Arrive Dublin to be met by driver and guide and check into hotel; afternoon walking tour of Dublin including Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and meet your fellow travelers. L Hotel: The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire

Today visit the National Botanical Gardens noted for their plant collection and historic wrought iron glasshouses, the National Gallery of Ireland with a focus on botany. End the day with a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and maybe a pint! B Hotel: The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire

A day of gardens! Powerscourt House and Garden, Hunting Brook Garden and June Blake Garden. B Hotel: The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire

Departing Dublin, we visit one or Ireland’s favourite gardens, Mount Usher. We also visit the Bay Garden in Enniscorthy and the Altamount Gardens. BD Hotel: Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Highbank Organic Farm and Orchard. In the afternoon enjoy the Delta Sensory Gardens, an oasis of peace and tranquility, that will delight your sense of touch, taste, smell, hearing and visual. End your day learning about the 7 Noble or Chieftain Trees, their uses and Celtic mythology of each tree and the dire penalty for cutting down or damaging a Noble in Celtic Times. B Hotel: Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny

We begin with the gardens of Mount Congreve; At Lismore Castle & Gardens we’ll wander the historic gardens and permanent sculpture collection arranged over seven acres within the 17th century outer defensive walls If time permits, visit the Old Jameson Distillery. B Hotel: Imperial Hotel, Cork City

A free morning to wander the beautiful old seaside town of Kinsale. The town is known for its hill fort, narrow streets, old world charm and crafts and as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland. We then explore the Edwardian Cookery School Gardens at Ballymaloe Gardens and the Stephen Pearce Pottery where they follow a 250 year old tradition of handcrafted pottery. B Hotel: Imperial Hotel, Cork City

Begin your day with a visit to the Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words! Established in 1823, the Blarney Woollen Mills now houses a range of Irish products from Aran sweaters to Celtic jewellry and many other items. In the afternoon take a boat to Ilnacullin, a fairytale Italian garden. Hotel: Maritime Hotel, Bantry Town

Set out around the Sheep’s Head Peninsula to visit two wonderful gardens, Kilravock Gardens and Cois Cuain. Thanks to a greenhouse climate these seaside gardens have incredible growing conditions. Tender plants such as Kangaroo paw restios that normally need pampering can safely be left out all winter. Return to Bantry and enjoy a visit to Bantry House and Gardens. B Hotel: Maritime Hotel, Bantry Town

Today visit a local farm for an insight into Irish farming practices and the Toons Bridge Dairy who make 12 varieties of cow and sheep cheese. Continue to one of Ireland’s iconic sights, The Rock of Cashel, and the historical town of Cashel. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at the castle. BD Hotel: Castle Durrow

En-route to Dublin, visit Heywood Gardens in the morning and The Irish National Stud & Gardens in the afternoon. Heywood Gardens with its spectacular setting overlooking seven counties consist of 50 acres of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. From horses to horticulture the Irish National Stud & Gardens is one of Ireland’s true treasures. The Irish National Stud, owned by the Irish government, is the third largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world. Also on the grounds is a Japanese garden created between the years 1906 and 1910. The goal of the garden was to symbolize the ‘Life of Man’ through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water. B Hotel: Grand Hotel, Malahide

Transfer to the Dublin airport for your flight home or onward journey. B

Jane is the Manager, Botanic Gardens and Greenhouses at Olds College. Her interest in the artistic aspects of horticulture is complemented by a background in science gained from her BA at the University of Victoria in Microbiology and Environmental Studies. After five years in the landscape maintenance industry she joined the Calgary Zoo and Botanical Gardens, first as Schoolyard Naturalization Project leader, and later as Botanical Education Coordinator and Manager of Continuing Education before joining Olds College in 2011. Jane is a regular writer and speaker on a wide variety of gardening of topics, allowing her to share her love of learning, and enthusiasm for all aspects of horticulture