Overview
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Staying at the very stylish Clarence Hotel, brilliantly refurbished in pure contemporary design, we spend the first night in Dublin. (We recommend anyone wanting to explore Dublin's wealth of attractions an earlier arrival or adding a few days at the end of the Tour). The following day our first stop is at Powerscourt, probably Ireland's finest gardens dramatically located at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain, before travelling through the Wicklow Mountains along the Military Road. This is a rugged landscape of granite escarpments, stream dotted bogs, cascading waterfalls and the atmospheric lakeside 6th C monastery of Glendalough. Our New Ross accommodation is at an award winning Country House.
On the next day, we travel via Waterford to visit the Heritage Museum at Cobh which records the mass Irish emigration to Australia before a leisurely afternoon in Youghal. The following morning we provide an opportgunity to take a seaside trek, and walkers have a chance to stroll the quaint fishing village of Ballycotton with its lovely cliff walks. Lunch will be taken at the Cafe of the famous Ballymaloe Cooking School, where guests can also admire the beautiful and extensive gardens created to include a herb garden a potager kitchen garden, ornamental fruit garden, herbaceous borders and shell-house. Later in the afternoon, Darina Allen will conduct a "Tastes of Ireland" session specially to introduce our group to the traditions and evolution of Irish Cuisine. Together with her mother-in-law, Myrtle, they have been at the forefront of the Irish Food Revolution.
After such a hectic day, guests will relish their stay at the Relais et Chateau ranked Country House in Mallow, chosen for its proximity to the Racecourse where the next day we can attend a colourful day at the Races. After two nights here, we proceed to the alluring coastline and headlands of South-west Ireland where there will be opportunities for marvellous country walks and cycling trails, as well as a memorable dinner on Heir Island reached by ferry across a tranquil bay. After several days sampling the delights of the Baltimore, Sheep's Head and Beara Peninsulas, we have one night in the charming town of Kenmare, renowned for its excellent array of restaurants.
Next day, we continue north-west to enjoy lunch and a whisky tasting with the effusive and gracious hosts of Allo's, Ireland's most heralded bar and restaurant in the Bridgestone Guide. A sobering afternoon-tea will be taken at the spectacularly located Glin Castle, situated on the Shannon and boasting a fine collection of 18th C furnishings. Later this evening in Baliingarry, our host is the irrepressible Dan Mullane whose personal history which includes travel to and a love of Australia, Bali and Africa imbues this supremely comfortable, renovated convent with a special magic. The following day we will explore the Burren, a vast limestone plateau bordering the sea with a unique botanical collection of Mediterranean and alpine plants, strikingly creviced limestone pavements and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.
With the gracious environs of Quay House, situated on the old harbour of Clifden, as our base, the last two days of the tour effect a leisurely enough pace to explore the wildness and beauty of the Connemarra National Park. On Sunday we have a good three -hour drive to return to Dublin, with the intention of touring the National Horse Stud en route, before returning to Dublin mid afternoon.
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