Ireland is a beautiful holiday destination at any time but it truly comes to life for the annual feast day of St Patrick.
With colourful parades, Irish music and a carnival atmosphere the town of Bray is an ideal place to join the locals and celebrate their heritage in a traditional and time honoured way. We stay at The Esplanade Hotel, Bray which is ideally situated in the town and, overlooks the seafront. Although the hotel has been refurbished it retains many Victorian features and all rooms are very well appointed.
Itinerary
Tuesday Departing from Cornwall early in the morning we travel north to Pembroke for the afternoon ferry to Rosslare. Once on Irish ground we make our way to the Maldron Hotel in Wexford for dinner, bed and breakfast.
Wednesday After a full Irish breakfast we will visit the brand new Waterford Crystal visitor centre where the craftsmen and women produce the famous pieces of beautiful and perfect crystal that is famous around the world. Following this we will make our way through the beautiful Irish countryside to the popular medieval town of Kilkenny where you will have time for lunch, to explore the castle, visit a choice of gardens or climb the round tower of St Canice Cathedral and view the city from above. During the afternoon we will continue our journey and travel through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains and on to Bray. We will arrive at our hotel to a warm welcome and will have time to settle in before dinner.
Thursday Happy St Patricks Day! You have the day free in Bray to join in the local celebrations. The highlight of the day will no doubt be the parade which runs along the main street and involves over 30 community groups as well as people travelling from near and far. Although we are visiting the city tomorrow, if you do want to celebrate on a bigger scale the massive St Patricks Day Festival in Dublin will be in full swing and is only a short DART train ride away. Whichever option you take you will be sure to have a fantastic day before returning to your hotel for a traditional Irish dinner followed by entertainment.
Friday Today we visit the nearby Powerscourt Gardens which first began to take shape over two and a half centuries ago. The charming walled garden, striking terraces, fine statuary and varied trees and set in the magnificent surroundings of the Wicklow Mountains are a sight to behold. We will also spend some time in Dublin, the largest city in Ireland. Set at the mouth of the River Liffey this fashionable city is now one of the most visited cities in the world and is noted for its art and museums.
Saturday This morning we bid farewell to Ireland and travel to Dublin for our ferry back to Holyhead. We will then make our way back to Cornwall arriving later in the evening.
Terms
Limited number of single rooms available at a supplement of £70
Home pick up available from most areas at a cost of £10 per person
A £100.00 non-returnable and non-transferable deposit per person is required at time of booking to secure your seat, the balance payable 6 weeks prior to departure. Tour subject to loading.
Total Price Includes:
* Coach Travel * Ferry Crossings * Holiday Insurance * 4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast *
* Excursions as detailed * Admission to Powerscourt Gardens * Entertainment as detailed * Free Parking at Depot *
* Pick up points in most towns & villages *