Day 1 – Dublin

Scheduled flight to Dublin – transfer with our local guide in our private executive coach to the central 3* Academy Hotel in Dublin.

Day 2 – Dublin city tour, Chester Beatty Library & National Gallery of Ireland

Guided tour of Dublin giving us a great introduction to the city of writers and poets taking in such sights as Ha’penny Bridge, O’Connell Street and Christchurch Cathedral – continue with our guide to Dublin Castle for a tour of the Chester Beatty Library containing a rich collection of manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books – guided tour of the National Gallery of Ireland, housing 13,000 works of art, including works by Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Poussin and Gainsborough.

Day 3 – Wicklow Mountains

Travel with our guide into the Wicklow Mountains, known as the ‘garden of Ireland’ – Glendalough is a 6th century monastic site founded by St Kevin and once a major seat of learning in medieval Europe – Avoca is the subject of Thomas More’s poem, ‘The Meeting of the Waters’ – Powerscourt Gardens is set in 14,000 acres with delightful lakes, ornamental hedges and gardens while the entrance hall now features an exhibition bringing to life the rich history of the estate and the double height Georgian ballroom has been completely restored to its former glory.

Day 4 – Book of Kells & the Hugh Lane Gallery

Visit Trinity College with our guide to see the Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world which was written around the year 800 AD – guided tour of the Hugh Lane Gallery, one of Ireland’s foremost collections of modern and contemporary art with works ranging from the Impressionist masterpieces of Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas to those by leading national and international contemporary artists – rest of the day at leisure in Dublin.

Day 5 – Malahide Castle

Set in 250 acres of parkland in a pretty seaside town, Malahide Castle was both a fortress and a private home for nearly eight hundred years and is now furnished with beautiful period furniture together with an extensive collection of Irish portrait paintings – transfer for our scheduled flight back home.

Four nights on bed and breakfast basis at the centrally located 3* Academy Hotel in Dublin. Located near O’Connell Street, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s main attractions. Facilities include a restaurant and a bar and all rooms are en suite.

Single room supplement £99

Insurance

Entrance fees to places of interest

Gratuities

Remember this itinerary is just our suggestion. Tailor make this tour exclusively for your group to suit your members’ budget or preferences. You could:

• incorporate a day exploring the gardens around Dublin including Helen Dillon Garden & Hunting Brook Garden
• stay at a 4* hotel
• on half board basis
• with fewer or different excursions
• for more (or fewer) days
• bring your own specialist lecturer
• include all entrance fees and gratuities