Silversea Luxury Cruises À Waterford (Dunmore East)

Experience the spectacular, Old World beauty, glamour and refinement of Curraghmore House & Gardens during this exclusive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Dunmore East, Waterford Countryside, Curraghmore House, Keep, Courtyard, Victorian Mansion

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive through the beautiful countryside of Waterford en route to Curraghmore House, home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford. The house is a remarkable sight, with its architecture being part 12th-century and part 18th-century, with strong French lines. Unlike other grand houses of this period, the 1176 keep of the Le Poer family has been incorporated into the 18th century house. Of the many curious and interesting features of Curraghmore, the most striking is the courtyard front of the house, where the original Castle is encased in a spectacular Victorian mansion with flanking Georgian ranges.

Parterre, Tiered Lawns, Lake, Arboretum, Kitchen Gardens, Sitka Spruce, King John's Bridge

Formal parterre, tiered lawns, lake, arboretum, and kitchen gardens were all developed during the 19th century, and survive to this day. At this time, some of Ireland's most remarkable surviving trees were planted in the estate's arboretum. Today, these trees frame miles of beautiful river walks. A Sitka spruce overlooks King John's Bridge, and is one of the tallest trees in Ireland. King John's Bridge, a stone-arched structure built in 1205, spans the Clodagh River and is the oldest bridge in Ireland. Approximately 12 miles (about 19.3 kilometres) of famine relief boundary walls, and four sturdy wrought iron gates, surround the estate.

Exclusive Tour, Main Reception Rooms, Tea Room, Tea/Coffee with Scones, Copper Coast

Your exclusive, guided tour incorporates the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House, and includes tea or coffee served with scones in the Tea Room. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier along Waterford's scenic Copper Coast.

Explore the legacy of the beautiful Tourin House & Gardens in a unique new way during this bespoke, half-day sightseeing excursion with a member of the Jameson family.

Dunmore East, Tourin House & Gardens, Blackwater River, Welcome Drink, Guided Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Tourin House & Gardens. Situated on the banks of the Blackwater River with a fine view of the Knockmealdown Mountains to the north, Tourin is surrounded by arable land, an approximately 15-acre (about six-hectare) garden with mature, broadleaved trees, and a fine collection of shrubs and plants. An Italianate-style villa with classical proportions, Tourin House is home to the Jameson family, of Irish Whisky fame. The present generation, Kristin, Andrea and Tara, are all artists and passionate gardeners. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome glass of Jameson, followed by a guided tour of the house and garden with a member of the family

Tourin Castle, Tower House, Main House, Broad Walk

The original dwelling place is Tourin Castle, an imposing tower house dating from 1560. Tourin was bought by Richard Musgrave in 1780, and, in 1840, his grandson built the more spacious and classically proportioned Main House at Tourin. At this time, the existing garden was enlarged and redesigned. A long, formal Broad Walk leads from the Main House to the pleasure grounds. Beyond, there to the walled garden, which originally belonged to the tower house, and has supplied the family with fruit and vegetables for generations.

Main Garden, Walled Garden, Woodland Walks, Onsite Tea Room, Coffee or Tea

Today, the Walled Garden is a mix of ornamental and productive planting, and is at its best and most colourful in midsummer. Successive generations of the Musgrave and Jameson families (Joan Jameson married Tommy Ormsby Jameson in 1920) have left their mark on the garden. The present owner's mother, Norwegian born Didi Jameson, was a keen plants-woman, and the fine collection of trees and shrubs that she planted have now reached maturity. The gardens at Tourin include the Main Garden, Walled Garden, and extended, broad-leaved woodland walks, which lead to the banks of the Blackwater River and Tourin Quay. Following your tour, proceed to the onsite Tea Room for a cup of tea or coffee. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Discover Kilkenny, arguably the pre-eminent medieval city of Ireland. Kilkenny's rich medieval heritage is evident in the city's treasure trove of historical buildings and landmarks, including St Canice's Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle.

The day begins with a lovely scenic drive to Ancient Kilkenny which was named after St. Canice. Kilkenny is home to two exquisite structures, St. Canice Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle.

Kilkenny Castle

The first stop is Kilkenny Castle where the Normans arrived in the 12th century and built the castle, which overlooks the River Nore. The vividly painted ceiling of its long gallery has been implicated in a few stiff necks - its beauty is simply fascinating. Three of the castles four original towers survive today. Kilkenny Castle became the home of the Butlers - the Earls and Dukes of Ormonde - in 1391. The family continued to reside there until 1935. You will undergo a self-guided visit and 'meet' a few generations via a plethora of portraits that still adorn the Castle.

Free Time in the City

Following your visit to the Castle there will be some time to explore Kilkenny independently and perhaps visit the famous Kilkenny Design Centre to browse the wonderful collection of Irish Designer products.

Langtons

Rejoin your guide and travel short distance to Langtons House Hotel for a delicious 2 Course Lunch with tea and coffee. Established in 1938 and ever since expanding filled with character and plenty of charm Langton's has a reputation for a leading venue in food. Prepare your senses for the flavors and tastes of award winning food.

St Canice's Cathedral

Next stop for photos outside St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower, which are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. "Cill Channigh" (the Irish name for the town of Kilkenny) is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century.

Smithwick's Brewery

After Lunch, visit the Smithwick's Brewery. This new multi-sensory and interactive experience will take you on a journey through the medieval origins of brewing on the site of the St. Francis Abbey Brewery to the arrival of John Smithwick in the 1700's, and right up to the present day. Be fully immersed in the history of Smithwick's, Ireland's oldest beer brand, the amazing heritage of the Smithwick's family and its place in Kilkenny, a city steeped in history and brewing. Smithwick's, with its rich ruby glow and creamy head, is the perfect marriage of innovation and tradition. Enjoy a sample before departing for the pier