We leave Belfast at 9.00am and travel direct to Powerscourt Estate where we spend a few hours exploring one of Ireland’s most famous gardens. We make the short journey to the wild side of the estate to see the waterfall before continuing south through the wooded countryside to our hotel in Arklow.

Today we follow the course of the river through the Vale of Avoca (otherwise known as Ballykissangel) to the “Meeting of the Waters". We continue to Glendalough and on into the heart of the county.

Our return journey takes us over the Sally Gap into Roundwood before finishing our day in the "Garden of Ireland" at Kilruddery House and Gardens.

We drive through County Wicklow again today to the Kildare border where we visit Russborough House. Beautifully located in spectacular natural surroundings it is generally acclaimed as the best example of a Palladian house in Ireland.

As special as the setting and architecture are, the interior holds more interest and intrigue - housing Sir Alfred Beit’s art collection. It has been the target for some well publicised art robberies in the recent past.

We leave Arklow this morning after breakfast and travel directly to Dublin where we have a free day in the centre. We leave the city in mid-afternoon and return to Belfast.