Gardens of the Emerald Isle Tour

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.

ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Dublin
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: Glasnevin Botanical Gardens, and Dublin
This morning, visit Glasnevin, one of Ireland’s two National Botanic Gardens. Explore its historic glasshouses and diverse plant collections. Walk through themed outdoor collections including the herbaceous borders, rose garden, and alpine house, and take time to appreciate the garden’s role in plant conservation and research. The afternoon is free to enjoy Dublin at your own pace.

Day 3: Japanese Garden, and Birr Castle
This morning, travel to County Kildare to visit the Irish National Stud, home to one of the finest Japanese Gardens in Europe. Enjoy a guided walk through this symbolic garden, designed to represent the “Life of Man,” with its winding paths, bridges, and meticulously placed planting creating a contemplative atmosphere. Continue to Birr Castle for a guided tour of the estate, followed by time in the grounds with commentary by Tony. Highlights include the famous Great Telescope —once the largest in the world—and extensive gardens that feature rare trees, historic plantings, and riverside walks. 

Day 4: Hunting Brook, June Blake's Garden, and Powerscourt
Travel into the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains for a visit to Hunting Brook Gardens, the creative haven of plantsman Jimi Blake. This contemporary garden is known for its bold, immersive planting style—expect perennials, grasses, and unusual species that create a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. Continue to his sister June Blake’s Garden, a secluded garden filled with vibrant colour and rare plants. Designed as a work of living art, it offers a more structured yet equally imaginative contrast to Hunting Brook. In the afternoon, explore the grand setting of Powerscourt Gardens, one of  Ireland’s most magnificent estates. Discover its charming walled garden, formal terraces, ornamental lakes, and sweeping mountain views. 

Day 5: Mount Usher and Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens
Tour the lovely informal garden at Mount Usher, a naturalistic paradise inspired by William Robinson's philosophy of working in harmony with nature. Established in 1850, the garden features informal plantings set along the River Vartry, with drifts of flowering shrubs, trees, and bulbs creating a tranquil, romantic atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, known for its rhododendron, magnolias, and conifer collection. A scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains rounds off the day.

Day 6: Malahide Castle Gardens, and home
Our final visit is to Malahide Castle Gardens, just north of Dublin. Enjoy a guided walk led by an expert gardener, offering insight into the estate’s rich horticultural history and ongoing restoration. Explore the elegant Victorian conservatory, the productive and ornamental walled garden, and the Talbot Botanic Gardens, which feature diverse plant collections arranged in a series of themed “rooms.” Exotic and unusual species thrive here thanks to the mild coastal climate, creating a striking contrast with more traditional Irish garden styles. 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. Please visit the mobility page on our website for more information, or call our team with any questions prior to booking.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Heathrow 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 - £610
• 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 

Recent Reviews

 “Mount Usher Garden and Birr Castle were definite highlights of the tour, both offering beautiful surroundings and plenty to discover.” Mrs S, travelled May 2026