Made in Ireland
Avoca Handweavers, Co. Wicklow
Dear Guy
Ireland has created some world-famous brands including Guinness, Waterford Crystal and Jamesons
Whiskey. The handweavers of Avoca and the chocolatiers at Butlers in Dublin are similar champions of
their trade. Together these companies have applied their traditional skills and centuries of experience to
make Irish treats that are internationally irresistible.
Indulge yourself on our new tour to the Emerald Isle that takes you to the homes of these Irish classics,
with the chance to learn first-hand the secrets of their success. As always in Ireland, there will be
beautiful scenery, excellent hotels and the warmest of welcomes to enjoy along the way.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Take the afternoon ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, and head on to the Victorian seaside resort of
Bray for a 2-night stay.
Day 2: This morning visit the Butlers Chocolate Experience, the newly-opened visitors centre north of
Dublin. Founded in Georgian Dublin, Butlers have been creating award-winning chocolate since 1932.
Experience how the cocoa bean is transformed into chocolate treats before being packed in beautiful gift
boxes to be shipped all over the world. From the traditional copper pots used to make creamy fudges and
toffees to the production of Easter eggs and chocolate novelties. This afternoon there is free time in
Dublin with an opportunity to visit the impressive Guinness Storehouse, a 7-storey visitor experience
dedicated to Ireland's world-famous stout.
Day 3: Travel through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to Avoca. More readily recognised as
‘Ballykissangel’, it is also home to one of the world’s oldest hand weaving mills. The original whitewashed
buildings of the old mill, dating back to 1723, sit on the banks of the Avoca River from where it once used
to draw its power. Witness how Avoca Handweavers take the raw wool from the sheep of the
surrounding hills and valleys through a process of carding, spinning, dyeing and weaving to transform it
into clothing and blankets for barter and sale. Continue down to the south coast for a 3-night stay at
Dooleys Hotel on the quayside in Waterford.
Day 4: A free day to explore Waterford, one of Ireland’s oldest cities that was originally established by the
Vikings as a vital trading port. Take time to discover its many shops and cafes, or spend time at the new
'Viking Triangle' collection of museums and heritage sites. This afternoon why not visit the world famous
Waterford Crystal Factory. Opened in 1783, tools and techniques have changed little over the years and
on a tour of the factory you can observe the skilled artisans delicately blow and cut crystal of outstanding
quality. Browse the showroom and perhaps be tempted by a special piece, many of which are exclusive
to the gallery.
Day 5: A scenic day tour begins at the resort of Tramore with its impressive sandy beach stretching for
over three miles. The massive iron statue of an 8th Century sailor at Great Newton Head serves as a
timely reminder of the power of the sea as you follow the road along the Copper Coast, named after the
long abandoned mines which once made the region so prosperous. Enjoy wonderful sea views as you
travel through the picturesque villages of Bunmahon and Stradbally to the harbour town of Dungarvan.
Continue to Midleton, home of the Old Midleton Distillery part of the vast Irish Distillers group famous for
Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew and the local brew “Paddys”. This museum, which has the largest
pot still in the world, depicts the story of Irish whiskey and a tour of the historic distillery concludes with a
whiskey tasting - a memorable way to toast your Irish holiday!
Day 6: Take the morning ferry from Rosslare into South Wales, and head for home.
(NB: Our ‘Made in Ireland’ tour can be operated in reverse, or for a different number of nights, so please
contact us to discuss your preferences.)
Esplanade Hotel, Bray
Old Midleton Distillery
Dooleys Hotel, Waterford
Hotels
Esplanade Hotel, Bray (3-star), situated on the seafront and restored to its original Victorian elegance.
Dooleys Hotel, Waterford (3-star), has been run by the Darrer family for 3 generations and is
centrally located on the quayside.
Prices & Inclusions
Prices from: Apr & Oct: £275
May to Sep: £287 (per person sharing)
Package includes: 5 nights DBB, return ferry crossing, a welcome drink and one night's musical
entertainment at Dooleys Hotel, plus admission to Butlers Chocolates, Avoca Handweavers and
the Old Midleton Distillery.
To book your tour, or for any further information, email us at info@actiontours.co.uk
or call 01952 462462
Kind Regards
Action Tours