Timeless Treasures of Ireland's Ancient East

Steeped in legends and rich in culture, attractions and hidden gems, it's time to discover Ireland's Ancient East. Ireland may be small in size but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to millennia of history, warmth of welcome and stunning beauty. Based in the excellent Riverside Park Hotel on The Promenade of Enniscorthy (County Wexford) on the River Slaney, you can enjoy some authentic Irish hospitality including a night of live entertainment. Step back in time in ancient Waterford for an insight into the world of luxury crystal manufacture, take a gentle cruise along the calm waters of the Rivers Barrow and Suir and uncover one of Ireland's top hidden gems during a private tour of enchanting Huntington Castle & Gardens. Come and discover this glorious and welcoming corner of the Emerald Isle!Treasures & Pleasures
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at your overnight hotel, 3* Celtic Royal in Caernarfon in time to freshen up for your evening meal. Dinner and overnight. Breakfast will be available on the ferry crossing\n\nDay 2 - An early start as you drive to Holyhead for the morning crossing to Dublin. Travel through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains National Park and the spectacular valley of Glenalough to picturesque Avoca, the filming location for 'Ballykissangel' and home to Avoca Handweavers, Ireland's oldest working weaving mill (not included). Continue to Enniscorthy to check in for your 4-night stay at the 4* Riverside Park Hotel. Tea, coffee and biscuits await you on arrival. DBB\n\nDay 3 - 5 - At leisure in Enniscorthy with two included excursion days. Live entertaiment one evening in the hotel\nYour hotel is well located (approx. 15 minutes' walk to the castle), ideal for exploring this pretty little town on your free day with its warren of steep streets descending from the cathedral to the Norman castle and the River Slaney. The town is inextricably linked to some of the fiercest fighting of the 1798 Rising and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre is a 15 - 20 minute walk from the hotel (combined Castle and Rebellion Centre entrance approx €10pp in 2024 - not included).\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nBARROW PRINCESS CRUISE & WATERFORD CRYSTAL\nHead to New Ross on the River Barrow this morning to board the Barrow Princess for a relaxing 2 hour cruise along the calm river waters to Waterford. As you sit in the comfort of a modern day cruiser you can imagine the history of the Rivers Barrow and Suir coming to life. From the annals of ancient Celtic lore to modern day affiliations this is a unique trip through Irish history. From the ports of New Ross and Waterford to the confluence of the Three Sisters Rivers, the Barrow Railway Bridge, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, Salmon Weirs, Annaghs Castle, Waterford Castle and some stunning scenery are among some of the sights you will see. There is an open air upper deck as well as a comfortable lower deck lounge where refreshments are available to purchase. There are toilets onboard. NB There is a gangway to board the boat which can be at a steep angle at low tide.\n\nArrive in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city with a history dating back to Viking times (914) where vestiges of its past can be seen in the narrow streets of the 'Viking Triangle' the cultural and heritage quarter which is home to three museums, collectively known as the Waterford Treasures. A visit and tour of the House of Waterford Crystal is included where 45,000 pieces of crystal are produced annually, meticulously handcrafted using traditional manufacturing techniques passed down through generations. Enter the beating heart of the world-famous luxury crystal manufacturer, renowned for its quality and beauty since 1783. Return to the hotel by coach\n\nHUNTINGTON CASTLE & GARDENS\nDiscover one of Ireland's true hidden gems with a private tour of the enchanting ancestral seat of the influential Esmonde family (now the Durdin Robertsons). Huntington Castle was built by Sir Laurence Esmonde in 1625. Formerly an experienced soldier under Queen Elizabeth I, he fought under King James I as a major-general in Ireland. Upon entering the estate, you are greeted with the Lime trees leading up the Avenue, planted by Sir Laurence II in 1687. Hear tales of the 17th century castle's long line of eccentric occupants while meandering through passages to the living quarters, formal rooms and even the dungeons, the HQ for a cult honouring Isis, the ancient Egyptian Goddess of Love, founded by the current owner's great aunt. A meet-the-owner experience will give you a special insight into Huntington and the gardens are a delight - from the formal Italian Parterre to the restored water gardens and the Yew Walk\n\nDay 6 - After a farewell hearty Irish breakfast, you head back towards Dublin for a brief orientation (time permitting) of the affable Irish capital with its Georgian Squares, bustling Grafton Street and infamous Temple Bar district. You will board the mid-afternoon crossing back to Holyhead to arrive for a late dinner at your overnight at 3* Celtic Royal Hotel back in Caernarfon. DBB\n\nDay 7 - After breakfast, return homewards, arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening.

Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights in Enniscorthy with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Welcome tea, coffee & biscuits- One night live entertainment at main hotel- Tea / coffee after dinner at main hotel- Hotel for 2 overnights in Caernarfon with dinner & 1 breakfast- One breakfast on the ferry Holyhead - Dublin- Cruise on the Barrow Princess from New Ross to Waterford- Factory tour at the House of Waterford Crystal- Tour of Huntington Castle & Gardens with Meet-the-OwnerRiverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy
This smart 4* Riverside Park Hotel is located on the banks of the River Slaney in the picturesque town of Enniscorthy (walking distance to the castle - approx 10 mins). All guestrooms are contemporary in style, generous in size and infused with calming colour palettes together with flat screen TV, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board. (River view rooms are subject to request and availability and may incur a supplement). There are two restaurants as well as the river view Prom Bar for drinks and bar snacks. Hotel residents enjoy complimentary entry to the leisure club with indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym. There is a lift to all floors.