Eire - Kilkenny & Copper
A region offering breathtaking and ancient sights wjere Irish folklore is embedded in every step and captured in stone.
A region offering breathtaking and ancient sights wjere Irish folklore is embedded in every step and captured in stone.
Join us on this magical tour to Southern Ireland – a sparkling isle celebrated in music and words with the warmest most overwhelming welcome in the World. Irelands fairly-tale castles, spectacular coastline sprinkled with tiny fishing harbours and its lush jewelled pearl and sapphire landscapes offer a unique holiday experience. County Kilkenny is often overlooked on the tourist rush to Kerry, and that is a big mistake as the region offers breathtaking and ancient sights where Irish folklore is embedded in every step. The nearby Copper Coast is a UNESCO Global Geopark and history is quite literally captured in stone.
ITINERARY
Sunday - Early morning departure from Dorset and to Pembroke South Wales. Join the afternoon ferry to Rosslare and make the short drive to Waterford. A welcome drink while the bags are portered and after settling in enjoy dinner.
Monday - A free day to explore Waterford, capital of Ireland's sunny South coast and full of history from the time it was established by 9th century Vikings. Walking tours run regularly, you can visit some excellent museums or The Waterford Crystal visitor centre.
Tuesday - A short drive to Bilberry Station where we board the Suir Valley Railway that runs narrow gauge trains 7 miles beside the river - enjoy the scenery and view of Kilmeaden Castle along the way. At Mount Congreve we visit one of the world's largest private gardens whose owner has won 13 gold medals at Chelsea. 70 acres of intensively planted woodland and a 4 acre walled garden - thousands of different plant species. Return to Waterford by coach that afternoon.
Wednesday - To Kilkenny, a well preserved medieval town with many original features. We have included a trip on the Kilkenny road-train which is the best way to explore the sights with minimum effort. Wind you way through the narrow streets to reveal the 2 abbeys, 2 cathedrals, Bishops Palace, Old Court House, Castle, Town Hall and much more… a commentary tells you the stories. This afternoon there will be time for you to revisit any of the sites that appeal to your sense of discovery.
Thursday - A day touring The Copper Coast - a spectacular record of the Earth's past - it's rocks tell the story of undersea volcanos, deserts and dramatic ice-ages. Visit Dungarvan, a seaside town with many historic buildings. We then take a drive along the rugged Copper Coast stopping to view the industrial heritage buildings at Tankardstown and panoramic viewpoints near Dunabrattin Head. Reaching Tramore we visit the famous Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens a haven of beauty and tranquility.
Friday - Morning ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke (breakfast onboard). Driving back to Dorset to arrive home that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
DOOLEY’S HOTEL, WATERFORD
A Bluebird favourite for many years – Dooleys is a long established family run hotel situated in Ireland’s oldest city. 100+ bedrooms are all brightly decorated and provide private bathroom, hairdryer, TV, phone, iron, tea tray and free wifi. The New Ship Restaurant serves creative Irish cuisine – dinner being 3 courses with choices and breakfast is full Irish. There is a traditional bar/lounge in which to socialise, or take your drinks out onto the patio. A lift serves all floors and room service is available.
6 days // £865.00 Per Person SRS £160.00
Holiday Highlights : All coach travel, Return ferry fares, 5 night hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Suir Valley Rail Fare, Entry to Mount Congreve Gardens, Kilkenny Road-train, Tankardstown heritage buildings, Entry to Japanese Gardens.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Littlemoor Road Finches | Littlemoor Road, The Finches bus stop |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
