Day 1: Arrival Dublin
On arrival, our luxury coach will greet you at Dublin Airport. After check in, our tour commences with a visit to the Casino in Marino, a small and perfect example of Neo-Classical architecture, situated in the gardens of Marino House. Afterwards, we enjoy a walking tour of Georgian Dublin where we see Henrietta Street, St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square. Later we visit Newman House which is made up of two of the finest Georgian buildings in Dublin. Famous for their spectacular plaster decoration, both houses are also home to some of the most magnificent eighteenth-century interiors to be found in this city.Thereafter, we retreat back to our hotel for a ’Welcome to Ireland’ dinner. Staying overnight in Dublin, accommodation at 4* hotel Burlington Hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner inclusive.
Day 2: Russborough House & Castletown House
This morning pay a visit to Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in Europe before departing Dublin for Russborough House in County Wicklow, renowned as the most beautiful house in Ireland. After taking time to explore the rich heritage of this lakeside mansion, we make our way to Castletown House in County Kildare, Ireland’s largest and most significant Palladian style country house. Here, we avail of the opportunity to view the fine architecture, original furniture and vast collection of paintings at home in this wonderful georgian palace. Afterwards, we travel back to Dublin city where we enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and leisure.Staying in Dublin again tonight, accommodation at 4* Burlington hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.
Day 3: Newbridge House & Ghan House
This morning, we will leave Dublin and travel north to county Louth. On route we visit Newbridge House and Gardens, a delightful 18th century manor set on 350 acres of parkland, boasting one of the finest Georgian interiors in Ireland. The period atmosphere of the house is accentuated by the presence of a fully restored courtyard, surrounded by: a dairy, estate worker’s house, carpenter’s shop and a blacksmith’s forge; all displaying nineteenth century tools and implements. After taking a tour of this beautiful place, we make our way to Ghan House in the historic town of Carlingford in County Louth. Here, we part take in a demonstration of Georgian cooking and have the opportunity to prepare some Georgian dishes ourselves. Staying overnight in Monaghan, accommodation at the 4* Castle Leslie Hotel or similar. Dinner and Breakfast inclusive.Day 4: Florence Court, Castle Coole & Belleek Pottery
Today, we depart Monaghan and travel to Enniskillen in county Fermanagh. While here, we explore the spectacular Florence Court which is situated amongst the mountains and forests of West Fermanagh. Florence Court is a fascinating example of mid-18th century Irish Palladian architecture and boasts exceptional embellished rococo plasterwork throughout. After taking a tour of this magnificent bulding, we visit Castle Coole. This beautiful neo-classical house took ten years to build and the interior of the house was created by some of the leading craftsmen of the late 18th century including Westmacott. Here, we view the magnificent state rooms with their sumptuous Regency furnishings before making our way to Enniskillen Castle and Museum. Take time to explore the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre before driving to Sligo where we will stay tonight. Accommodation at 4* Clarion Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.Day 5: Westport House & Strokestown Park House
After breakfast, we depart Sligo and travel to county Mayo and the beautiful town of Westport. Here, we visit Westport House which is considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic homes. Westport House is situated in a superb parkland setting and boasts magnificent views overlooking Clew Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Achill, and Irelands Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. After spending some time exploring the rich history of this marvelous place, we enjoy some free time to explore all that is wonderful about this little town. Afterwards, we make our way to county Roscommon, where we vivit Castlecoote House and Gardens. This beautiful georgian palladian mansion is surrounded by woodland and unspoiled countryside. Here, we view elegant 18th century architecture, beautiful Georgian features, fine plasterwork ceilings and marble fireplaces. Later, we visit Strokestown Park House and famine Museum to take a guided tour of the house and see the original 18th Century kitchens. Staying in Sligo again tonight. Accommodation at the 4* Clarion Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.
Day 6: King House & Lough Key Forest Park
This morning we visit King House in Boyle, a fantastic Georgian building with a very interesting history. Together, we will take a tour of the house and discover the secrets of the family who lived there. We also enjoy a talk on Georgian Ireland and learn about etiquette and dining during this period. Afterwards, we visit Boyle Abbey to view the final resting place of the family of King House before travelling to the nearby Lough key Forest Park where we take time to enjoy the tranquilty of this fascinating landscape. In the evening, we will return to King House for a Georgian Banquet where we will enjoy food, entertainment, music and dance, served up in true Georgian style. Staying in Sligo for the third night. Accommodation at the 4* Clarion Hotel or similar. Breakfast inclusive.