Escorted Tours
Wild Flowers and Gardens of Ireland’s Burren
Discover the wild, flower-rich landscapes of Ireland’s west. From the limestone pavements of the Burren to the windswept shores of Inis Oirr, expect a remarkable diversity of flora, guided insight and thoughtfully chosen gardens. Combined with dramatic coastal scenery, historic sites and relaxed, well-paced travel, this tour offers a rewarding immersion into one of Europe’s most distinctive botanical regions. Ideal for keen gardeners and nature lovers alike, expect inspiration throughout this tour.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Trevor Edwards
TTrevor is a lifelong horticulturist whose career has ranged from retail horticulture to garden design, project management and restoration. In recent years, he has become closely involved in garden tourism, managing tours in Ireland, the UK and destinations across Europe and much further afield.
A regular tour manager and lecturer on the gardens of Ireland, Trevor has also appeared on gardening television and radio programmes. His practical experience, broad knowledge and warm guiding style make him an ideal companion for exploring gardens both grand and intimate.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Knockpatrick Gardens, Shannon Estuary and Arrival in Ennis
Fly from London to Shannon Airport and travel to Knockpatrick Gardens. This thoughtfully planted garden provides an early introduction to the area’s flora, where herbaceous borders merge with more naturalistic, meadow-style areas.
Continue to the Shannon Estuary and cross by ferry from Tarbert to Killimer, with wide views over the water and the chance to notice wildflowers along the roadside as you travel. Arrive at your hotel in Ennis in the late afternoon. A welcome drink is followed by dinner with wine.
Day 2: Inis Oírr and Cruise Beneath the Cliffs of Moher
Drive to Doolin this morning and take the ferry to Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. Spend time exploring its varied habitats, where limestone pavement and sandy machair support a wide range of coastal and Burren species. Among those to look out for are sea thrift, sea campion, vetches and orchids, along with ferns and mosses tucked into sheltered spaces. The island shares much of the Burren’s distinctive flora, including bloody cranesbill, spring gentian and mountain avens. Seals are often seen along the shore, and seabirds are a constant presence.
There is free time for lunch before returning by boat on a cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, offering a different perspective on this dramatic coastline. Return to Ennis for the evening.
Day 3: Caher Valley, Burren Gardens and Poulnabrone Dolmen
Travel into the Caher Valley for a visit to Caher Bridge Garden, known for its design and wide-ranging plant collections. The garden makes good use of its setting, combining structure with informal planting and a strong sense of place.
Continue to a nearby coastal garden created by Doreen Drennan, where planting is relaxed and well suited to the exposed conditions near the Atlantic. Later, visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s most recognisable prehistoric monuments, set among the Burren’s limestone pavement. Its stark form contrasts with the surrounding wildflowers, which can be particularly striking at this time of year. Return to your hotel in Ennis.
Day 4: Botanising in the Burren with a Local Expert
A day exploring the Burren in the company of a local specialist. This landscape is well known for its unusual mix of plant life, where species more typically associated with alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean environments can be found growing together.
Walk across areas of limestone pavement and flower-rich grassland, looking for gentians, rockroses, saxifrages and other characteristic plants. The walk is expected to last around three hours over uneven terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness and suitable footwear are important. Return to Ennis in the late afternoon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with wine.
Day 5: Bunratty Castle and Return to London
Visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where the gardens and traditional farmsteads recreate rural Ireland of the past. Explore heritage plantings, kitchen gardens, and orchards featuring historic varieties of fruits, vegetables, and cottage garden plants. Continue to Shannon Airport for the return flight to London.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
The Old Ground Hotel is a centrally located 4-star property in the heart of Ennis, within easy walking distance of the town’s shops, cafés and historic sights. Set in a beautifully restored 18th‑century manor house, the hotel combines historic character with modern comfort. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, free Wi‑Fi, and event spaces, while dining is a notable feature with locally sourced cuisine. Guest rooms are well appointed with amenities such as tea and coffee facilities, TV, Wi‑Fi, and comfortable furnishings.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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