[Day] 8 [Date] Thu, May 23 [Description] 
DUBLIN DISCOVERY & TEA WITH HELEN DILLON This morning a city sightseeing tour will introduce you to this capital city with its many historic buildings, delightful gardens and lively shopping streets. Drive around the principal areas. Visit Trinity College to view the 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells. Close to the center of Dublin, visit the National Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1795, the gardens contain wonderful Victorian glasshouses. Stroll around the many different types of gardens containing numerous collections of plants and trees from all over the world. In the afternoon visit Helen Dillon’s garden. A world renowned plantswoman, writer, lecturer and broadcaster. With her husband Val, she has created a garden that is considered to be one of the gems of the horticultural world. This widely acclaimed garden is a mix of startling design and perfectly grown plants - many of them rare and unusual. The view of the garden from the windows of the elegant drawing room is in the lexicon of most photographed scenes in contemporary gardening. Enjoy tea with your fellow travellers and Helen at the garden. The remainder of the day and evening are free for independent activities and dining. OVERNIGHT: BURLINGTON HOTEL, DUBLIN