We meet at Holyhead Port and board our coach to be luggage free. We then drive onto the ferry for the enjoyable afternoon sailing to Dublin Port. Once in Eire we make our way to Kilkenny, arriving a little late so we include a traditional light meal this evening.

No time to waste so let’s get going. Firstly, a train journey from our local station to Waterford. A short transfer takes us to the Suir Valley Railway. This ambitious revival project runs alongside the river Suir with the aim of eventually getting back into Waterford itself. It’s a scenic run and these are lovely people. In the afternoon we return to historic Kilkenny where time will be allowed to explore this vibrant place and to visit the imposing Kilkenny Castle, steeped in history. This evening, and tomorrow, dinner is not included, allowing you to dine out and enjoy the craic – many venues will have live traditional music.

There is so much to the north of Kilkenny for us so we set off by coach for a village, Stradbally, famous in all of Ireland for its football prowess (Gaelic that is!) and for its 3’ gauge steam railway run by Alfie and his amazingly enthusiastic cohorts. We can’t ignore the importance of the region’s equine connections so next it’s a whiff of the horses. We are off to Kildare for a truly interesting guided tour of the National Stud and a stroll around The Japanese Gardens. Still there is more! Our day concludes at the Straffan Steam Museum. Stationary steam engines, model trains, and an 18c walled garden to captivate us here. We return to Kilkenny by train.

A hugely scenic day as we transfer across to Bray through the Wicklow Mountain. Our day will include monastic Glendalough, passing through the highest village in Ireland and the scenic marvel of Powerscourt Waterfall. This part of Ireland is truly lovely and we are determined to show you the very best of it before arriving at the seaside town of Bray.

Today is just capital. We are off to Dublin to ride the trams, use the DART, and visit the Guinness Brewery. We will introduce you to the city as well as squeezing in a visit to the incomparable Fry’s Model Railway. Today will undoubtedly be a fitting finale to our fun-packed holiday.

We are heading home today and it couldn’t be easier. As the coach goes ahead with our luggage we enjoy a DART experience via Dublin to Howth. Here we reunite with the coach for a scenic drive around the peninsular and into the port. Then, it’s all aboard on the afternoon sailing to Holyhead and fond farewells.