WICKLOW TOUR

GLENDALOUGH AND POWERSCOURT

DURATION OF TOUR: 8 Hours

TOUR TIMING:

Sample timings
» 0900-1100 Panoramic tour of Dublin and drive to Powerscourt
» 1100-1230  Visit Powerscourt Estate
» 1245-1345  Time for lunch
» 1345-1430  Drive to Glendalough
» 1430-1600  Visit Glendalough
» 1600-1730  Drive back to the ship

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
The tour begins with a drive through the city of Dublin viewing the centre of Dublin, to include the Georgian Squares, government buildings, Trinity College and we proceed through the south county Dublin suburbs to the base of the Wicklow Mountains and afforested hills and rolling valleys of Wicklow traditionally known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’.

Drive to Enniskerry were you will visit the Gardens of Powerscourt. Powerscourt is owned by the Slazenger family and has been welcoming visitors for more than 50 years. Powerscourt is a magnificent example of an aristocratic garden laid out with taste and imagination with a backdrop of Richard Castle’s Palladian mansion, which was destroyed by fire in 1974. The gardens were laid out by Daniel Robertson, who was inspired by the Villa Butera in Sicily. The most striking features are the circular pond and the fountain flanked by winged Pegasi, elaborate ironwork, Italian statuary and the double staircase with the Aeolus fountain and Italianate patterned ramps. In recent years Powerscourt has re-roofed the house and you will have the opportunity of visiting the exhibition of the house - tracing the origin of the house to the tragic fire that distroyed it in the early 1970’s to its ongoing re-consturction of the house.

There is a nice craft and gift shop in the grounds of the House. Return to the ship by the most direct route.
We proceed to visit Glendalough, a ruined monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The ruins consist of several churches scattered throughout the valley, a 10th century round tower beautifully preserved, a roofless cathedral, which are all situated between two lakes in scenic surroundings.

Lunch on your own or lunch can be pre-arranged.

We proceed to visit Glendalough, a ruined monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The ruins consist of several churches scattered throughout the valley, a 10th century round tower beautifully preserved, a roofless cathedral, which are all situated between two lakes in scenic surroundings.