2011 Sold Out

Glorious Gardens of Ireland
May 15 - 23, 2011

Sunday, May 15 ~ Evening Departure aboard Delta Airlines direct from New York (JFK) to Shannon, Ireland.

Monday, May 16 ~ Morning arrival in Shannon, Ireland. Meet your Huron Tours escorts and Ireland Guide and transfer by private motorcoach to Killarney and the beauty of the Killarney lake district. En-route, we'll visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs offer one of the most outstanding coastal features in all of Ireland and are home to more than 30,000 birds from more than 20 species including the Atlantic Puffins.

Upon arrival in Killarney, we'll check-in to the Four-Star Royal Hotel which will be our home base for the exploration of the lakes, mountains and most importantly the glorious gardens of Killarney.

This evening we'll enjoy a lovely welcome dinner at the hotel's award winning restaurant

Tuesday, May 17 ~ After our included breakfast at the hotel we'll depart for a memorable visit to Muckross house, gardens and traditional farms. The Muckross Estate forms the core of the Killarney National Park and the setting is truly magnificent with views of the Purple Mountains beyond the wooded hills of the park.

The Muckross Gardens are world-renowned for their beauty and in particular for their fine collection of azaleas and rhododendrons-which will be at their peak during our visit! An extensive water garden and outstanding rock garden of natural limestone are also highlights.

The Muckross House is a gorgeous Victorian mansion designed by the well known Scottish Architect William Burn. It is beautifully situated amidst the spectacular setting of the national park and the principal rooms are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the 19th century landowning class.

The live working Muckross Traditional Farms are a great opportunity to learn about Irish farm life of the 1930s and '40s. Meet and chat with the farmers as they go about their daily work in their houses, on the land and with animals using traditional tools and methods

The estate's Walled Garden Center makes up an integral part of the gardens and it houses the Muckross craft shop which sells products that you can watch being made next door in the weaving, pottery and conservation bookbinding workshops.

Also on the National Park's grounds are the ruins of Muckross Abbey, one of the major ecclesiastical sites found in the park. It is one of the best preserved Franciscan friaries in Ireland.

This evening, dinner is on your own back in Killarney. Why not try a local pub or tavern for some traditional Irish fare?

Wednesday, May 18 ~ This morning our private motorcoach will transport us along the stunning Ring Of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a breathtaking coast route which meanders around the Iveragh Peninsula. The The tour also includes gorgeous views of the beautiful Dingle Bay as well as Carrantuo Hill-Ireland's highest mountain. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and the route provides amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland. The scenic drive into this mystical and unspoiled region is an essential part of any visit to Ireland.

This afternoon is free for you to explore the lovely town of Killarney before our fantastic farewell dinner at a long-standing, family owned townhouse restaurant.

Thursday, May 19 ~ This morning after breakfast, we'll depart Killarney via private motorcoach and make our way to the beautiful city of Dublin. The capital city of Ireland is rich in history, scenery and culture and is the perfect location from which to visit some Ireland's most breathtaking gardens.

En-route to Dublin, we'll stop for lunch at a traditional Irish Pub known for its good wholesome food and great pints.

Upon arrival in Dublin, we'll check into our perfectly situated hotel, just steps from the world-famous shopping of Grafton Street and a minutes walk from Trinity College, the Book of Kells and the lush gardens of St. Stephen's Green. Tonight we'll enjoy a wonderful "'Welcome to Dublin" dinner in the Tea Room at The Clarence Hotel which is well known for its amazing food and beautiful setting in the lively Temple Bar neighborhood.

Friday, May 20 ~ This morning we'll explore and experience the history and culture of Dublin during our private city tour. We'll see all the highlights and visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells as well as St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Later this afternoon, we'll enjoy a very special visit arranged just for Huron Tours' travelers-a private tour of the great Dillon Garden. The Dillons have created a garden that is considered to be one of the true gems of the horticultural world. This widely acclaimed garden is a mix of amazing design and perfectly groomed plants-many of them rare and unusual. The large rectangular lawn is defined on both sides by perennial borders and accented with a gorgeous reflecting pool at the end. The series of garden paths connect to small garden rooms each expertly grown and the collection of wildflowers in the garden is phenomenal.

In addition to our tour of the garden, Helen Dillon will give the group a brief talk in the drawing room about the gardens followed by tea in the Dining room. Dinner is on your own tonight in Dublin. We'd love to give you a few great restaurant recommendations

Saturday, May 21 ~ A completely free day to enjoy all that the great city of Dublin has to offer!

Take a tour of the Guinness Factory which ends with a free pint and incredible city views in Ireland's highest bar...wander the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, Dublin's cultural quarter and home to some of Dublin's best restaurants and shopping-including Saturday's food and book markets...or get in touch with your inner author and visit the Dublin Writers Museum which houses a collection that dates back 300 years and includes books, letters, portraits and personal items of such famous writers as Wilde, Shaw, Joyce and Yeats. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy!

This evening we'll attend a performance at the historic Abbey Theatre which produces works by Irish playwrights past and present.

Sunday, May 22 ~ Today we'll visit the breathtaking Powerscourt House and Gardens. With the Sugarloaf Mountains as its backdrop, it is truly one of the world's greatest gardens. The prelude to this wonderful property is a drive through stately 200 year old beech trees with views down into the Dargle Valley. Powerscourt offers a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary, ornamental lakes with secret hallows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The gardens are particularly lovely during the time of our visit as the flowering shrubs and trees (magnolias, prunus, rhododendrons and azaleas) are in full bloom! The 18th century house incorporates a terrace restaurant with lovely views of the garden.

Upon return from our visit, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore more of Dublin. Tonight we'll experience a truly memorable night out with traditional Irish music and food all in a charming setting.

Sunday, May 23 ~ Depart Dublin and fly direct one way aboard Aer Lingus to London England for our 22nd annual Chelsea In Style Tour!

Onward to London for Chelsea! (Click Here)