In 2017, I visited Ireland with friends, after being in England’s Lake District and North Wales.
From Dublin, we went down the east coast to Wexford and Waterford, seeing some fabulous gardens on the way.
It was a glorious adventure. The gardens of Ireland are simply fantastic, far better than I ever imagined. I am still talking today about how wonderful they are – some of the best in the world. Simply outstanding.
But when I came home, I was not completely satisfied.
Why?
Well, while I had seen some exquisite gardens and while I had loved seeing the sights of Dublin and relaxing in marvellous and historic Irish pubs full of music and laughter, I found there was a hole in my heart – a feeling that my Irish experience was far from complete.
For the past few years, I’ve been longing to see the beautiful south and west coast and visit some of those marvellous lyrical towns such as Cork and Killarney, Dingle and Limerick, Galway and Donegal.
There is a peacefulness, calm and comfort about Ireland that goes deep into the soul. I still have many vivid memories of the kindness I found in towns and villages and the fun and friendliness I experienced in pubs and, of course, I still remember the absolute thrill of being in gardens with their surprising and exotic plant treasures, magnificent old trees and pristine lakes.
For all these reasons, I want to go back. And I hope you will come with me because I want to return with a group and to travel by bus – because I know it would be foolish for me to drive on narrow, winding roads and on the other side of the road – and I also love the rest and relaxation you can have being chauffeur driven
With the help of a friend in Ireland who is a travel expert, I have come up with a fantastic route for a very special adventure this September. It will be a 15-day tour, a circle from Dublin to the West Coast up to Derry and Belfast and back to Dublin. There will also be a two-day add on for people keen to see the great gardens of Wicklow – Powerscourt and Mount Usher – and to spend more time in Dublin.
The primary tour goes like this:
We start in Dublin and then head south to Cork, stopping on the way at the famous Rock of Cashel.
From Cork, we explore the south coast along the Wild Atlantic Way, visiting the beautiful little fishing town of Cobh as we make our way to Garnish Island where we get on a little ferry.
From Cork, we would move up to Killarney from where we would explore the magnificent Ring of Kerry and visit the spectacular gardens at Muckross House.
I am told Killarney is the place to see one of the best shows in Ireland for Irish music and dance . . . as well as phenomenal fish and chips.
Next, we would visit Dingle and see the amazingly picturesque Dingle peninsula. I want to encourage you to Google search images of all the places I am mentioning as you will quickly see how spectacular they are.
From Killarney, we would head up to Galway, stopping at the village of Adare on the way.
The Cliffs of Moher are famous and dramatic and an unforgettable sight and next we would drop into Doolin with its beautiful colourful homes and charming ambience.
Up and up the coast we continue, calling at Kylemore Abbey and seeing more of the rugged and beautiful coastline until we finally reach Donegal and the town of Sligo and the stunning flat-topped Benbulbin formation in the Dartry Mountains, something referred to as “Yeats Country”. I think I would come to the West Coast of Ireland just for this, but as you can see, there is so much more.
Glenveagh national park in the heart of County Donegal is next with more fabulous gardens to visit as well as a romantic castle and the very special Crolly Distillery.
From Sligo, we will continue on to Derry, where we hear stories of Ireland’s turbulent history and see murals and places that are part of that historic past.
Onward, we will go to Belfast where we will visit one of the world’s most iconic geological sites, the Giant’s Causeway.
Back in Dublin, we will have an amazing farewell dinner and party at Taylors Three Rock in the Dublin mountains.
Do I have to say that all of this adventure will be amply punctuated with amazing dinners and lunches and pub nights full of music and laughter – yes, a party from start to finish with so much to talk about at the end of each day.
I recommend you take your time and look up each of the places and confirm for yourself how wonderful they are.
We are hoping for a group of between 15 and 25 for this tour. Sadly, we will not be taking more after the 25 number is reached because of the desire to stay in places that have limited accommodation.
I will have a complete itinerary and pricing for you soon. This will be a wonderful adventure, one not to miss. If you have never done a tour with us before, this one will be glorious.
YOU CAN REACH ME AT
swhysall@hotmail.com
