A seven day self drive tour of the garden of Ireland. Arrival and departure from Dublin Airport.
| Day 1 |
Arrival at Dublin airport and collect your hire car. Just an hour from the airport to the Wicklow Hills and the pretty village of Ashford. Walk through the lovely wooded Devil’s Glen or visit 8 hectare Mount Usher Gardens on the Vartry River with many rare plants. Enjoy a quiet drink in a quiet place.
(Drive time 1 1/2 hours) |
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| Day 2 |
Walk the coast at Wicklow Head. Drive to Arklow town, one of the earliest and busiest ports of the east coast. The Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of miscellany. The road follows the wooded Vale of Avoca to the Avoca Handweavers where you can watch the weaver’s work. The Meeting of the Waters is a beautiful place and where the Avonbeg and Avonbeg Rivers meet at the head of the vale.
(Drive time 2 hours) |  |
| Day 3 |
Explore the Glendalough Valley by car and foot. The Visitor’s Centre tells the story behind the 6th century monastic settlement including seven churches and an impressive round tower. The area is rich in heritage and history, both ecclesiastical and political. The valley was also home to extensive mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th century. Your accommodation is deep in the mountains overlooking Lough Dan.
(Drive time1 hour) |
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| Day 4 |
Visit 17th century Powerscourt House and Gardens and walk to the waterfall – the highest in Britain & Ireland. Drive into the solitude of the Glencree valley where the former military barracks is now a Peace & Reconciliation Centre. Surrounded by hills and trees, the valley is an incredible place.
(Drive time 1 hour) |
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| Day 5 |
Depart the Wicklow mountains with a final look at the stunning Lough Tay and Luggala. Follow the Sally Gap, one of the two passes across the hills to the east. A scenic drive by Phoulaphuca Reservoir takes you to Kildare. Visit the National Stud & Japanese Gardens at Kildare. The gardens are unique and well worth a visit.
Or visit the world renowned Newbridge Silverware & Jewellery and maybe treat yourself to a unique piece!
(Drive time 2 hours) |
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Day 6
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Return to Dublin city. A free day to explore at will. We suggest a walk from the gates of Trinity College through Grafton St to Stephen’s Green. And of course coffee in Bewley’s, Dublin’s own and finest coffee shop.
(Drive time 1 hour) |
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| Day 7 |
Return to Dublin Airport and depart.
(Drive time 45 minutes) |
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