A Garden Lovers’ Tour of Ireland’s Coast and Country
Sunday 12th – Sunday 19th July 2026 (7 nights)
Where the Gulf Stream finds Europe, there is a verdant island, bursting with the most incredible collection of gardens. Our luxurious tour, staying at two 5-star hotels, features the very best Irish gardens – from the intimate private sanctuaries of Ireland’s best gardeners, to the grand estates of the past and their plant hunting collections. Explore the wild, rugged coastline of the south-west, enjoy the lush green landscapes and meet the world’s best story tellers.
- Superlative scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way and Beara Peninsula.
- Garden tour at the iconic Blarney Castle.
- Time in the stylish town of Kenmare.
- June and Jimi Blake’s wonderful gardens.
- The garden island of Garinish.
- Meet the inspiring owners of Ireland’s best private gardens.
- The majestic Powerscourt Gardens.
Photo credits: ©Blarney Castle and Gardens; Garinish Island and Ring of Kerry ©Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland/Chris Hill and Brian Morrison; Dawros ©Charlotte Verbeek, Dawros Gallery & Garden; Patthana ©TJ Maher; ©ArdanGarden
After our morning pick-up at Dublin Airport, we make our way south-west, stopping en-route at the world-famous Blarney Castle where we will have free time for lunch (independent) and a tour of the gardens which have been significantly developed over recent years.
We arrive, late afternoon, at the 5-star Sheen Falls Lodge, situated on the beautiful Kenmare Bay. Dinner at the hotel (included).
Monday 13th July
We begin today by taking a small boat to Garinish Island, sometimes known as Ilnacullin. The garden island of 37 acres was designed by Harold Peto, acclaimed architect and garden designer. The island features exotic plants, an Italian garden and stunning views of Bantry Bay.
Next we visit Derreen Garden on the spectacular Beara Peninsula. Here we will have lunch (included) and enjoy a tour of the gardens. This woodland garden was laid out 150 years ago with subtropical plants from around the world and has incomparable views of the sea and mountains.
We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Tuesday 14th July
Today, we explore a magnificent corner of The Ring of Kerry and spend the morning visiting the privately owned Gearha Garden in the Blackwater Valley. The garden, which contains many unusual plants and shrubs, stretches into the native bog to a newly planted arboretum.
We have lunch (included) in a nearby restaurant which has wonderful views of the surrounding Caha Mountains.
In the afternoon we visit Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion in Killarney National Park which features beautiful gardens, stunning lake views, and a rich history. We return to the hotel where your evening and dinner is at leisure (independent).
Wednesday 15th July
This morning we explore a private, 5-acre contemporary garden set in native woodland along the Dromoughty river and waterfall. It includes Piet Oudolf inspired drifts of grasses and perennials, natural bog, wildlife ponds and an orchard. The owner, an artist and gardener, has created this enchanting place over the past 25 years and we enjoy a tour of the garden with her.
We then spend some free time in the charming town of Kenmare with its excellent shops, galleries and even a pre-historic stone circle! There is time for lunch (independent).
We return to the hotel for dinner (included).
Thursday 16th July
After check out, we visit a small but exquisite and exuberant garden, Patthana. Covering over a third of an acre, it features a series of distinct spaces showcasing a diverse collection of hardy, tender, exotic, and rare plants. We meet the knowledgeable and inspirational owners to learn about the garden’s creation and enjoy lunch with them (included).
In the late afternoon, we check into the 5-star Powerscourt Hotel overlooking the Wicklow Mountains. Your evening and dinner is at leisure (independent).
Friday 17th July
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in the hotel and to stroll across to neighbouring Powerscourt Gardens – a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes (entry included). If you wish to join a tour of the gardens, we have arranged for a guide to show us around.
There is time for lunch (independent) and to explore the lovely shops and café at Powerscourt.
In the afternoon there will be the opportunity to taste the local Irish whiskey at Powerscourt Distillery. We then drive through the Wicklow Mountains to a traditional Irish pub for dinner (included).
Saturday 18th July
We begin today with a visit to Jimi Blake’s famous garden, Hunting Brook. We will explore this fascinating, exuberant garden which has one of Ireland’s largest private collections of plants. We stop for lunch nearby (included).
Afterwards, we head ‘next door’ to see Jimi’s sister at the delightful and contemporary June Blake’s Garden – a rare fusion of inspired design and painterly planting. We tour the garden with June.
Dinner at the hotel (included).
Sunday 19th July
After check out we make our final garden visit to Ardán Garden on the Howth Peninsula, north of Dublin. This is a dynamic, contemporary and ever-evolving garden which includes an eclectic botanical collection, artistically arranged.
We end with lunch together (included) in Howth before dropping off at Dublin Airport in the late afternoon. From here there are taxi and bus links into the centre of Dublin.
Note: Some garden visits await final confirmation at the time of publication.
Please read our Tour Joining and Departure Arrangements information sheet here. To download a printable version of this itinerary, click here.
Our Hotels are 5-star and are selected for their high standards of comfort and service. All rooms are ensuite and offer free wifi access.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare Bay (4 nights)
Set amidst 300 acres of magnificent woodland and waterfalls, Sheen Falls Lodge is a luxurious 5-star hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way dating back to the 1600s. All the rooms are elegant and spacious, with striking views. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym.
Powerscourt Hotel, Wicklow (3 nights)
Set amidst one of the country’s most scenic and historic estates on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt Hotel is a 5-star, 200 room hotel with Palladian-style architecture and luxury amenities. Views from the hotel are towards the Sugarloaf Mountain. Guests can enjoy a luxurious spa, fine dining experiences, and access to the renowned Powerscourt Estate gardens.
To book your place(s) please complete our online booking form at www.sisley.co.uk/booking-form/ or click the BOOK NOW button below. As soon as we receive your booking form, we will confirm availability on the tour of your choice and arrange collection of the 10% deposit which secures your booking.
BOOK NOWHOW TO PAY
There are three ways to pay for your tour and you will be asked on the booking form which you prefer:
With our travel partner in North America: You can book your tour in USD$ or CAD$ by credit card or check with our partners at DHTour – a London and UK specialist travel agent who can assist with all aspects of your trip. Find out more about DHTour here.
With Sisley Garden Tours: All clients are welcome to book a tour directly with us. We can accept payment in GBP£ by bank transfer or by credit/debit card via secure online payment link.
With your own travel agent: We are happy to work with your preferred travel agent. Just provide us with their contact details on the booking form and we will take care of the rest.
TRAVEL INSURANCE AND BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is mandatory for all overseas visitors to Ireland to have travel insurance before joining our tours. Full details of our booking terms & conditions can be found at www.sisley.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section on our website for further information www.sisley.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
We very much look forward to welcoming you, but please email tours@sisley.co.uk if you have any queries.
| Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room) | Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room) |
| £6,380 (GBP) | £1,390 (GBP) |
PRICES INCLUDE:
- 7 nights’ accommodation at 5-star hotels with ensuite facilities.
- Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners.
- Assistance with luggage at the hotels.
- All garden visits including tours with garden owners and head gardeners.
- Deluxe coach travel with professional driver.
- Transfers to and from the hotel and Dublin Airport at the start and end of the tour.
- An information pack with detailed booklet about the gardens we will be visiting.
- Services of your Sisley tour director throughout.
- All tour gratuities (driver, tour director and hotels).
PRICES EXCLUDE:
- Airfares.
- Passport and/or visa fees if applicable.
- Meals not included in the tour, drinks, laundry, and telephone calls.
TOUR PAYMENT: A 10% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the tour. Your balance payment is due 120 days prior to the tour departure.
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION: You can get an idea of the cost of the tour in your local currency by using a currency converter. Conversion rates are based on institutional or inter-bank daily rates. Retail conversion rates include fees and will generally differ from these rates.
