Powerscourt & Dublin 'River & Rail'

Take time out and steal away to picture-perfect Enniskerry, one of Ireland's prettiest villages and stay in your very own country house, nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. A gloriously refreshing antidote to busy, daily lives, this rural retreat is perfect to breathe in clean air, stargaze under big skies and enjoy a dose of the finest Wicklow hospitality. Highlights of this great breakaway include a great train journey around the coast of Dublin Bay to Malahide, a scenic cruise on the River Liffey and, of course, a visit to the magnificent Powerscourt House & Gardens.Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your luxury coach, journey westwards to Wales with ample stops for refreshments before arriving at your overnight hotel in North Wales where an evening meal is included. DBB

Day 2 - An early start to Holyhead for the morning crossing to Dublin with breakfast included onboard. Arrive in Ireland early afternoon for the drive to the seaside town of Bray. A kind of 'Irish Brighton', it is, in fact, a rather gentle resort with a splendid mile long beach and a spacious esplanade set at the foot of beautiful cliff scenery and is home to some of Ireland's finest restaurants, shops and pubs. Enjoy a stop here before the short drive to Enniskerry to check in to your holiday hotel with a welcome drink on arrival. DBB

Day 3 - 5 At leisure in Enniskerry with three included excursions. There is entertainment in the hotel on one evening and an Irish coffee after dinner on the last night. DBB

The extremely picturesque village of Enniskerry was built to accompany the manor house of Powerscourt Estate. The village has some superb cafes and shops as well as a host of picture-postcard cottages and a charming village triangle.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
DART to Malahide
Take a trip north on Ireland's oldest railway, the DART train this morning with a local guide on board along the beautiful coastline from Bray, round Dublin Bay to Malahide. A handsome seaside town, Malahide has a bustling marina with a pleasant promenade and plenty of cafes and shops. It is also well known for its 800 year old castle, one of the oldest in Ireland and Talbot Botanic Gardens (entrance not included - castle & gardens ticket approx. €14 pp in 2022). Included tea and scones await you in Malahide with free time before DART-ing back to Bray.

Powerscourt Estate & Wicklow National Park
Wicklow's most popular attraction is this magnificent estate at the heart of which is a grand 68-room Palladian mansion (not currently open to the public), completed in 1741 for the 1st Viscount Powerscourt. But it is the formal gardens with carefully designed walks that are the real draw here, combined with the absolutely stunning views famed by the gentle beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. Voted No. 3 in National Geographic's Top 10 Gardens of the World, Powerscourt offers 47 acres of sublime gardens to explore with cascading terraces, formal landscapes, pavilions, ornamental lakes, secret hollows and fine tree-lined arbors. On the return the coach can drop you in the centre of Enniskerry village and you can then stroll back to the hotel at your leisure (approx 15 minutes walk - mostly flat). Enjoy a scenic drive this afternoon through the Wicklow National Park, heading south through Roundwood and Laragh to Glendalough an ancient monastic site established by St Kevin. Travel on via the beautifully wooded Vale of Clara to Avoca, setting for the popular BBC series "Ballykissangel" and home of Avoca Handweavers with an included guided tour of the mill. Set in the beautiful gardens of an old estate, visitors to the centre can watch weavers at work and have the opportunity to purchase the goods from the shop.

Dublin for the Day with Liffey River Cruise
Enjoy a day in Dublin to explore Ireland's intimate little capital with its affable mix of heritage and hedonism. A chance to explore at leisure its Georgian squares with impressive townhouses, bustling Grafton Street, St Stephen's Green, Trinity College with its glorious Book of Kells and the famous Ha'Penny Bridge over the Liffey. Enjoy exploring Dublin's many galleries, museums, shops and cafes. No visit is complete without experiencing Dubliners at their most convivial in one of the city's many pubs, perhaps in lively Temple Bar. A one hour river cruise is included today so you can see Dublin from a completely different perspective.

Day 6 - Early start today to catch the early ferry from Dublin back to Holyhead. Early morning tea, coffee and pastries are provided in the hotel reception before departure and breakfast is included on board the ferry during the crossing. Arrive back in Wales around midday and then it is just a short drive to Caernarfon. You will have time at leisure to explore this historic royal town with its air of charm, especially around Palace St, Castle Sq and Hole in the Wall St. Within the cobbled lanes of the old walled town are some fine Georgian buildings and an interesting waterfront. Caernarfon Castle has undergone a large scale conservation project which will include a new accessible viewing platform via a glass lift and a new cafe. It is open daily 10.00 - 16.00 with entrance approx. £11 pp in 2022. Re-board your coach and drive to your overnight at 3* Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold. DBB

Day 7 - Head home today with ample stops for refreshments. Continue back to your local joining points arriving back mid/late evening.Summerhill House Hotel, Enniskerry
This beautiful 3* country house hotel is situated on the edge of Enniskerry village, just a few minutes form Powerscourt House & Gardens. Guests can enjoy five acres of mature grounds and the refined and relaxed atmosphere. Guestrooms are bright and spacious and feature complimentary WiFi, hair dryer and flat screen TV. There is a traditional bar with antique wall and rich glass and the elegant Terrace Restaurant. The spa offers a range of treatments (additional charges apply). There is a lift in the main hotel to all floors.