Autumn can be a magical time for a mini break or longer stay in Ireland. The schools have gone back, making it less crowded and often cheaper to travel. Summer temperatures have cooled, leaving a crisp, invigorating chill in the air that calls for cosy coats and chunky knits.
Highlights of an autumn holiday in Ireland include walks in beautiful forests with trees showing their seasonal colours and welcoming pubs and restaurants serving hot drinks, pints of Guinness, warming Irish stews and other local dishes. In the cities and towns, shops are putting out displays for Christmas shopping and there are plenty of local events on offer. Here are some autumn attractions and ideas to get you started.
Giant’s Causeway coastal views and walks
The National Trust looks after lots of beautiful houses, gardens and countryside areas in Northern Ireland, all of which offer many options for a perfect October or November day out, an easy drivefrom Hidden Ireland properties in the area. Among the best known is Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Co. Antrim, it is 60 million years old and has many beautiful walking routes, stunning views, a café, shop and award-winning visitor centre to explore this autumn.
National Trust in Northern Ireland
Other National Trust places that are great for visiting at this time of year include Castle Ward in Co. Down – an impressive 18th-century mansion and grounds. There are 21 miles of trails and walking routes to enjoy, as well as a full programme of family events for autumn and October half term. It was also a filming location for the popular TV show Game of Thrones.
A third National Trust place to go on the list is Mount Stewart, famed for its lovely gardens that are full of seasonal colour and interest at this time of year. Here, you can enjoy strolls in autumn nature, dog walks and tours of the fascinating country house. Visit the National Trust website to find out more about what’s on offer in Northern Ireland.
Autumn harvests and hotspots
Autumn is also the season of harvest, food and drink. As the leaves in the trees turn to reds, gold and browns, so colourful fruit and vegetables also spring up, ripe and ready for the picking. Pumpkin picking events are programmed across the country in time for Halloween, including Ballymad Farm in Co. Meath, Clissman Horse Caravans in Co. Wicklow and Killarney Pumpkin Farm in Co. Kerry.
Autumn colour can also be found all over Ireland, with forests and woodlands alive with golden light and beautiful tones that are crying out to be photographed. Many are free to visit, making this an ideal seasonal break activity for couples, families and groups keen to connect with nature. Some well-known autumn colour hotspots include Killarney National Park (Co. Kerry), Connemara (Co. Galway), Gougane Barra National Forest Park (Co. Cork), the Wicklow Mountains and Slieve Bloom Mountains (Co. Laois).
Wherever you decide to visit in Ireland this autumn, you can be sure of a warm welcome, beautiful views, stunning countryside and delicious, warming food and drink. Choosing Hidden Ireland accommodation can also offer flexibility and freedom, along with beautiful, welcoming places to stay that are close to some of the best autumn attractions Ireland has to offer.
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