Thursday: We will travel to Holyhead, where we board the cruise ferry for Dun Laoghaire. (Stena have reduced their crossings, and the fast ferry is not operating) It is a short drive to the hotel, where we should arrive by early evening, allowing you to familiarise yourself with your immediate surroundings, and enjoy a meal in the hotel restaurant or perhaps a local pub.
Friday: After breakfast we will make the short journey to the Dublin Horse Show, which is long-established as Ireland’s premier annual equestrian and social event. Today is international day, and the main feature is the Nations Cup. Teams of 4 riders and horses, representing visiting nations and the home team vie for the honour of winning the coveted Aga Khan Challenge Trophy. There is something for everyone, plus a unique Irish atmosphere which brings back spectators year after year. At the end of a busy day, we will return to our hotel.
Saturday: We will return to the Horse Show for another full day of action. However, you may like to spend the morning sightseeing or shopping, and make your own way to the horse show later in the day. You will be able to enjoy the showing classes and more showjumping. There is also a wide variety of trade stands, most of them under cover, so there is plenty to keep you occupied. We will return to our hotel at the end of the afternoon, so that you can make the best of your last evening in Dublin.
Sunday: There will be free time this morning to do some individual sightseeing, and then in the early afternoon, we will make our way to Dun Laoghaire, where we will take the fast ferry back to Holyhead. We should arrive back in your local areas between early and mid evening.
YOUR HOTEL: The Camden Court.
The stylish Camden Court Hotel is ideally situated within walking distance of St. Stephens Green and fashionable Grafton Street in the centre of Dublin. There is a choice of bars within the hotel and an elegant restaurant, plus a more casual brasserie style conservatory for relaxed dining. The hotel also boasts a leisure centre with 16 metre pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym.
