Gardens & Houses of West Waterford

This morning, we meet our garden guide, Peter Harrison, and depart by private coach from The Alex Hotel in Dublin. Our journey begins with a comfort stop at the Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre in Leighlinbridge before continuing on to Waterford.

Upon arrival at Mount Congreve Gardens, we will enjoy a guided tour of the gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, these gardens are a paradise for plant enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Spanning approximately 70 acres of lush, intensively planted woodland, the estate also features a four-acre walled garden and 16 kilometers of scenic walkways. 

After some free time for lunch (at your own expense), we’ll continue to the Park Hotel Dungarvan, where we’ll be based for the next portion of our tour. An evening meal is included each night during out stay.

After breakfast, we depart for the historic town of Lismore. Our visit begins at the Lismore Heritage Centre, where refreshments are included, followed by a guided tour of the stunning Lismore Castle Gardens. Set within the castle’s outer defensive walls, the gardens are divided into three distinct areas: the Reilig Garden, the Upper Garden, and the Lower Garden. Spanning 10 acres, these are the oldest cultivated gardens in Ireland.

Following some free time for lunch (at your own expense), we continue to the beautiful Tourin House for an afternoon visit. Nestled along the banks of the River Blackwater with panoramic views of the Knockmealdown Mountains, Tourin is set amidst fertile farmland and a 15-acre garden featuring mature broadleaf trees and a rich variety of shrubs and plants. The Italianate-style villa, known for its classical elegance, is the family home of the Jamesons—famed for their Irish whiskey legacy. 

After enjoying some included light refreshments, we will return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

This morning, we begin our day with a visit to the beautiful Dromana House & Gardens, located on the eastern bank of the River Blackwater. Spanning over 30 acres, the gardens and woodlands offer a variety of looped walking trails. Vibrant herbaceous borders provide a continuous display of colour throughout the summer, followed by a stunning show of autumn foliage. Many of the trees and shrubs date back nearly 250 years, when the first Earl of Grandison famously planted 64,000 specimens. 

Highlights of the Pleasure Grounds include the Bastion and Banqueting House—striking architectural features reached by 3.5 km of winding paths through serene natural woodland. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a rich tapestry of rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, hydrangeas, and other acid-loving plants that thrive in this enchanting landscape.

After some free time for lunch in the charming village of Cappoquin (at your own expense), we will spend the afternoon exploring Salterbridge Garden. Set within the grounds of an elegant 18th-century private residence, this tranquil five-acre garden is home to a carefully curated collection of specialist trees and shrubs.

After checking out of our hotel, we depart for a visit to the magnificent Curraghmore House & Gardens—the ancestral home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, whose family has resided here since 1170. Spanning 1,000 acres of formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and open pasture, Curraghmore is Ireland’s largest private demesne. Our visit includes a guided tour of the historic house and its beautifully maintained gardens, followed by some included refreshments.

After enjoying some free time for lunch at your leisure (at own expense) at Beechdale Garden Centre, we return to The Alex Hotel in Dublin later in the afternoon.