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  • Great Houses, Castles & Gardens of Ireland's Ancient East
5 nights
from £2995

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Great Houses, Castles & Gardens of Ireland's Ancient East

Explore Ireland’s Garden Counties of Wicklow, Carlow & Beyond with Mike Nelhams, Chantal Cookson & the Music of London Festival Opera

  • 14 June 2026
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Great Houses, Castles & Gardens of Ireland Ancient East

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    An Introduction by Andrew Cochrane, Noble Caledonia Founder & Director

    • Altamont Gardens

    "For many years we have arranged garden tours along Ireland’s ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ from Donegal to Kerry. It may come as a surprise to some that many of the nation’s best gardens are found on the other side of the country in the lush landscapes of Leinster. Here, good farming land produced great houses and splendid gardens many of which have survived and prospered of late. County Wicklow is known as the Garden County and adjoining County Carlow possesses some of the grandest estates and gardens. This has always been my favourite area to explore as so much of Ireland’s history both ancient and modern has taken place in a relatively small area to the south of Dublin. Never far from view are the dramatic Wicklow mountains which compare favourably with any of the hills and mountains of the west and form a magnificent backdrop to some of our garden visits.

    There are so many great estates and wonderful gardens in this region, we are spoilt for choice as we cannot include them all. However, in wanting to provide an interesting mix of garden styles, landscapes and history we have opted for what we think will make the most interesting of visits. The advances in garden restoration in the past decade have been quite striking. We will visit some of the best including Altamont with its 40 acres of lush gardens in a riverside setting and Hunting Brook a plantsman’s dream and described by Monty Don as a “garden that is endlessly beguiling and however many times you visit it, you always find something new”. We will also visit Kilmacurragh, a National Botanic Garden on the site of a 7th century monastery. In 1854 the site came to Thomas Acton who built a new and pioneering garden and more latterly became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. I visited recently and was amazed at what has been achieved over the past 10 years, it’s stunning. Other highlights will include Huntington Castle sitting in the shadows of the Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Usher, an award-winning example of a Robinsonian garden.

    As with any tour one of the most important aspects is finding a suitable hotel in the right location. Marlfield House is a stunningly elegant period hotel which has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. Set in 36 acres of lovely gardens and woodland it is the perfect place for our tour. Rarely do you find a privately owned hotel which combines such style and elegance with a well-tended garden which is just perfect for after dinner walks. Being there in mid-June when daylight stretches to after ten in the evening and also taking advantage of the early dawn to enjoy the peace of the lovely garden sets up the perfect day. To enhance our stay further, we will enjoy performances by our good friends London Festival Opera at Huntington Castle and at Marlfield House.”

    Useful links & Travel Advice

    Please find a selection of  useful websites  to refer to for information from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.


    Marlfield House

    Marlfield House

    Marlfield House is a stunningly elegant period hotel which is set in 36 acres of lovely gardens and woodland. All the suites and rooms, both in the main house and scattered around the garden are of the highest standard, individually styled with love and attention and those in the house are furnished with antiques and paintings. As you would expect of a hotel of this standard the cuisine is multi award winning offering classical French and Mediterranean influenced food in the flower filled Turner style conservatory overlooking the garden. On some evenings we will dine in the Duck Restaurant, a more relaxed dining experience on a sunny terrace overlooking the gardens. Ireland is famous for its many great hotels and Marlfield House is certainly one of them and a perfect base for our escorted tour.

    View accommodation details

    Itinerary

    • Mount Congreve Gardens overlooking the River Suir
    • Huntington Castle
    • Altamont Gardens

    Day 1 London to Dublin, Ireland.

    Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival, a drive of just over an hour takes us south to Marlfield House situated on the outskirts of Gorey, a busy historic market town. Meet for drinks followed by dinner at the hotel. (D)

    Day 2 Huntington Castle & Altamont Gardens.

    After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Huntington Castle, the ancient seat of the Esmonde family and presently occupied by the Durdin Robertsons, descendants of the Esmonds. As with all Irish castles there is a wealth of stories and tales dating back to the 14th century when it was a stronghold and abbey. The current structure dates back to 1625. There will be a tour of the castle and some free time to explore the extensive grounds including the ancient Yew Walk. Following a light lunch in the courtyard, London Festival Opera will perform in this marvellous setting. We will then head to Altamont Gardens, set in over 40 acres of lush gardens and riverside walks. Its earliest beginnings were as a riverside retreat for Augustinian nuns, and it was more latterly developed as a house and garden from the 18th to 20th century. It is laid out in the style of William Robinson which strives for ‘honest simplicity’. After a coffee break in the wonderfully rustic outdoor café filled with birdsong, we return to Marlfield House for dinner. (B, L, D)

    Day 3 Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden.

    After yesterday’s busy day we will slow the pace today allowing for a morning at leisure to relax and enjoy the delights of Marlfield or perhaps explore Gorey. After lunch at the hotel it is a short drive to Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden. Around the ruins of a fine Queen Anne style house lie the 52 acres of wild Robinsonian gardens which were established in 1712 and further expanded in the 19th century during the great botanical explorations with numerous plant species from around the world. The climatic conditions and soil resulted in a high success rate of new species and since taking over the site in 1996 the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland have performed a marvellous restoration. Before returning to Marlfield enjoy some refreshments in the café. Tonight, London Festival Opera will perform in the hotel, followed by dinner. (B, L, D)

    Day 4 Mount Congreve & Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Garden.

    This morning we drive south to County Waterford and the stunning gardens of Mount Congreve where six generations of Congreves have created one of Ireland’s great gardens. Situated on the banks of the River Suir there are over seventy acres of intensively planted woodland, a four acre walled garden and 10 miles of walkways. Highlights include the Georgian Glass House, the Rock Waterfall and the Chinese Pagoda built in the centre of an old quarry. Extensive work has been carried out over recent years making Mount Congreve a world class garden. After lunch in the Stables Café we drive to the coast and the nearby Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens of Tramore. Set high above the seaside resort of Tramore are eleven unique garden areas encompassing the incomparable beauty of Japanese horticulture. On a guided tour we will learn about the fascinating life of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, born 1850 in Greece, he spent his childhood in Ireland and later moved to the USA and Japan. (B, L, D)

    Day 5 Hunting Brook Garden & Mount Usher.

    This morning we will drive to the west of County Wicklow to the extraordinary Hunting Brook Garden. Described by the Telegraph as one of the world’s ‘new plant gurus’ Jimi Blake has acquired a reputation as a maverick designer and outstanding propagator with a uniquely outlandish, yet marvellous sense of beautiful plant combinations. This will be a special visit and full of surprises. Later, drive across County Wicklow to the famous Mount Usher Garden in Ashford. Lunch on arrival will be followed by guided walks around this most splendid of gardens by the River Vartry. Return to Marlfield House for our farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

    Day 6 Dublin to London.

    Check out after breakfast and return to Dublin Airport for the return scheduled flight. (B)

    • Marlfield House Hotel Gardens
    • Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden
    • Mount Usher

    Dates and Prices

    Prices per person based on double occupancy
    14 to 19 June 2026
    Category Price
    Standard Room £2995
    Classic Room £3195
    Junior State Room £3395
    State Room £3595
    Pond Suite £3795
    Master Suite £4195
    Small Single Room Not Available
    The Nest* £4595
    The Lodge* £4795
    Standard Room for sole occupancy £3995
    Classic Room for sole occupancy £4195

    Tour Reference Code: LAIRELAND

    PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights hotel accommodation at Marlfield House • Meals as indicated (B- Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Two London Festival Opera performances • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Excursions as described • Transfers.

    Not Included: Travel insurance.

    *Please note that these categories feature two bedrooms and can accommodate up to 4 guests. Prices available upon request.

    Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.

    Marlfield House

    Marlfield House is a stunningly elegant period hotel which is set in 36 acres of lovely gardens and woodland. All the suites and rooms, both in the main house and scattered around the garden are of the highest standard, individually styled with love and attention and those in the house are furnished with antiques and paintings. As you would expect of a hotel of this standard the cuisine is multi award winning offering classical French and Mediterranean influenced food in the flower filled Turner style conservatory overlooking the garden. On some evenings we will dine in the Duck Restaurant, a more relaxed dining experience on a sunny terrace overlooking the gardens. Ireland is famous for its many great hotels and Marlfield House is certainly one of them and a perfect base for our escorted tour.

     
    Marlfield House »

    Marlfield House

    Marlfield House

    Marlfield House Gardens

    Restaurant

    The Duck Restaurant

    Standard room

    Junior State Room – The French Room

    Master Suite – The Print Room

    State Room – The Georgian Room

    Pond Suites

    Nest Suites

    Library

    • Marlfield House
      Marlfield House
    • Marlfield House
      Marlfield House
    • Marlfield House Gardens
      Marlfield House Gardens
    • Restaurant
      Restaurant
    • The Duck Restaurant
      The Duck Restaurant
    • Standard room
      Standard room
    • Junior State Room – The French Room
      Junior State Room – The French Room
    • Master Suite – The Print Room
      Master Suite – The Print Room
    • State Room – The Georgian Room
      State Room – The Georgian Room
    • Pond Suites
      Pond Suites
    • Nest Suites
      Nest Suites
    • Library
      Library
    • Your Accommodation

      Your Accommodation

      All of the bedrooms are uniquely decorated with rich fabrics and elegant furnishings and have marble bathrooms, king sized double or twin beds and many overlook the garden or the lake. They are furnished with carefully chosen antiques and paintings and have Voya toiletries, Frette linen, oversized bathrobes with slippers, hairdryers, iron & ironing board, Wi-Fi, TV’s and radios. Bottled water and fresh fruit await guests on arrival. The majority of the Standard and Classic Rooms are on the first and second floors which are only accessible by stairs. The State Rooms are located on the ground floor.

      Single Room

      The Single Rooms overlook the gardens and courtyard and are small and cosy in character. They feature a double bed and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. They are on the first and second floor of the house.

      Standard Room

      The charming Standard Rooms overlook the gardens and courtyard and measuring 15 square metres, they are the smallest rooms and are cosy in character. They feature an en-suite bathroom with either a walk in shower with separate bath or a shower over bath, a seating area and everything one would expect in a fine country house.

      Classic Room

      The comfortable Classic Rooms overlook the gardens and courtyard and measuring 23 square metres, they have a classical antique finish. They feature an en-suite bathroom with shower over bath, a seating area and are furnished with carefully chosen fabrics. They are on the ground, 1st and 2nd floor of the house.

      Junior State Room

      The Junior State Rooms measure 36 square metres and are beautifully decorated with rich fabrics and fine antique furniture. The rooms have an en-suite marble bathroom with a walk in shower and bath, a seating area with fireplace and doors that open on to the garden.

      State Room

      State Rooms measure between 45 and 52 square metres and feature a separate seating area with a period marble fireplace with gas fire and large marble bathrooms. The antiques and furnishings have been thoughtfully selected and truly reflect an era of gracious living. All three staterooms are completely different in style and décor and have views of the garden or lake. All have large bathrooms with separate bath and shower and double sinks.

      Master Suite

      The elegant and stately Master Suite, known as The Print Room, measures 68 square metres and is beautifully decorated. The walls are adorned with paintings and prints and the room contains fine antiques. The king size bed is set in an alcove and a panelled octagonal dressing room leads to the elegant marble bathroom with large jacuzzi bath, walk in shower and twin sinks. The Suite overlooks the Knot Garden. Pond Suites Separate to the manor house, the Pond Suites are located overlooking the pond in a lush, wooded setting of mature oak trees and ferns. Encompassing large open plan interiors of 50 square metres with patio doors onto a private terrace, they are the epitome of a modern, luxurious country house experience in the most private of settings. A large bathroom with a free-standing bath sits under a round picture window, walk-in shower, double sinks & separate WC.

      The Nest

      The Nest Pond Suite can accommodate up to four guests and is a large, modern two bedroom suite located by the duck pond in a lush, wooded setting of mature oak trees and ferns. Encompassing a large open plan living area with cosy couches and patio doors onto a private terrace, two ensuite bedrooms with full length French doors overlooking the pond it is the epitome of a modern, luxurious country house experience.

      The Lodge

      The Lodge is a recently renovated luxurious contemporary two-bedroom cottage, located at the main entrance to the grounds. It features an open plan kitchen and living area with open fire, mini-bars, multi-channel TV’s and Wi-Fi.

      Pond Suites 

      Separate to the manor house, the Pond Suites are located overlooking the pond in a lush, wooded setting of mature oak trees and ferns. Encompassing large open plan interiors of 50 square metres with patio doors onto a private terrace, they are the epitome of a modern, luxurious country house experience in the most private of settings. A large bathroom with a free-standing bath sits under a round picture window, walk-in shower, double sinks & separate WC.

    • View all tours
    • Your Accommodation

      Your Accommodation

      All of the bedrooms are uniquely decorated with rich fabrics and elegant furnishings and have marble bathrooms, king sized double or twin beds and many overlook the garden or the lake. They are furnished with carefully chosen antiques and paintings and have Voya toiletries, Frette linen, oversized bathrobes with slippers, hairdryers, iron & ironing board, Wi-Fi, TV’s and radios. Bottled water and fresh fruit await guests on arrival. The majority of the Standard and Classic Rooms are on the first and second floors which are only accessible by stairs. The State Rooms are located on the ground floor.

      Single Room

      The Single Rooms overlook the gardens and courtyard and are small and cosy in character. They feature a double bed and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. They are on the first and second floor of the house.

      Standard Room

      The charming Standard Rooms overlook the gardens and courtyard and measuring 15 square metres, they are the smallest rooms and are cosy in character. They feature an en-suite bathroom with either a walk in shower with separate bath or a shower over bath, a seating area and everything one would expect in a fine country house.

      Classic Room

      The comfortable Classic Rooms overlook the gardens and courtyard and measuring 23 square metres, they have a classical antique finish. They feature an en-suite bathroom with shower over bath, a seating area and are furnished with carefully chosen fabrics. They are on the ground, 1st and 2nd floor of the house.

      Junior State Room

      The Junior State Rooms measure 36 square metres and are beautifully decorated with rich fabrics and fine antique furniture. The rooms have an en-suite marble bathroom with a walk in shower and bath, a seating area with fireplace and doors that open on to the garden.

      State Room

      State Rooms measure between 45 and 52 square metres and feature a separate seating area with a period marble fireplace with gas fire and large marble bathrooms. The antiques and furnishings have been thoughtfully selected and truly reflect an era of gracious living. All three staterooms are completely different in style and décor and have views of the garden or lake. All have large bathrooms with separate bath and shower and double sinks.

      Master Suite

      The elegant and stately Master Suite, known as The Print Room, measures 68 square metres and is beautifully decorated. The walls are adorned with paintings and prints and the room contains fine antiques. The king size bed is set in an alcove and a panelled octagonal dressing room leads to the elegant marble bathroom with large jacuzzi bath, walk in shower and twin sinks. The Suite overlooks the Knot Garden. Pond Suites Separate to the manor house, the Pond Suites are located overlooking the pond in a lush, wooded setting of mature oak trees and ferns. Encompassing large open plan interiors of 50 square metres with patio doors onto a private terrace, they are the epitome of a modern, luxurious country house experience in the most private of settings. A large bathroom with a free-standing bath sits under a round picture window, walk-in shower, double sinks & separate WC.

      The Nest

      The Nest Pond Suite can accommodate up to four guests and is a large, modern two bedroom suite located by the duck pond in a lush, wooded setting of mature oak trees and ferns. Encompassing a large open plan living area with cosy couches and patio doors onto a private terrace, two ensuite bedrooms with full length French doors overlooking the pond it is the epitome of a modern, luxurious country house experience.

      The Lodge

      The Lodge is a recently renovated luxurious contemporary two-bedroom cottage, located at the main entrance to the grounds. It features an open plan kitchen and living area with open fire, mini-bars, multi-channel TV’s and Wi-Fi.

      Pond Suites 

      Separate to the manor house, the Pond Suites are located overlooking the pond in a lush, wooded setting of mature oak trees and ferns. Encompassing large open plan interiors of 50 square metres with patio doors onto a private terrace, they are the epitome of a modern, luxurious country house experience in the most private of settings. A large bathroom with a free-standing bath sits under a round picture window, walk-in shower, double sinks & separate WC.

    Travelling with You

    Lond{MEDIA GALLERY DEFAULT}on Festival Opera

    We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for our stay and presenting two entertaining programmes of opera and operetta including the celebrated works of Mozart, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini and the lighter repertoire of Gilbert & Sullivan. Bringing together artists from the major Opera companies including the Royal Opera House, London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in some of the world’s leading venues.

    Tour Leader – Chantal Cookson{MEDIA GALLERY DEFAULT}

    Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising in British waters was in 1991 when Noble Caledonia undertook its first cruise around the British Isles, which was a groundbreaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader for land tours. Chantal has been instrumental in the creation of Noble Caledonia’s escorted land tours in the UK and Ireland. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society

    Guest Speaker – Mike Nelhams
    {MEDIA GALLERY DEFAULT}

    We are most fortunate in having Mike Nelhams as our Guest Speaker. We have known Mike for over 20 years as he has welcomed our vessels to the Isles of Scilly and more recently accompanied our tours in Cornwall. Mike first went to Tresco on a Studley Trust Scholarship as a student in 1976. He first trained for three years at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley. After managing a woodland garden in Sussex for five years he returned to Tresco Abbey Garden in 1984 as Head Gardener and then in 1994 took the post of Garden Curator which was established for him. He is an RHS judge on the Tender Plants Committee, judging regularly at Chelsea, Hampton Court and London RHS shows and also is a frequent lecturer throughout the English-speaking world. He has published a book, “Tresco Abbey Garden” and has made many appearances on national TV and radio, as well as having written many articles for the horticultural press. A Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mike regularly leads garden tours.

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    Great Houses, Castles & Gardens of Ireland Ancient East

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