Day 1: Travel to Holyhead for the morning ferry crossing to Dublin Port. We continue to our hotel in Armagh for a 4-night stay. Upon arrival you may want to relax by making use of the hotel’s leisure facilities before your evening meal.
Day 2: Walled Garden Helen’s Bay with tea and homemade cakes and Irish Linen Centre ‘Flax to Fabric’ Exhibition
This morning, we travel along the seafront to the Walled Garden Helen’s Bay. Here we learn the fascinating story behind the extensive restoration project of this 1.5 acre, listed, Walled Victorian Garden built in 1886. We also enjoy tea and homemade cakes here before departing. We continue to the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn to trace the history of Irish Linen in the award-winning ‘Flax to Fabric’ exhibition which includes expert spinners at work. There is also the opportunity to take part in a textile workshop during our visit.
Day 3: Navan Centre and Fort with lunch and Armagh Robinson Library
Our first stop today is the Navan Centre and Fort where we enjoy a soup and sandwich lunch followed by a visit to the Iron Age settlement area where you will meet members of the ancient clan going about their daily lives. There is also time to explore the indoor exhibition and opportunity to see the ancient fort
This afternoon, we take the fascinating tour of Armagh Robinson Library, No 5 Vicars’ Hill, and St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. Located within a stone’s throw from each other the attractions include the oldest public library in Northern Ireland, the former Registry, and a medieval crypt located within the cathedral. Our visit is partially guided.
Day 4: Blessingbourne Estate with Luxury Refreshments
Today, we have a real highlight of the tour as we visit the Blessingbourne Estate. Our group will be personally welcomed by the Estate Owners, Nicholas and Colleen and taken for a ‘Peak behind the hall door’. Highlights of the tour include the beautiful library invoking memories of a Victorian childhood, a walk through the Victorian gardens, with their majestic setting overlooking the beautiful Lough Fadda, and a guided stroll around the extensive Coach, Carriage and Costume Collections from yesteryear. We finish our visit with luxury refreshments including tea/coffee, homemade scones with fresh cream and jam, butter shortbread, Blessingbourne Flapjacks, baby meringues with cream & raspberries and homemade lemon drizzle cake.
Day 5: Enjoy a final hearty Irish breakfast before we depart the hotel and travel to Dublin, enjoy some free time before our return sailing from Dublin Port to Holyhead.