, retired in 2007 at the age of 84. Her greatest contribution to the future of the gardens lay in her insistence that, throughout her stewardship, the gardens be managed entirely along organic principles, without any chemical intervention whatsoever.

Following her retirement, her family entered into an arrangement with Avoca – Ireland’s premier shopping experience known for unique and interesting retail stores, award-winning cafes, and nurseries– and in keeping with the principles of the past, Avoca continued the evolution of these wonderful gardens. When you are ready, have a browse in the Avoca gift shop, stock up on your foodie favourites from the Food Market, or enjoy a relaxed coffee or lunch in the Garden Café.

Avoca Handweavers & Mill, Avoca Village

Only 30-minutes away in Avoca Village, on the banks of the Avoca River, is the Avoca store, café and mill. This is the birthplace of the Avoca experience, and the origin of the family’s company name. Dating from 1723, this very special location is home to the hand weaving mill, Avoca Store, Café and a visitor centre which tells the story of the mill from the beginning. There are even third generation weavers to show you what goes into the making of an Avoca throw. We will have a guided tour of the Mill and might even be able to do some weaving! Their clothes are prominent across Ireland and at many of the RHS Shows in this country. From here we will have a relaxing drive back to our hotel.

Day 4, Bray Seafront & Village and Powerscourt House & Gardens

If you have travelled with us before you know how we love to see the sea so this morning we are heading for Bray village for a sea-front stroll. There’s time for a coffee before we take the coastal road to Powerscourt House and Gardens.

Set in the wild Wicklow countryside, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, Powerscourt Gardens stretches over 47-acres with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. It was voted No.3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic.

Step inside and marvel at the sublime blend of formal gardens, the walled garden, the Italian garden, The Japanese Gardens, the sweeping terraces, statues, ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks.

When you are ready for a break, enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat at the Powerscourt Avoca Café, which must have one of the best views in Ireland best be appreciated from the outside Terrace. The food, as you would expect, is delicious. If you haven’t found that perfect gift yet visit the Avoca stores specialising in home-wares, giftware, clothing, furniture and the largest plant nursery you have ever seen!

Please note that Powerscourt is located on a hill and this visit involves a lot of walking. There are also a number of steps and slopes in the garden. However, you can also enjoy the views from the top of the hill and there is lovely loop you can do of the garden if you want a gentle stroll.

We will take the scenic route back through Wicklow National Park – a wonderful 1 ½ hour memorable drive back to our hotel.

Day 5, return travel to Shrewsbury with ferry time and arrival in Shrewsbury TBA.

For your comfort this tour is limited to approximately 40 seats.

What’s included:

This tour is accompanied by sisters Jacky and Sue Burnell to make sure you have a wonderful break from start finish. Also included is:

Return coach travel with award winning Lakeside Coaches with pickups form Ellesmere and Shrewsbury
Return Ferry crossing, Holyhead to Dublin
Transport to all destinations during the tour
Admission into all venues on the itinerary
Introductory talk at June Blake’s garden and light refreshments
Introductory talk at Jimi Blake’s garden
Light lunch at Russborough House followed by a tour of the house
Guided tour at Mount Usher Garden
Guided tour at Avoca Handweavers & Mill and at Powerscourt Garden
4-night’s dinner, bed and breakfast at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort
Gratuity for the hotel staff.

COSTS FOR THIS TOUR

A double room for sole occupancy is £1250.

2 people sharing a twin or double room is£1135 per person.

£50.00 non-refundable deposit payable on booking. Full payment due 10 weeks before departure.

Currency fluctuations

The price for this tour is based on current exchange rates between sterling and the Euro and may be subject to change with currency fluctuations. If necessary the revised fees will be recalculated and fixed based on the exchange rate(s) ruling at the time your final balance invoice is issued approximately 8-weeks before the tour. Wisteria Tours will inform customers should the situation arise.

Insurance and travel documents

For this trip you are required to take out your own personal holiday insurance and bring your passport or photographic identity.

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

Perched on the banks of the Blessington Lakes with breath-taking views set against the backdrop of the Wicklow mountains the Tulfarris Hotel offers delicious food, relaxed bars and deluxe guest accommodation – the perfect location for our tour. Step back in time as you enter the 18th century Manor House which stands imposingly at the heart of a 200-acre resort.

Accessibility information Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

Mobility & Accessibility Information

These gardens do not have an accessibility statement so please look at the websites for Hunting Brook Gardens & June Blake’s Garden

Russborough House Visitors who require additional assistance can either speak to a member of staff when they arrive here or if you have specific requirements, please contact us in advance by email: info@russborough.ie or phone our Reception: +353 45 865239 and we will do our utmost to help.

Please look at the website for Mount Usher to check accessibility.

Please look at the website for Avoca Handweavers & Mill, Avoca Village

Powerscourt House & Gardens prides itself on the welcome offered to all visitors. There is good access to the gardens, shops and terrace café and wheelchairs are available to borrow while you enjoy your visit with us. We recommend that these are booked in advance through our reception team to avoid any disappointment. Wheelchair users and families with buggies will find our attractions easy to access, and our facilities suitably equipped. Those with limited mobility will appreciate the number of benches and picnic tables located in both Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall. For any queries regarding accessibility, please get in contact with us.

Exploring County Wicklow, Ireland

Tour Information

Prices starting from £1135