Enjoy a sporting life in Ireland in 2024

Posted on 21/12/202321/12/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Hands up who overindulges at Christmas?

Thought so!

After several days of eating too much turkey and trifle and imbibing mulled wine, eggnog and fizz, many people’s thoughts turn in January to how to get fit and work off some of that festive excess.

This year, why not get a head start and plan some enjoyable sporting breaks in Ireland for the first few months of 2024?

From fishing and shooting to biking and walking, ether is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world. If you prefer to watch sport from the stands, Ireland will also welcome you with open arms. Here are some ideas for getting sporty this year.

Mountain biking

Ireland is ideal for ardent fans of mountain biking looking for the perfect place for adventures in 2024. The Slieve Bloom mountains in central Ireland are well set up to welcome mountain bikers of all abilities, as are the Wicklow mountains and the Cliffs of Mohr and Doolin. Always check out the difficulty levels of each trail you are considering and ensure that you and your bike are in the best possible condition to tackle the challenge ahead. There are several options for mountain bikers of all abilities to enjoy. Wear a helmet and waterproof clothing, and pack water, snacks, bicycle repair tools and a fully charged mobile phone for safety.

Hiking and trekking

The majestic mountains, lush forests and stunning coastlines of Ireland offer countless options for hiking and trekking. As with the mountain biking, trails and waymarked routes vary in length, difficulty and habitats encountered. Hiking can be hugely enjoyable even in the winter, so long as you are prepared and are wearing the right clothing and footwear. Some good places to start researching your perfect hiking or trekking destination include the Giants Causeway, Wicklow Mountains and Wild Atlantic Way.

Fishing

The milder climates and temperatures make Ireland a great spot for fishing at any time of year. If you have been given brand-new fishing kit for Christmas, or simply want to reconnect with a favourite sport, head off to the Emerald Isle to see what bites you get. Always check what fishing licences you will need, as not every spot is free for anyone to use. Leave no trace of your presence when you leave and respect the countryside around you. Some lovely places to visit for an afternoon’s angling include Mullaghmore in Sligo, river Boyne in Meath, Cork harbour and the lakes of Killarney in Kerry.

Watersports

While on the subject of water, fishing is not the only way to have fun in Ireland’s lakes, coastlines and waterways. Several watersports are popular and widely available in Ireland, including paddle boarding, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Lessons are available for beginners and those with experience seeking to brush up on their skills. You can also hire or buy the kit you will need to stay safe and have lots of fun. Take advantage of Ireland’s geography as an island with plenty of coastlines, beaches and shores to explore and enjoy. Head to the west coast of Donegal, Sligo and Clare for the best surfing, or Galway for kayaking and paddle boarding. The lakes of Tipperary are tailor-made for waterskiing and wake boarding.

Golf

Golf in Ireland is far more than ‘a good walk ruined’, with breathtaking courses and exciting gameplay available all over the island. The best time of year to enjoy a round of golf in Ireland is between April and October. Many courses are rated among the top 100 in the world. Call ahead to book and find out about green fees and available facilities, such as clubs and caddy hire, private coaching and golf buggies. Don’t forget to leave enough time to enjoy a pint and bite to eat at the welcoming ‘19th hole’ at the end of your game.

Spectator sport

Finally, if you prefer your sport to be played by other people, there are plenty of exciting sporting matches, games and events happening in Ireland, or involving Irish national teams in 2024. The 2024 Six Nations rugby tournament starts in February with Ireland as reigning champions – the perfect excuse for some late winter television dates. August brings the Dublin Horse Show, featuring showjumping and other equestrian competitions. The Irish Open golf tournament arrives at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Norther Ireland in September while the Dublin Marathon takes place at the end of October.

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Plan the perfect Irish Christmas break

Posted on 02/12/202302/12/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Who doesn’t love to open a Christmas card and see a delightful scene of a cosy room decorated with fresh garlands, glorious countryside views out of the window and stockings set out by the fireplace?

You can picture yourself enjoying a rural Christmas, surrounded by thoughtfully selected gifts, deliciously festive food and drink and a general celebration of friends, family and fun.

After lunch, you might step out for a walk to clear away the cobwebs in stunning Irish countryside that has been gently dusted with frost and snow.

We may not be able to guarantee snow in Ireland this year but the rest of this beguiling scene can be yours by booking a festive getaway with one of the beautiful country house hotels, cottages and other holiday accommodation available through Hidden Ireland.

Our hosts are busily working behind the scenes, preparing to welcome guests seeking seek sanctuary from hectic Christmas planning in December, or looking to enjoy a few days away at New Year (click here to check availability).

Enjoy an Irish Christmas

Ireland has some beautiful Christmas traditions that you can enjoy – and take inspiration from – during an early December visit to a Hidden Ireland property. Many Irish homes are beautifully decorated with fresh holly and ivy alongside the main Christmas tree adorned with baubles and lights. A candle is also placed in the window to guide Mary and Joseph. Why not explore the decorated rooms in your holiday accommodation and introduce some of the finishing touches you find there into your own Christmas decorations at home?

Festive food and drink

Food and drink are a key element of any pre-Christmas break or New Year getaway. Again, Ireland has a rich and copious choicer of amazing festive fare to sample during your stay. The type of food and drink available will vary, depending on where you choose to stay. However, many Hidden Ireland hosts cook their own delicious meals and serve them to their guests in the welcoming surroundings of their holiday accommodation. Alternatively, many of the cottages, B&Bs and hotels are located close to villages, towns and cities brimming with amazing restaurants, cafes and eateries serving festive food throughout December and January.

Christmas shopping

For some people, no pre-Christmas break would be complete without the chance to do a spot of Christmas shopping. Choose between smaller towns offering local delicacies and locally made, artisan gifts and busy, vibrant cities hosting fun Christmas markets and tempting high street sales. To help with your Christmas shopping plans, write out a list before you set off from home with the names of all those for whom you need to get presents – plus some suggestions about what to buy. Lists can also help if you plan to purchase food, decorations and other festive trimmings while you are away.

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Why a rainy day in Ireland could be just what you need

Posted on 14/10/202314/10/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

October in Ireland always brings what you could call a ‘mixed bag’ of weather conditions. This year, however, the month has been more mixed than usual, with some gloriously sunny weekends sitting in amongst the misty mornings and rainy days.

Despite the lingering sunshine providing a welcome extension of summer lasting well into this month, it can also be highly satisfying to enjoy the alternative attractions of a rainy day. Autumn is arguably the most ‘sensory’ season, with gorgeous colours in the trees to look at, the smell of rain in the forests to enjoy and the sound of millions of tiny water droplets hitting the ground in a gently hypnotising rhythm.

If you are visiting one of our Hidden Ireland properties for October half-term week, or are planning an intimate long weekend for two, don’t worry if the forecast is looking like rain. Here are some ways to enjoy your stay, whatever the weather decides to do.

No such thing as bad weather…

There is a lot of truth in the well-known axiom, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing?” The secret to heading out for a rainy day outdoors is to make sure you dress for the weather. Once you have done that, there should be nothing stopping you heading out into the Irish countryside for a forest ramble, bracing coastal hike or long amble across beautiful Irish grasslands. Ask at your accommodation if they have any walking trails that you can try out, especially routes with particularly firm ground underfoot.

Out and about

When you wake up and pull the curtains, only to be greeted by pouring rain, this can present an unexpected chance to pull on your coat and head into a nearby city, town or village. You will find numerous shops, tea rooms, restaurants, museums and other historical buildings to pop inside and wait out the worst of the weather. Take a moment to research the attractions of your local towns and villages – you may stumble across something fascinating that you would never have thought about visiting before.

Get lost in a good story

Ireland has produced a large number of brilliant playwrights, authors, poets, novelists, essay writers and screenwriters. A rainy day offers the perfect excuse to curl up in a library, or your own accommodation, to read a good book with a cup of tea and slice of cake. See if you can find something that is set in the area, or that has been produced by a local writer. Or, visit your nearest cinema or theatre to watch a film or play and immerse yourself in a compelling story while you wait for the rain to pass you by.

Shopping in the rain

Finally, a rainy day can be a great excuse to head for the shops to get ahead on the Christmas shopping, buy a souvenir or two from your stay in Ireland or look for some seasonal fashion ‘finds’ to take you into winter. Spending a couple of hours looking in antique shops can also be a real treat on a rainy day, as can discovering the different types of shops that line the high streets of your nearest town. Bad weather needn’t stop play – get out there and dodge the rain by popping in and out of any shops that take your fancy. Break for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea to make a full day of it. Perhaps you will find yourself a brand new raincoat or umbrella to remind you of how much you enjoyed your rainy day adventures in Ireland this October!

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Five ways to enjoy the Irish countryside this autumn

Posted on 18/09/202318/09/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Summer may be almost at an end now, but that doesn’t mean that the holidays and excursions should stop. Many people list autumn as their favourite season of all. It’s not hard to see why with the glorious colours in the trees, cooler temperatures making it more pleasant to go for a long ramble and the prosect of delicious seasonal treats on the menu.

Many Hidden Ireland properties are located near beautiful woodlands, forests and countryside areas that show off their best side at this time of year. For autumn afficionados, Ireland offers a plethora of seasonal treats and experiences that will help keep the spirts high, right up until Christmas. Here are five ways to enjoy the Irish countryside this autumn.

· Autumn rambles
When it comes to finding the best walking routes around, visitors to Ireland are spoilt for choice. Ireland’s midlands are home to beautiful woodlands, forests and rural landscapes, all yours for the exploring. If you are staying nearer to the edge of the country, you can enjoy coastal walks that take in breathtaking vistas across the Irish Sea to the east, Celtic Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west.

· Fun foraging
Foraging has become more and more popular of late, as people look closer into the bounty that nature can provide. From mushrooms and berries to leaves and herbs, you can find a host of delicious ingredients out in the open countryside. A very important proviso here is to never eat anything that you are not 100% sure is edible and safe to consume. Always check with an expert before tucking into your finds. The best way to enjoy this autumnal activity is to book a place on a foraging walk. This will ensure that you only collect and eat safe items – and only forage in places where it is permissible to do so.

· Changing views
The colours in the trees change many times as autumn progresses, and the same view or walking route can look very different, even within a few days. So, don’t assume that, once you have completed a walking route or admired a view that it will look the same until winter. Take time to return to favourite spots and enjoy the season and the trees changing before your very eyes. As some of the leaves fall towards the end of autumn, this will reveal previously hidden parts of a view and change the whole experience even more.

· Arts and crafts
Autumn’s rich and vibrant colour palette has inspired many arts and crafts activities for adults and children alike. Two creative hobbies that lend themselves perfectly to autumn are painting and photography. Mixing just the right oils or watercolours to capture the exact shade of an autumnal tree can be immensely satisfying, as can composing the perfect shots for some seasonally inspired photographs. Other countryside crafts include pressing leaves and flowers to make greeting cards, or finding the perfect fallen branch for your next woodturning project.

· Harvest feast-ival
Finally, the ice creams, cocktails and salads of summer are fast becoming a distant memory. The good news, however, is that in their place come pumpkins, breads, grains and soups. Warming, tasty autumn dishes can warm the heart every bit as much as fill the stomach and they are an undoubted benefit of life in September and October. Watch out for autumn-inspired dishes from your Hidden Ireland hosts, or on the menus of local cafes and restaurants to a truly authentic Irish experience. The perfect way to keep the first of the misty morning autumnal temperatures at bay .

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Calling all foodies: enjoy amazing August fare, right across Ireland

Posted on 22/08/202322/08/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

We believe that great summer holidays are made even better by making sure that they involve lots of delicious food and drink – the more locally sourced, the better!

Foodies will find much to enjoy in Ireland, home to wonderful main courses, tasty side dishes, decadent desserts and boozy beverages to enjoy at one’s leisure in the company of cherished friends and family members.

Several Hidden Ireland properties serve amazing, home-cooked meals on site. Others are situated within easy reach of some of Ireland’s best restaurants, pubs, cafes and eateries.

Whatever you like to eat and drink, you can be sure that there will be plenty to keep you satisfied during your visit to the Emerald Isle this summer.

Famous foods

Ireland is well-known around the globe for a number of fabulous food and beverages that must be sampled and enjoyed.

Some favourites include Guinness stew, seafood chowder, treacle soda bread and, for those brave enough, black pudding.

For dessert, there is a slice or three of whiskey-laced cake or a brilliantly boozy sherry trifle.

Summer eating

In the summer, staying cool is the order of the day and this is made possible thanks to treats like brown-bread ice cream, Wexford strawberries & clotted cream or just a Baileys on ice for when the sun shines on the glorious countryside and vibrant towns of Ireland.

If your accommodation does not serve home-cooked meals, look out for cafes and restaurants on your travels, or check out reviews online for ideas of where to go to enjoy Ireland’s best-known dishes. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, find a local food market and whip up some delicious Irish treats of your own.

Local fare

A key reason why so many guests enjoy home-cooked food served at Hidden Ireland accommodation is the fact that so many ingredients are sourced within just a few miles of the property.

Local butchers provide grass-fed lamb and beef and locally reared free-range chicken and pork. Vegetables are grown in local soil and berries plucked out of nearby country lanes.

Local artisans supply essential extras such as cheeses, jams, chutneys, yoghurts and porridge oats.

Coastal properties benefit from proximity to local fishing sites, where, during some seasons, sea food can be prepared and eaten on the same day that it is caught.

August alcohol

Ireland is just as lauded for its alcoholic beverages as it is for its delicious food.

Everyone has heard of the world-famous Guinness, plus the country is famous for its rich, earthy whiskeys, just waiting to be sipped gently with or without a cube of ice.

Irish alcohol is a crucial ingredient for many other well-known drinks.

These include the comforting post-dinner drink, the Irish coffee.

The perfect Irish coffee contains just the right mix of black coffee, cream, whiskey and sugar.

Then, there is the equally smooth Irish cream liquor, which combines whiskey with cream, chocolate and vanilla flavourings. Irish cream can be enjoyed as it comes, or added to a cocktail for an intense, unforgettable base note.

If you need to contact Hidden Ireland to find out more about our country houses, cottage or properties please click HERE

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How to plan the perfect Irish country house weekend

Posted on 01/08/202301/08/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Now that summer is well underway, many people’s thoughts turn to spending time away with friends and family.

When planning your next Irish country house weekend, it’s important to consider what everyone wants to get out of it – fun with friends? Sporting activities? A chance to escape the rat race for a while?

Whatever you decide to do, you will get the most out of it with a bit of prior planning.

Here are four top tips to help you enjoy the perfect country house weekend in Ireland.

Do your research

As with so many things, a little prior knowledge can make an experience so much more enjoyable. So, while you are preparing to go away, take a look ahead at what you might be able to visit, do and eat when you get there.

Read what your accommodation’s website or social media says about the area.

Check opening dates and times for local attractions – some places only open during tourist seasons. Work out whether you and your guests want to eat out or stay in. Does your accommodation offer in-house dining?

This can be a real treat for the whole party, when chefs use locally-sourced ingredients to provide delicious, authentically Irish meals.

Stay flexible

Plan a loose agenda if you wish, but don’t insist on your guests following it too rigidly.

Create lists of options for people to choose from, grouped under headings like ‘active’, ‘touristy’, ‘outdoorsy’ or ‘chilled’. While some things do need to be fixed, such as arrival and departure times or pre-ordered dining arrangements, everything else can be moved around to suit those present.

Keep an open mind – you may discover new things to do once you settle in.

Pack with precision

Don’t leave packing until the last minute.

The more time you devote to it, the less likely it will be that you will forget anything vital.

You can find packing lists online if that would help.

Some Hidden Ireland properties are located in quite rural settings without walking distance access to local shops, so the more prepared you can be with what you bring with you, the more relaxing your country house weekend will be.

Of course, you can always order anything online that you can’t be without for delivery to your holiday accommodation if you are going to be away for long enough.

Read – and leave – reviews

Always read the reviews for anywhere you are staying or planning to visit during your country house weekend in Ireland.

Not only will they tell you what other visitors have enjoyed doing and seeing, they can also provide other useful information.

For example, if previous guests mention the amenities available in your accommodation, you know what you do and do not need to bring with you.

Return the favour if you can – if you appreciated a place or an event local to where you have been staying, leave them a review to say so and share your good experiences with others.

If you need to contact Hidden Ireland to find out more about our country houses, cottage or properties please click HERE

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