An Introduction by Andrew Cochrane, Noble Caledonia Founder & Director
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 and Killruddery, where the formal French gardens are considered one of the finest examples in Ireland. 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 late 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.
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 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 Killruddery House and Gardens & Mount Usher.
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 chimneypieces 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. 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)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 25 to 30 June 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Standard Room | £3495 | |
| Classic Room | £3695 | |
| Junior State Room | £3895 | |
| State Room | £4095 | |
| Pond Suite | £4295 | |
| Master Suite | £4695 | |
| The Nest* | £5095 | |
| Small Single Room | £3795 | |
| Standard Room for sole occupancy | £4495 | |
| Classic Room for sole occupancy | £4695 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAIRELANDEAST28
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 this category features 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.
Travelling with You
London 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.
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Mike Nelhams
Mike Nelhams first went to Tresco on a Studley Trust Scholarship as a student in 1976. He trained for three years at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden, Wisley and 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. Mike has a particular interest in plants from the Mediterranean and associated coastal regions of the world. A Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture and an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mike regularly leads garden tours.
Also of Interest
The Enchanted Isles
Discover the beautiful Isles of Scilly with Mike Nelhams & Chantal Cookson staying at Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher
Itinerary at a glance
- Penzance / St Mary’s / Bryher / Tresco / St Agnes
Nowhere Like Norfolk
An exclusive stay at Wolterton Hall with London Festival Opera & Guest Speaker Alan Mason
Itinerary at a glance
- Wolterton Hall / Mannington Estate / Sandringham Estate / Houghton Hall / Hindringham Hall / Thorpland Hall / East Ruston
Castles & Gardens in Ireland's Beautiful North
Discover Ireland’s Great Houses & Gardens in Counties Fermanagh, Donegal & Tyrone with Guest Speaker Robert O’Byrne & London Festival Opera in aid of the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust
Itinerary at a glance
- Belfast / Belle Isle & Crom Castle / Salthill Gardens / Lough Eske Castle / Castle Coole / Florence Court / Baronscourt / Belfast
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 / Beningbrough Hall / Castle Howard / Ripon / Richmond / Scampston Hall / York
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000