Birr Castle © Tourism Ireland
Bloom eld Hotel
Bloom eld Hotel, Mullingar Situated in Ireland’s beautiful lakelands. Formerly a convent, the hotel is gracious and welcoming. With lovely views from the restaurant, conservatory and terrace, guests are well looked after. • 4 star • 111 bedrooms • Lift • Leisure facilities • Indoor swimming pool • Coach parking
Hidden Heartlands • Farm Visit • Cruise on the Shannon • Athlone • Birr Castle • Belvedere House
With charming riverside towns and villages, majestic forests and sparkling waterways, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is a region full of intriguing hidden gems to surprise and delight. Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
5 days from £458 including:
Day 1 Afternoon ferry crossing from north Wales. Day 2 Begin the day at Birr Castle Demesne, a 17th- century castle home to the celebrated Parsons Family for 400 years. Enjoy a fascinating guided outdoor tour, discovering the incredible legacy including phenomenal achievements in science, astronomy, photography, engineering, and botany. Return to your hotel via Athlone, in the very heart of Ireland, for time at leisure to explore the town’s heritage and its shops! Day 3 Causey Farm is our destination this morning. Guests will experience an authentic taste of life on an Irish farm including bread making, sheepdog demonstration and Irish dancing. Following an included hearty lunch, head to nearby Trim, known for the largest, best-preserved Anglo-Norman
castle in Ireland, for time at leisure to explore. Day 4 This morning is to the thriving county town of Carrick-on-Shannon. Experience the wonders of the River Shannon on a cruise, delving into its ancient history whilst sitting back and enjoying the sights. The town itself is steeped in history. See its shops, eateries and interesting historical buildings, including the Costello Chapel, believed to be the smallest chapel in Europe. In the afternoon, and just a short hop from the hotel is a guided tour of Belvedere House and admission to its Gardens. A stunning estate featuring a Palladianstyle villa from the 1700s and Victorian gardens with charming follies. Day 5 Morning ferry crossing and homeward journey.
• Return ferry crossings • 4 nights in Mullingar with: Porter service, Full Irish breakfast 3 course dinner with choice and tea/coffee • Guided outdoor tour at Birr Castle
• Causey Farm visit with lunch • Cruise on the River Shannon • Guided tour of Belvedere House 2027 price per person Apr & Oct
£458 £465 £489
May to June & Sept
July & Aug
Wicklow Mountains
Arklow Bay Hotel
Arklow Bay Hotel, Arklow This modern resort hotel has extensive leisure facilities and is a great base from which to tour. It enjoys a peaceful location with landscaped gardens that lead down to a bird reserve. • 4 star • 91 bedrooms • Lift • Leisure facilities • Indoor swimming pool • Coach parking
Wicklow Mountains • Powerscourt • Bray • Beyond the Trees • Lullymore Heritage Centre
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Wicklow... The Garden of Ireland
Welcome to County Wicklow, ‘The Garden of Ireland’ and a region with endless natural beauty and captivating history. Explore the county’s rolling Wicklow Mountains, glistening lakes and visit a selection of glorious attractions in this lovely part of “Ireland’s Ancient East”.
5 days from £449 including:
Day 1 Afternoon ferry crossing from north Wales. Day 2 First stop today is Mount Usher Gardens; a haven of rare beauty and tranquillity, named by Monty Don as one of his favourite gardens in the world. Afterwards, explore the impressive Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough, a spectacular glacial valley, known for the ancient monastic settlement founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. Spend time in the lovely village of Avoca, home to Ireland’s oldest hand-weavers, founded in 1723. Learn about the history and craft involved in each step of the weaving process with a tour at Avoca Handweavers Mill. Day 3 And we’re o to the National Stud and Japanese Gardens, a short jump over the border in Kildare, the birthplace of champions and legends in the sport. Have fun in the Irish Horse Race Experience and get up close to the spectacular stallions at the paddock. Venture to the Japanese
Gardens which combine beautiful structures with vivid foliage in a perfect balance of sights, sounds and colour. Final stop today is Lullymore Heritage Centre and Discovery Park. Try your hand at traditional peat cutting and take a ride on the Peatland Road Train before returning to Arklow Bay. Day 4 A relaxed day today where Russborough House awaits you. This elegant Palladian mansion, viewed as one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic houses, boasts spectacular views and a rich heritage with grand rooms adorned with art masterpieces. Explore the 200 acres of scenic parkland including woodland walks, a charming maze and restored walled garden. On return to the hotel, drop into the picturesque village of Enniskerry with its picture postcard cottages. Day 5 Ferry crossing via Dublin and homeward journey.
• Return ferry crossings • 4 nights half board in County Wicklow with: Porter service, Full Irish breakfast, 3 course dinner with choice and tea/coffee • Admission to Mount Usher Gardens • Tour of Avoca Handweavers Mill • Irish National Stud Farm including tour, Horse Racing Experience and Japanese Gardens • Admission to Lullymore Heritage Centre • Guided tour of Russborough House 2027 price per person Apr £449 May £454 June & Sept £504 July & Aug £512
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normanallen@group-travel.com • www.group-travel.com • Call us on 01432 277666
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