A Taste of the Emerald Isle

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue onwards to our hotel in Enniscorthy, our base for the next three nights.

A Taste of the Emerald Isle

Today we travel to the county town of Wexford on the mouth of the picturesque River Slaney. This charming town holds plenty of fascinating sights, from the well-preserved ancient West Gate Tower to the beautiful ruined Selskar Abbey which stands on the site where the first Anglo-Irish peace treaty was signed. Here we take the opportunity to wander through the narrow streets or enjoy true Irish hospitality in the many bars and restaurants in the relaxed atmosphere of this delightful town.

A Taste of the Emerald Isle

The medieval city of Dublin awaits on our optional excursion. Once Europe’s fifth largest city with a history that stretches back over a thousand years, Dublin is now one of the most vibrant cities in the world with museums, art galleries, wonderful architecture and numerous friendly pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness. We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city to get to know Dublin’s wonderful architecture and fascinating past.

A Taste of the Emerald Isle

We check out of our hotel and make a short stop in the small town of Avoca, the filming location of the popular TV series Ballykissangel, before we catch the ferry back to Holyhead. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

Visit the storybook valleys of County Wicklow to discover Avoca village, the real-life setting for Ballykissangel filming locations. Stroll past the riverside church, the bridge and the colourful facades that framed the series, and enjoy time to browse local spots that capture the feel of rural Ireland.

Step into craft heritage at Avoca Handweavers, one of Ireland’s oldest working mills, known for vibrant throws and tweeds since the 18th century. If time allows, wander towards the leafy glen near the Meeting of the Waters, where two rivers join in a tranquil, poetic landscape.

Experience hands-on Irish flavours at the hotel with a trio of demonstrations: a homely cooking demonstration, how to pull the perfect pint of Guinness, and crafting a silky Baileys coffee. Watch, taste and pick up practical tips you can bring back to your own kitchen.

Discover the lore behind the two-part Guinness pour and the comforting ritual of creamy coffee crowned with whipped topping. These lively, hosted demos showcase Ireland’s convivial hospitality through simple, satisfying recipes and convivial pub-style skills.

Taste a spread of regional favourites during a traditional Irish buffet at the hotel, celebrating regional recipes shaped by hearth and season. Expect hearty stews, rustic breads and farmhouse flavours designed for sharing and conversation.

Enjoy the warmth of Irish hospitality as you sample simple, well-loved dishes sourced from land and shore. It’s a relaxed, communal meal that pairs perfectly with local storytelling and easy company after a day’s exploring.

Unwind with a sociable free bar at the hotel on two evenings (6–9pm), including local beers, wines and spirits plus soft drinks. Settle into the lounge, pull up a chair and let the convivial atmosphere do the rest.

These generous pre-dinner hours create an easygoing setting to chat with fellow travellers, swap tips for tomorrow’s outings and toast your Emerald Isle adventure without watching the clock.

Enjoy live Irish entertainment at the hotel each evening, with musicians and performers bringing spirited traditional tunes and sing-along favourites to life. It’s the perfect nightcap to a day of discovery.

Rooted in the island’s pub-session and céilí traditions, these performances conjure the easy warmth of a local night out—think lilting ballads, foot-tapping rhythms and a welcoming crowd that turns listeners into participants.

Explore Ireland’s capital on an optional Dublin city excursion. Enjoy time at your own pace to stroll O’Connell Street, cross the Ha’penny Bridge and wander the cobbles of Temple Bar, where cafés, buskers and lively pubs spill onto the lanes.

From Viking origins to elegant Georgian squares, Dublin blends layers of history with a modern creative pulse. This excursion is at additional cost and bookable on tour; add a locally guided option for deeper insight into landmarks and legends.

Join a locally guided city tour of Dublin to trace centuries of history and architecture. Take in Trinity College, the grand avenues of the Georgian squares, the GPO on O’Connell Street and the storied spires of St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Hear tales of writers, revolution and everyday Dublin life as you pass from medieval lanes to gracious 18th-century facades. This optional experience is at additional cost—£19 per person—and is bookable on tour, subject to availability.

Explore the county town of Wexford on an included visit, weaving between quayside views and medieval lanes to see the West Gate Tower and the evocative ruins of Selskar Abbey. Soak up the compact centre’s character, from the Bullring to shopfronts painted in bright coastal hues, and pause for photos and reflection along the harbour.

Learn how a Viking port became a Norman stronghold at the mouth of the River Slaney, and hear why local tradition links Selskar with the first Anglo-Irish treaty. Glimpse the sleek lines of the National Opera House and feel the easy rhythm of a small Irish town shaped by the sea.