Southern Tour: A two-day tour of approx. 290 miles (450km).

On leaving Dublin and the Aberdeen Lodge tthis tour takes you through the harbour town of Dun Laoghaire. At Sandycove, just south of Dun Laoghaire, is the Martello Tower where James Joyce once lived. Beyond Sandycove are Dalkey and Killiney - with magnificent views over Dublin Bay. Behind the crescent-shaped sweep of beach rises Bray Head and the pointed peaks of the Big and Little Sugarloaf, overlooking the wooded Shanganagh Vale. Northwards the valley of the river Liffey can be seen, together with Dublin City and the bold headland of Howth. Continue on to Bray, one of Ireland's premier seaside resorts. The new National Aquarium on the esplanade in Bray has a wonderful variety of native and tropical fish on display. Driving on you reach Enniskerry, a pretty village beneath the Sugarloaf Mountain and near the beautiful Powerscourt Demesne. The celebrated Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the British Isles, can also be seen in Enniskerry.

The scenic mountain drive, known as the military road takes you to Glendalough, with its ancient ruins and picturesque lakes, passing through Glencree, Glenmacnass, a beautiful valley walled in by towering mountains and Laragh. Near Glencree, in a beautiful setting, is a small cemetery for German servicemen who died in Ireland during the two world wars. At Laragh, several glens converge and roads from north, south, east and west meet. Westward stretches Glendalough. Glendalough is a valley celebrated equally for its beauty and for its historical and archaeological interest. A visitor centre, located at the mouth of the valley, provides an opportunity to interpret and understand the lives and times of the monks of Glendalough.

South of Laragh the Military road again climbs into the hills, and then drops into the valley of Glenmalure at Drumgoff. Glenmalure is a place of wild beauty, flanked by mountains, which culminate on the western side in the great mass of Lugnaquilla, the second highest peak in Ireland. Keep south to Rathdrum, Avoca, made famous by Thomas Moore's "Meeting of the Waters" and Woodenbridge into Arklow where you can enjoy a swim or go sea fishing. Driving on through County Wexford takes you to Gorey, Courtown Harbour (seaside resort) Ferns, Enniscorthy and Wexford, which is 13 miles from Rosslare Harbour. These charming old towns, many with fine ruins of castles are steeped in history and are well worth a visit.

From Enniscorthy take the N80 and overnight in Ballykealey House Hotel in Ballon, Co. in Ballon, Co. Carlow. The following morning take the road into Kilkenny and spend the day in this wonderful mediaeval city, which is steeped in history. Its narrow winding streets and old buildings add an old-world aspect to a busy modern city. Visit the Kilkenny Design Workshops, Rothe House and the magnificent Kilkenny Castle. Return to Dublin through Carlow and Kildare towns of Athy, Kildare, Kilcullen, and Ballymore Eustace, taking in the Japanese Gardens in Tully Co. Kildare, the National Stud also in Co. Kildare. The picturesque lake drive near Blessington is perfect for the return journey to Dublin and the Aberdeen Lodge.