Garden Tours

IRELAND'S BLUE BOOKCOUNTRY HOUSES, HISTORIC HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

‘Beyond the Pale’ is an old Irish expression for the lovely rural landscape beyond the confines of Dublin city. Rich in Ireland’s culture and heritage the bountiful countryside also boasts some of country’s finest Manor Houses with magnificent gardens.

Day 1: Howth and Dublin

Drive the short distance from Dublin to the buzzing fishing village of Howth Here you will find the King Sitric Restaurant & Townhouse (famous for their fish dishes) tucked away at the end of the village. From here visit the nearby Malahide Castle and Talbot Botanic Gardens. Malahide Castle dates from 1185 and was the home of the Talbot family. The Castle boasts the only surviving medieval great hall. The demense created by Lord Milo Talbot contains over 5,000 different species of trees & shrubs. Lovers of flowers should visit the sometimes overlooked National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin where the restored Turner Conservatory hosts the palm houses.

Day 2: Meath & Westmeath

Detour a little to the north west to see the site of the Battle of the Boyne and visting the historic mounds of Knowth and Dowth and the megalithic tomb of Newgrange, older that the Pyramids, and depicting a life in Ireland dating back 5,000 years. Meandering on through the narrow roads of Westmeath stopping for lunch at gothic Tullynally Castle and home of the Packenhams. Walk through the exotic Chinese garden and take a peep at the Tibetan garden of waterfalls before setting off again to nearby Mullingar and visiting the 19th century Belevedere House & Gardens with its outstanding rococo plasterwork ceilings. Arriving later on to overnight in the Wineport Lodge near Glasson where the rooms all overlook the peaceful lakes of the Shannon River and your jaded soul will be revived by an eclectic menu created in the only wine hotel in Ireland.

Day 3: Westmeath; Offaly and Laois

Having taken a little boat trip around the lakes and visited Athlone Castle in the centre of the town drive south to through Tullamore visit the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre to learn about whiskey distilling. Continue to the midland town of Birr and visit Birr Castle Demense where you will find The Great Telescope which was constructed 150 years ago and was the largest in the world for over 70 years. and partake of a light lunch in their coffee shop. Calling to Roscrea Heritage town en route to Cashel, dominated by the towering Rock of Cashel and make a stop at the Bru Boru village centre which is a celebration of Irish dance and music. Your final stop today is the majestic Castle Durrow located in the village of Durrow. This lovingly restored 300 year old mansion has river and forest walks and a food supplied by the Castle’s organic garden.

Day 4: Laois; Kildare and Wicklow

Leaving Castle Durrow travel towards Dublin and your first stop today is the 1,000 estate which houses the Irish National Stud with the Japanese & St. Fiachra Gardens in Kildare Town. These award winning gardens are a must on garden lovers’ lists. Before you arrive at your final destination visit Russborough House near Blessington and the gardens of Lodge Park at Straffan. At the end of the day overnight at either Barberstown Castle near Straffan a property which is 1rich in history and full of bonhomie.

Day 5 Dublin City

Having circled outside the Pale visit Dublin city itself and all its famous places including Guinness Storehouse, The Smithfield Whiskey Distillery and last but not least Trinity College, home to the unique Book of Kells, before departing full to the brim with memories of Ireland’s past.

Ireland's Blue Book of Country Houses & Restaurants
7/8 Mount St Crescent, Dublin 2. Ireland
Tel: (+353) 01-6769914 | Fax: (+353) 01-6314990 | Email:enquiry@irelandsbluebook.com