Cut off from Britain and abandoned in the face of Atlantic gales and rain, Ireland has been shaped into a unique blend of mountains, bogs, lakes and rivers. Its flora is very diverse, which makes it all the more interesting because of the strange combination of Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean species. Ireland can be described as a land of rich green pastures that have been nurtured over the centuries by the steady fall of rain carried on westerly winds. It is a country that offers a lot but particularly its nature and gardens are renowned throughout the world.

DAY ONE - Arrival in Dublin Panoramic City Tour Visit the Botanic Gardens Dinner and overnight in Dublin
You will be welcomed by one of our professional tour guide, and you will be transferred in a luxury coach to Dublin city. In the morning you will enjoy a Panoramic Tour of Dublin and in the afternoon you will visit the National Botanic Gardens, covering 19 hectares and flanked by the River Tolka. They were founded in 1795 by the Royal Dublin society, in the north side of the city. You can tour the gardens with a guide or alone and discover the most interesting plants and their history, how and when they were introduced to Ireland. The highlight of the visit is the recently restored curvilinear glasshouse, dating from the 1843-69.
DAY TWO - Wicklow County Visit Powerscourt Gardens Visit Mount Usher's Gardens Dinner and overnight in Dublin
South of Dublin, is County Wicklow, known as "the Garden of Ireland". It is so called because of its many gardens, all different in style, design and flora and also simply because of the natural beauty of its landscape. In the heart of its gentle and rounded hills rests Enniskerry, a very picturesque village, home to Powerscourt Gardens. These are a magnificent example of aristocratic gardens from the 19th century, laid out with taste and imagination. The terraced Italian gardens, are embellished with statues descending towards a pond, the Japanese gardens and a pet cemetery are only a few highlights of this visit. In the afternoon, you will visit the Mount Usher's Gardens in Ahford. These gardens are the most typical and best preserved of Robinsonian gardens ("natural gardens" where plants grow freely), including more than 4000 species, gathered from all corners of the world. Option instead of Mount Usher's Gardens : Avondale Park,  the residence of the famous Charles Stuart Parnell, the great Irish political leader. It covers 207 hectares and is in a way the first Silviculture experience. Laid out as a Continental forest garden, the park contains native and exotic trees.
DAY THREE -  Limerick Japanese Gardens, St. Fiachra's Gardens & Emo Court Dinner and overnight in Limerick
This morning you will leave Dublin and travel to Kildare to visit the Japanese and St. Fiachra's Gardens. The Japanese gardens were founded by Lord Wavertree and laid out by the Japanese gardener Tassa Eida in 1906-1910. They symbolise the "life of man". St. Fiachra's (the patron saint of gardeners) Gardens are the last addition. They capture the raw power of the Irish landscape within a natural setting of wetland. rocks and lakes. They were designed to celebrate the Millennium. After lunch. on your way to Limerick, you will make a small detour to visit an extremely elegant house and its gardens: Emo Court. The house was designed in 1790 by James Gandon, the famous English architect who is responsible for the Custom House and the Four Courts. to name only a few of his masterpieces. The Gardens were first laid out in the 18th century for an earlier house. They are famous for their sweeping formal lawns, statuary and fine trees. There is a spectacular avenue of Wellingtonia, which are giant sequoias over 150 years old.
DAY FOUR - Limerick to Kerry Visit Glin Castle, Killarney National Park, Muckross House Dinner and overnight in Kerry
You will leave Limerick and follow the coastal route to the very charming and romantic Glin Castle Pleasure Grounds and Walled Garden. Beautifully situated on the river Shannon estuary, this 1785 Georgian house contains a unique collection of Irish decorative arts. The pleasure grounds and park were planted with beech, oak and yew and the walled garden's grey stone wails are lined with fig trees. pears and clematis. The combination of a riverside setting, amphitheatre of trees and  walled gardens are typical of the gardens of Ireland. In the afternoon. on arrival to Kerry. you will enjoy some spectacular gardens in the Killarney National Park. Muckross Gardens are in one of the most beautiful natural settings found in Ireland. The grass lawns resemble beautiful green carpets and the size of the rhododendrons among other plants will astonish you. Muckross House was built in 1843  is one of the most graceful and elegant residences of Ireland.
DAY FIVE - Dingle Peninsula Tour of the Dingle Peninsula Visit Gallarus Oratory Dinner and Overnight in Kerry
The Dingle Peninsula is the most northern of the Kerry peninsulas. Rough and wild, but also still agricultural, it remains attached to traditions. The road, boarded by astonishing tall fuchsias, brings you to Dingle, a thriving fishing town. The discovery of the peninsula continues along the Eagle Mount and the sheer cliffs of Slea Head. Here the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since 1953, and in the distance are the two rocky Skellig Islands, where the ruins of an early Christian Monastery can be found. The Dingle peninsula is an area of great charm with its villages painted in bright colours and its dramatic and beautiful landscapes. En route, you will also have the opportunity to visit Gallans Oratory. Built without any mortar and dating from the 9th century, this oratory has remained intact throughout the centuries due to the quality of the stone work. Resembling a boat turned upside down, this oratory was used by the monks to pray.
DAY SIX - Kerry to Kilkenny Visit Anne's Grove Gardens Visit Kilkenny Dinner and overnight in Kilkenny
Today you will be leaving this magnificent county, which the locals call "the Kingdom" and you will travel north east to Kilkenny. In the morning you will visit Annes Grove Gardens. These gardens are supremely romantic, laid out in the early 20th century, they are Robinsonian in style (as Mount Usher's) but they also incorporate 18th century 'ornamented glen' and landscape. In the woodland area you will see a great collection of rhododendrons, magnolias, rare trees and shrubs. There is also a walled garden with rose beds. This garden is a very secret one, narrow winding paths will bring you to surprising places. This is a very beautiful garden lesser known and off the beaten track. Continue on to Kilkenny, the medieval city. Capital of the county and called" the marble city", Kilkenny is the most interesting and best preserved of the medieval Irish cities. Walk through the narrow and winding, little streets, typically medieval, and you will discover its Secret charms. Optional visit to Kilkenny Castle. Rebuilt and modified throughout the centuries, you will visit the superb Victorian style apartments.  Surrounding the castle is a park of 50 hectares.
DAY SEVEN - Kilkenny / Dublin Visit Altamont Gardens Visit Johnstown's Garden Centre Dinner and overnight in Dublin
The last day of the tour will bring you back to the capital City. However you still have some great visits to enjoy. The first one will be the Altamont Gardens, Tullow in County Carlow. They are large and beautiful old world gardens, both formal and informal with lawns and clipped yews going down towards a lake. The particularity of the gardens is the profusion of roses, old fashioned and modern types. Beyond the lake, you will discover a glen, carpeted with bluebells and ferns. Before returning to Dublin, you will be able to stop at one of Ireland's award-winning garden centre to allow you to bring home some seeds or indeed some small plants. Johnstown Garden Centre also sells garden furniture, pottery from all around the world, garden books and gifts.
DAY EIGHT - Departure Optional visit to Malahide Castle & Gardens if time of flight allows Airport transfer
If time allows visit Malahide Castle and Gardens. Built in the 12th Century, it became the Talbot's family residence until 1976. The magnificent Castle is surrounded by a 100 hectare park, it possesses splendid furniture and an important collection of art. You will enjoy the last Talbot's enthusiasm for gardening when viewing the plantation of rare and exotic species originating from Tasmania. Transfer to airport for departure.
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