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 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. “
Marlfield House
Marlfield House is a stunningly elegant period hotel which is set in 36 acres of lovely gardens and woodland and we have taken over all the accommodation of this luxurious boutique hotel for the duration of our tour. 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, Republic of 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 Altamont Gardens & Huntington Castle.
After a leisurely breakfast drive 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 drive to Huntington Castle. We will enjoy lunch in the courtyard after which there will be a tour of the 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 free time to explore the extensive grounds including the ancient Yew Walk. Following afternoon tea London Festival Opera will perform in this marvellous setting. 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 in the Duck Restaurant 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)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy16 to 21 June 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Standard Room | £2895 | |
Classic Room | £2995 | |
Junior State Room | £3195 | |
State Room | £3395 | |
Pond Suite | £3595 | |
Master Suite | £3995 | |
The Nest* | £4395 | |
The Lodge* | £4595 | |
Standard Room for sole occupancy | £3895 | |
Classic Room for sole occupancy | £3995 |
Tour Reference Code: LAIRELANDEAST
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 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.
Marlfield House
Marlfield House is a stunningly elegant period hotel which is set in 36 acres of lovely gardens and woodland and we have taken over all the accommodation of this luxurious boutique hotel for the duration of our tour. 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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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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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.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000