Ireland’s Western Shores: Gardens of Galway and The Burren

5 days | £3995 per person with flights | 1 - 5 June 2027

Gardens of Galway and The Burren

Discover the untamed beauty of Ireland’s western shores, where dramatic Atlantic landscapes, rare botanical treasures and historic gardens combine to create an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most captivating scenery. We include visits to two of Ireland’s National Parks, both with rugged coastlines: the Burren, Co. Clare - where the silver-grey limestone has been weathered into pavements, forming a stunning natural rock garden that is home to some of Ireland’s rarest wildflowers. In Connemara, Co. Galway, we will see blanket bog, native forests and island strewn lakes, making a dramatic setting for three splendid ornamental walled gardens. Throughout the tour we will stay at two special hotels: The Lodge at Ashford Castle - an award winning 4-star hotel and Gregans Castle Hotel, a luxury, eco and gourmet retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Travel from London to Shannon Airport. Enroute to Connemara we stop to visit Woodville Walled Garden, at the foot of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. Here we view a fine walled garden and hear the story of the family links to Lady Augusta Gregory, the famous Anglo-Irish dramatist, folklorist and theatre manager. A light lunch is included. We then continue the journey to The Lodge at Ashford Castle with time to settle in before dining together in Wilde’s Restaurant.

Day 2

Travel further West to visit the gardens of Kylemore Abbey, home of the Irish Benedictine Nuns, a romantic castle with a neo-gothic church and wonderfully restored Victorian walled gardens where you will be guided by the Head Gardener Anja Golke. We travel on to Ballynahinch Castle Hotel where we will enjoy lunch before a tour of the walled garden. Return to The Lodge at Ashford Castle in time to change before dining together with wine included, at The Cullen, a local inn in the grounds of Ashford Castle.

Day 3

Before heading southwards to the Burren, we visit the private garden of Drimbawn House where we will be guided by Head Gardener, Frank Steffens. Originally laid out in the mid- 19^th century by the first curator of Dublin’s Botanic Gardens, more recently the gardens have been restored by Irish designer Daphne Shackleton and the current owners. The garden slopes down to Lough Mask and includes a walled garden full of perennials, climbers and flowering shrubs, an organic vegetable garden, orchard with thirty-five different apple cultivars, an arboretum and the latest addition, the ‘jungle’ with a collection of plants from New Zealand. After an included lunch, journey on to Gregans Castle Hotel with time to settle in before a short visit to the famous Cliffs of Moher (weather permitting). Rising to 214 meters, the cliffs offer panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Gregans Castle to dine together.

Day 4

Caher Bridge Garden was initiated by owner Carl Wright 28 years ago and is now one of Ireland’s most unusual and outstanding gardens. Designed to blend into the surrounding countryside, it also contains a wide range of plants and some notable collections as well as a strong sense of design. Dine together for lunch. In the afternoon we meet naturalist guide Pius Murray who will lead a gentle Botanical Walk to show us a range of wild plants that thrive on the Burren. Return to Gregans Castle to dine together.

Day 5

Duras House & Garden is where the famous meeting took place between W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, a meeting that sowed the seed that started Ireland’s National Theatre, a key moment in the history of the Irish Literary Revival. Today we will have a tour with the owners of the restored gardens that include a 19^th-century walled garden and courtyard garden that overlook Kinvara Bay. We will stop nearby for lunch before travelling to Shannon Airport for our return flight to London.

The Lodge at Ashford Castle

The Lodge at Ashford Castle is a charming country house hotel set within the historic Ashford Castle Estate on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo. Surrounded by ancient woodlands, landscaped gardens and tranquil lakeside scenery. Guests will enjoy stylish, comfortable accommodation, warm Irish hospitality and award-winning dining, the perfect base from which to explore the gardens, historic estates and spectacular landscapes of West Ireland.

Gregans Castle Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the Burren is Gregans Castle Hotel, a beautifully restored 18th-century manor house. Set against a backdrop of limestone hills, wildflower meadows and sweeping views across Galway Bay, this elegant country retreat blends traditional charm with understated comfort. With its renowned gardens, exceptional cuisine and warm, personal service, Gregans Castle offers a truly distinctive Irish experience shaped by the landscape around it.

With Flights: £3995

Join Direct: £3845

Single Supp: £495

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

1 - 5 June 2027

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Shannon
Two nights’ bed and breakfast at The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Two nights' bed and breakfast at Gregans Castle Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Four evening meals and five lunches
Guided visits to the sites listed in the programme
Services of the tour host and a tour leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Neil Porteous

With an exceptional knowledge of plants, Neil has explored numerous species in their natural habitats, traveling to China, North and South Africa, Australia, and the Himalayas. His passion for history and love for researching the stories behind historic gardens led to an MA in Garden History and a BSc. Hons in Landscape Management & Horticulture. Neil frequently appears on local radio, sharing his expertise and insights. Offering over a dozen different talks and tours, he relishes public speaking and garden guiding, enjoying the opportunity to meet and learn from other gardeners. Currently, Neil works as an independent garden consultant, advising private clients, Mount Stewart in Co. Down, and the Office of Public Works at Annes Grove and Doneraile Court in Co. Cork. Additionally, he is researching the histories of the gardens at Mount Stewart and Brook Hall in Co. Londonderry.

Sophie Piebenga

Born in The Netherlands and based in the Cotswolds, our expert Sophie Piebenga has lived most of her life in the UK. Trained with the National Trust and qualified at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, all whilst working as head gardener of a private estate, Sophie quickly developed a particular interest in the conservation of historic gardens. This eventually led to a doctoral study at the University of York, researching the work of the early Victorian landscape gardener, William Sawrey Gilpin. Sophie has since worked freelance, mostly in the field of historic landscape conservation, and, for the last 25 years, has regularly led Boxwood tours around the UK and to Ireland, France, Spain and The Netherlands.

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.