DUBLIN, IRELAND

Our tour begins heading south from Dublin to the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, where Powerscourt Gardens are situated. The 14,000-acre estate, owned by the Slazenger family, is situated on the River Dargle.

soft rolling and silvery streams rushing cool and clear from mountain and bogland into the rivers of the countryside. It aptly deserves the name ‘Garden of Ireland’. Our tour begins heading south from Dublin to the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, where Powerscourt Gardens are situated. The 14,000-acre estate, owned by the Slazenger family, is situated on the River Dargle. It is a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Open to the public for over 50 years, a major refurbishment was carried out in 1974 but, tragically, a fire broke out in the early hours of 4th November, leaving only the roofless shell of the main house. The walls of the main house, dating back to the 16th century, stood as a stark reminder of the fire until 1996, when the rebuilding process began. The result can be seen today with an exhibition of the history of the Powerscourt Estate. The shop at Powerscourt is rather unique, divided into many different rooms, all of which have their own traditional style and character. They include a garden gift and pottery room, a clothing room housing both Irish and international designers, with jewellery and accessories, a children’s emporium set in the original kitchens of the house and a Waterford Crystal room. The Terrace café looks out over the beautiful terrace and gardens, and is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and sample the delicious food, freshly cooked in-house each day. Having enjoyed some free time to admire the beauty of this wonderful demesne, we return to Dublin. There are many steps to the centre of the garden; those who prefer not to climb them can pass the time in the craft and garden shop. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to wander around the gardens. Refreshments are not included.

THIS DESCRIPTION IS CORRECT FOR 2007 CRUISES