Gardens of Galway

Date: Wednesday, 2nd - Saturday, 5th June 2010

Cost: €395 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

Based in Galway – a thriving, vibrant city – this tour includes visits to some world-famous gardens, including the fairytale baronial castle and gardens of Kylemore Abbey and the historic demesne of Birr Castle (whose ancient box hedges are reputedly the tallest in the world), as well as some lesser-known but no less rewarding hidden gems.

Wednesday, June 2nd
Meet Frances MacDonald in Dublin at 10.00 am at The Gresham Hotel in O’Connell Street where we board our private coach. En route to Galway, we visit Mary Waldron’s mature garden near Mullingar. A regular columnist in The Irish Garden magazine, Mary is a skilled and knowledgeable gardener. We then continue to Galway where we are based in the luxury 4**** The Ardilaun Hotel which is situated just outside the city centre, in a tranquil setting with landscaped gardens and a superb leisure centre. Dine together as a group in the hotel.
www.theardilaunhotel.ie

Thursday, June 3rd
Three gardens to visit today and we start with Ross Castle, this 16th century, beautifully restored listed building has formal gardens, and courtyard and orchard all set in parkland by a lake. We then visit Brigit’s Garden which is themed on the Celtic seasonal festivals. Set within 11 acres of native woodland & wildflower meadows. Its features include: a nature trail, ogham trees, an ancient ring fort and a calendar sundial which is the largest in Ireland. Free time for lunch in the excellent Garden Cafe here before we visit Ardcarrig, the creation of Lorna MacMahon over almost 40 years; this renowned garden has literally been carved out of the rock – a perfect example of working with nature. A kaleidoscope of plants is artistically arranged in a series of compartments within natural hazel woodland and include a Japanese themed garden and a bog garden. Return to hotel for dinner together.

Friday, June 4th
Our first visit today is to Cashel House Hotel for morning coffee and a tour of their award winning garden. We then continue to Kylemore Abbey, home to the Benedictine nuns for the past 120 years. This fairytale baronial castle is set amidst the splendour of the Connemara mountains. The six acre walled garden has been wonderfully restored to display the original Victorian style bedding schemes, glasshouses, vegetable garden and herbaceous borders. Excellent shop and restaurant. Return to hotel for dinner together.

Saturday, June 5th
Check out of hotel and coach will leave group in Galway city for a morning’s exploration or shopping before our return journey to Dublin – this time via Birr Castle and Gardens.
We arrive in Dublin early evening.

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 private coach transfers, garden entrance fees and bed & breakfast and dinner in hotel.

COST: €395 per person sharing

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: €80

Deposit: €200 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.

Itinerary subject to change