Tour Ref: TD6/1
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This single centre holiday explores the delights of the east of Ireland, which is awash with transport heritage and fun things to do. We have titled it such as we are devoting a full day to the Irish capital, but rest assured there is so much more!
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 Newbridge, arriving in plenty of time for our first evening meal.
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 land in historic Kilkenny where time will be allowed to explore this vibrant place and to visit the imposing Kilkenny Castle, steeped in history.
Our very local day starts after a hearty Irish breakfast. We set off 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 then find a village with the most bizarre hostelry you will ever have set foot in. We can’t ignore the importance of the region’s equine connections so we conclude our day with a whiff of the horses. Up to Kildare for a truly interesting guided tour of the National Stud and a a stroll around The Japanese Gardens.
A hugely scenic day as we track across country and into the Wicklow Mountains, via the Wicklow Gap, for a morning visit to monastic Glendalough. Passing through the highest village in Ireland our next stop is another scenic marvel at Powerscourt Waterfall. We need some railway interest today so in the afternoon our circular tour includes Straffan Steam Museum. Stationary steam engines, model trains and an 18c walled garden to captivate us here.
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 take a train to Dublin and DART 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.
An up-market hotel located on the outskirts of a small town in “horse racing country”, just an hour from Dublin. Luxurious rooms, spacious dining room and bar, this place has enough that you won’t want to go anywhere else. It’s certainly not cheap but affords a wonderful base for our exciting tour.
