STAGE 1 - Dublin
Dublin
If you’re a fan of architecture, take a tour of Dublin, tracing the history of the Irish capital from its oldest church, St Audoen’s (1190s), through The Custom House (1791), the Georgian parts of the city and Trinity College’s beautiful museum buildings (1857).
But Dublin isn’t all traditional architecture. The 1902 Guinness Storehouse was the first steel-framed multi-storey building in Europe, while 2010’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre brings a strikingly modern touch to the city. It was designed by Daniel Libeskind, the architect also hired to oversee the rebuilding of the World Trade Centre in New York.
Stay at: The Merrion Hotel actually occupies four of Dublin’s finest, most beautifully-restored and best-located Georgian townhouses, giving you the chance to really immerse yourself in the city’s architectural history.
Today a luxurious five star hotel, The Merrion has lost none of that Georgian opulence, featuring elegant furnishings, stunning chandeliers and timeless decor.
The 142-bedroom and suite hotel is also home to a luxury spa and the two Michelin starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, as well as the Cellar Bar and Restaurant and the intimate No 23 Cocktail Bar.
STAGE 2 - Wicklow North
Powerscourt House
Heading south along the coast, you come to Wicklow. County Wicklow is home to many important Irish grand houses, including Powerscourt House, which has one of the world’s great gardens, set against the backdrop of the Sugarloaf Mountain.
The important Palladian mansion was destroyed by fire in 1974. Although it has been restored and is now home to a range of craft and interior shops featuring Irish design, including Avoca, the renowned handweavers from Avoca village.
Stay at: A stay at Hunter’s Hotel is a stay in one of Ireland’s most notable buildings - Ireland’s oldest coaching inn. The introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Wicklow says:
"Hunter's Hotel is not only one of Wicklow's most outstanding buildings belonging to the ranks of the commercial middle classes but an extremely rare and remarkably intact example of an early 18th century coaching inn."
It has belonged to the same family for five generations - each one maintaining the tradition of providing friendliness, hospitality and good food.
Afternoon tea is a must here too - if the weather is kind, enjoy your tea in the beautiful cottage-style country gardens.
STAGE 3 - Wicklow into Wexford
Image source: Catherine McCarthy
Take a detour inland to Shekina Sculpture Garden in the peaceful Glenmalure valley, in the shadows of the Fannierin mountain. The one acre garden features a collection of 15 modern sculptures by Irish artists.
Stay at: The architectural treats continue with Marlfield House - one of the finest Regency houses in Ireland.
On the outskirts of Gorey, this exclusive hotel is filled with beautiful antiques and paintings. It’s the perfect venue to play lord and lady of the manor, especially as the owners, the Bowe family, are renowned for making their guests feel at home.
As well as the beauty of the house itself, Marlfield makes wonderful use of its 40 acres of manicured gardens. Lose yourself on a meandering woodland walk, relax by the lake and fowl reserve and enjoy the splendour of the herbaceous borders.
But the gardens also come into their own when supplying wonderful produce to the kitchens. The impressive classical cuisine uses the best locally-sourced ingredients, much of it from Marlfield’s own kitchen garden.
STAGE 4 - Wexford to Waterford
Image source: Waterford Visitors’ Centre
The renowned Gothic revival architect Pugin was invited to Ireland by the Redmond family, initially to bring his talents to County Wexford.
He eventually designed several churches in Ireland, including St. Aidan's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Enniscorthy, which is well worth a visit on your journey.
Driving on to Waterford, the heritage of this historic city can be seen in the buildings, including the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and Reginald’s Tower, the oldest civic urban building in Ireland and one of the most remarkable Viking buildings still in existence in the country.
Be sure to spend an afternoon at the House of Waterford Crystal, where you can see the skilled artisans at work, making the luxury barware and tableware for which the city is so famous.
Stay at: Situated on the dramatic Hook Peninsula, close to Waterford, Dunbrody Country House Hotel is a captivating 1930s Georgian manor hidden amid 300 acres of parkland.
Owned and run by husband and wife team Kevin and Catherine Dundon, Dunbrody is the perfect finale to this tour, combining modern must-haves such as wifi, Bose DVD/CD players and a chic champagne bar with the luxury and history you’d expect from a stay in a centuries-old Georgian property.