Gardens of the Emerald Isle Tour

5 nights starting from
£2285

View Availability

 • Formal design of Powerscourt Gardens

• Gardens of siblings Jimi and June Blake

• The Great Telescope, one of the largest in the world

• Riverside Mount Usher Gardens

• Malahide Castle Gardens

Ireland in Bloom

Across soft green landscapes, gardens unfold like living tapestries, telling stories of the hands that tend them. From wild borders to formal terraces, each one reveals its own character and charm.

Step inside Ireland’s finest gardens, from the sweeping grounds of Powerscourt and Birr Castle to gardens nurtured by famed horticulturalists Jimi and June Blake. Discover botanical treasures at Glasnevin, Kilmacurragh and Malahide, and raise a glass of local whiskey to the gardeners who bring these landscapes to life.

Available Departures

From
15 - May - 2026 £ 2285.00 Travel Info Book Now

Provisional Timings

London Heathrow

Departing: 15th May 2026 at 13:05

Returning: 20th May 2026 at 15:30

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Dublin. Transfer to the hotel for a welcome drink. Tony will give an introductory talk this evening before dinner.

Day 2: This morning, visit Glasnevin, one of Ireland’s two National Botanic Gardens. Explore its historic glasshouses and diverse plant collections. The afternoon is free to enjoy Dublin at your own pace.

Day 3: Begin with a guided tour of the Japanese Garden at the Irish National Stud, followed by a visit to Birr Castle. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore the gardens with Tony, including the Great Telescope and rare plant collections.

Day 4: Visit Hunting Brook Gardens, hidden in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, and home of plantsman Jimi Blake, known for its bold, contemporary planting. Continue to his sister June Blake’s Garden, a vibrant and colourful space filled with rare plants. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens, with its charming walled garden, striking terraces, and mountain views.

Day 5: Tour the lovely informal garden at Mount Usher, a naturalistic paradise inspired by William Robinson, dating back to 1850. In the afternoon, visit Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, known for its rhododendron and conifer collection. A scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains rounds off the day.

Day 6: Enjoy a guided tour of Malahide Castle Gardens with an expert gardener. Discover the Victorian conservatory, walled garden, and exotic plantings. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions, weather and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of time spent walking and standing for viewing at each garden.

INCLUDED

  • Return flights from London to Dublin
  • Five night's accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four star The Killashee Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
  • 5 dinners
  • 2 lunches
  • Full coach touring itinerary
  • Expert Tony Russell throughout 
  • Tour manager throughout

 NOT INCLUDED

  • Double room for sole use supplement - £545
  • Holiday insurance
  • Meals other than those stated 
  • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
  • Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

The Killashee Hotel

Set amidst 55 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodlands, just outside Naas in County Kildare, Killashee Hotel is a gracious four-star retreat exuding Victorian charm. With 141 elegantly appointed rooms and suites—including the characterful Manor House rooms with period details and antique bathtubs—the hotel offers a tranquil and refined atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the award-winning spa, take a dip in the indoor pool, or enjoy leisurely dining at the Pippin Tree or Oak & Anvil restaurants. The peaceful surroundings, inviting lounges, and garden walks make Killashee a perfect base for a restorative country escape with easy access to Dublin.


Hotel Website 

MORE INFO - 

Your garden expert:

Tony Russell:

Tony Russell’s career with plants and gardens began in 1978 when he joined the Forestry Commission in Snowdonia. After studying forestry and horticulture and after qualifying in 1983 he took up post as Forester for the New Forest in Hampshire. In 1989 he was appointed Head Forester of Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the temperate world. Tony left Westonbirt in 2003 and is now widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading authorities on trees and shrubs. Over the past fifteen years he has presented many gardening, horticultural and countryside programmes for both TV and radio. He is also the author of eighteen books and the editor of the annual publication ‘Great Gardens to Visit’ and horticultural editor of Discover Britain’s Gardens magazine.