An Introduction by Andrew Cochrane, Noble Caledonia Founder & Director
"We have always had in mind that we should arrange a tour to include the famous Wexford Opera Festival. Whilst staying at the marvellous Marlfield House in County Wexford on a music and garden tour we had arranged for the summer of 2024, I realised it was the perfect base for visiting the Opera Festival as well as taking in some of the great houses of Ireland’s Ancient East. Perhaps the month of October does not spring readily to mind as a time for such a visit, but having visited Ireland numerous times in autumn over the years, I have concluded it is an ideal time for a tour such as this. The colours of autumn are magical and even the gardens with their last summer colours have a charm, and best of all everywhere is crowd free.
Our five night itinerary will begin with a visit to Killruddery House which, under the Stewardship of Lord and Lady Ardee has been transformed into a cultural highlight of Ireland’s Ancient East. It is a family home to three generations of the Brabazon family who run the estate including a working farm. On the drive back to Marlfield we will make a stop at National Botanic Garden and Arboretum, no place better than to witness the changing seasons. Other highlights will include Powerscourt which will be resplendent in autumnal colours and Russborough House, a Palladian jewel and home to the Beit Collection.
We have timed our visit to coincide with the wonderful Wexford Festival Opera and will enjoy two evening performances at the Wexford Opera House; ‘L’equivoco stravagante’ (The Bizarre Misunderstanding) which is one of Gioachino Rossini’s earliest operas and ‘Iris’ by Pietro Mascagni, a rarely performed opera set in Japan. On these two days, the arrangements will be lighter allowing free time to rest and enjoy the delights of Marlfied House which is a stunningly elegant period hotel that 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. “
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Dublin, Ireland.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival a drive of just over an hour brings us to Marlfield House, on the outskirts of Gorey, a busy Wexford historic market town. Meet this evening for drinks and dinner in the hotel. (D)
Day 2 Killruddery & Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden.
After breakfast drive to Killruddery House for a private tour of the house. Being a home, the atmosphere is special as are the interiors including elaborate chimney-pieces by Giacinto Micali, crimson silk damask from Spitalfields and stained glass by John Milner. Outside, the French formal gardens are deemed one of the finest examples on the island. After our visit we will drive south to Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden, stopping for lunch en-route. Set around the ruins of a fine Queen Anne style house lie the 52 acres of wild Robinsonian gardens established in 1712 and further expanded in the 19th century. The climatic conditions and soil here have 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. Following our visit take the short drive back to Marlfield where we will have dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Russborough House & Wexford Opera House.
This morning depart for Russborough House and learn of its fascinating history that spans three centuries of social and political intrigue with engaging tales of fine art collectors and collecting. Russborough is unique, designed and built to unrivalled standards. It has been home to three families and has survived largely unaltered since the 18th century due to their love for the house. Our guided tour of the house will include the Beit Collection, one of Ireland’s most notable ensembles of fine and decorative arts. After lunch in the Courtyard Café we will return to Marlfield House. Later this afternoon we will head to Wexford and from the quayside will walk the narrow lanes to the Opera House. Enjoy a pre-performance dinner at the restaurant at the top of the theatre which has picturesque views of the harbour before taking our seats for a performance of one of Gioachino Rossini’s earliest operas, ‘L’equivoco stravagante’ (The Bizarre Misunderstanding). (B, L, D)
Day 4 Marlfield House & Powerscourt.
After yesterday’s busy day we will have a leisurely morning to relax and enjoy the comforts of Marlfield House and a lecture from our Guest Speaker. After lunch in the hotel we will head north to County Wicklow and discover the magnificent estate at Powerscourt in its autumnal splendour. The gardens span 20 hectares and are a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The gardens were begun in the 18th century, although most of what we see today dates from the 19th century. Following our tour, we will return to Marlfield House where we will meet this evening for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Huntingdon Castle & Wexford Opera.
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to nearby County Carlow and the ancient seat of the Esmonde family, Huntingdon Castle. Now occupied by the Durdin Robertsons, descendants of the Esmondes, the castle dates to the 14th century when it was a stronghold and abbey. The current structure dates to 1625 and as with all Irish castles there are a wealth of stories and tales. After some refreshments drive back to Marlfield where there will be some time to relax before a late lunch. Later this afternoon we will head back to Wexford Opera House for this evening’s performance of ‘Iris’ by Pietro Mascagni, a rarely performed opera set in Japan. A light buffet will be served at the hotel on our return. (B, L, D*)
Day 6 Dublin to London.
Check out after breakfast and return to Dublin Airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 19 to 24 October 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Standard Room | £3295 | |
| Classic Room | £3495 | |
| Junior State Room | £3695 | |
| State Room | £3895 | |
| Pond Suite | £4095 | |
| Master Suite | £4495 | |
| Small Single Room | £3595 | |
| Standard Room for sole occupancy | £4295 | |
| Classic Room for sole occupancy | £4495 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAIRELANDANCIENT
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Five nights hotel accommodation at Marlfield House Hotel • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner, D* - Light Post-Opera Buffet) • Wine, beer or soft drinks with each included lunch and dinner • Excursions as described • Two performances at Wexford Festival Opera • Guest Speaker • Tour Leader • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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.
Travelling with You
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking 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 on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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Robert O’Byrne
A former Vice-President of the Irish Georgian Society, Robert O’Byrne is today one of Ireland’s best-known writers and lecturers specialising in the country’s historic houses and gardens. He is the author of more than a dozen books, among them Luggala: The Story of a Guinness House; Romantic Irish Homes and The Irish Country House: A New Vision. For many years a contributor to Apollo Magazine, The Burlington Magazine and the Irish Arts Review, during 2021/22 Robert curated a number of events, including exhibitions, lectures and a conference, all on the theme of Ireland’s country house gardens for the Irish Georgian Society. In Autumn 2021, his series on the same subject ‘Ireland’s Historic Gardens’ was shown on Irish television. Since 2012 Robert has written an award-winning blog called The Irish Aesthete chronicling Ireland’s architectural heritage. An exhibition of his photographs was held in the Irish Architectural Archive in December 2022 and in May 2024 a book – The Irish Aesthete: Buildings of Ireland, Lost and Found - was published by Lilliput Press.
Also of Interest
Gardens of the Eastern Heartlands
A five-night tour in association with London Festival Opera staying at The Jockey Club, Newmarket in aid of the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust
Itinerary at a glance
- Newmarket / Bressingham Hall Gardens / Wyken Hall Gardens / Chippenham Park / Fullers Mill Garden / Cambridge University Botanic Garden / Jesus College / Peckover House / Ely Cathedral & Gardens
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
Itinerary at a glance
- Dublin / Huntington Castle / Altamont Gardens / Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden / Mount Congreve / Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Garden / Hunting Brook Garden / Mount Usher / Dublin
Great Houses & Gardens of North Yorkshire
A five night escorted tour staying at the historic Middlethorpe Hall with London Festival Opera, Alan Mason & Chantal Cookson
Itinerary at a glance
- York / Harewood House / Beningborough Hall / Castle Howard / Ripon / Richmond / Ripon / Richmond / York
Opera & Gardens in the Kingdom of Kerry
A six night escorted visit to the beautiful Parknasilla Resort with performances by London Festival Opera
Itinerary at a glance
- Cork / Derreen Gardens / Beara Peninsula / Derrynane House / Kenmare / Lakes of Killarney / Muckross House / Garnish Island / Bantry House / Cork
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000