Gardens of Wales & Tatton Park Show

Date: Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th July, 2008

Cost: €550 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

For those of you who dislike flying, this is the perfect tour, fast ferry (90 minutes) from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead to explore the varied and interesting gardens of North Wales and Cheshire.

Thursday, 24th July
Meet Frances MacDonald in the Ferry Terminal at 10.15 am and travel to Holyhead on the Stena HSS that departs at 11.10 am. We will be collected by private coach and transported to Bodysgallen Historic Hotel for a guided tour of the gardens famous for its wonderful parterre. A delicious afternoon tea in the elegant and comfortable surroundings of the hotel follows our tour of the garden. Travel to Chester to The Queen’s Hotel situated in the centre of this Roman historical walled city. Dine together in hotel.

Friday, 25th July
A full day at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show. This show offers a wealth of gardening opportunities for all gardeners – exclusive design ideas in the show gardens and enticing marquees featuring wonderful floral displays from specialist nurseries. Return to hotel for free evening to try one of Chester’s many restaurants.

Saturday, 26th July
A free morning to walk the historic walls and Roman ruins of Chester – or shop! In the afternoon we travel to Arley Hall where the 12 acres of gardens include one of the earliest herbaceous borders in England. We also visit a smaller private garden, Bluebell Cottage Garden that has over 2,500 varieties, sure to appeal to the plantsperson. Return to hotel to dine together.

Sunday, 27th July
After a leisurely breakfast we check out of the hotel and travel to the renowned gardens of Bodnant. Situated above the River Conwy looking across the valley to Snowdonia, housing a vast collection of plants that ensure colour and interest at all times.
We return to Holyhead for our ferry at 18.30 arriving back in Dún Laoghaire at 20.00hrs.

Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour; she will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes ferry, all private coach transfers, gardens and show entrance fees, bed & breakfast in hotel and dinners where mentioned.

COST: €550.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €85.00.

Deposit: €200.00 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.

Itinerary subject to change