Flora and fauna: wildlife along the Wild Atlantic Way

Posted on 26/04/202426/04/2024 by HIBlog

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches along Ireland’s west coast from the Inishowen Peninsular in County Donegal to the north, down to Kinsale in County Cork in the south.

It offers nature lovers 1,600 miles of beautiful coastal walks, fascinating rock formations and diverse wildlife.

Now, that summer is not so far away – and the late spring bank holidays are even closer, this is the perfect time of year to discover some of the many species of birds, insects, mammals and flowers that the Wild Atlantic Way is home to.

How to go wildlife watching

There are many different ways to enjoy discovering wildlife on the Wild Atlantic Way this spring and summer.

From organised wildlife tours to solo walks and rides, the spectacular scenery will reveal plenty of beautiful flora and fauna.

Besides the far-reaching ocean and coastal pathways, you can explore sand dunes, mud flats, wooded areas, forests and farmlands.

Bring appropriate clothing and shoes – western Ireland can still be fairly chilly even in April and May.

Don’t forget your binoculars and camera, as well as some wildlife books or website addresses so you can identify what you see.

Seas and skies

Ireland’s west coast is a great place to spot some exciting sea life.

Certain cliff-top viewpoints can be ideal for watching dolphins, seals and even the odd whale if the conditions are right.

Marine birds are common too, including gannets, shearwaters, oystercatchers, terns and gulls.

Other avian visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way include kingfishers, ravens, kestrels, sparrowhawk and falcon. They share the skies with a myriad of butterflies, bees, dragonflies and moths.

Always look up as you walk along (taking care not to trip over a stray low-lying branch, of course) to see what you can discover flying freely around you and above.

If you head out for a walk after dark, you may be able to hear bats whizzing around overhead.

Plants and flowers

Ireland’s floral symbol is the shamrock, and this pretty plant can be seen growing in many places all over the island.

The three-leaved clover shape was said to have helped St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, to explain the story of the Ho

Mammals

There are many beautiful mammals that are native to Ireland and can be spotted along the west coast.

Some particularly striking examples include red foxes, red squirrels, Irish hares, badgers, seals and red deer.

You might also spot the odd feral goat if you are lucky – these intriguing creatures roam freely in several places, including the aptly named Goat Island at Roaringwater Bay, West Cork. Their impressive horns make them easy to identify, even in silhouette.

Even if you don’t spot the mammals themselves – some can be quite shy – they often leave behind tracks and other signs of their presence in the area.

Tread gently and go slowly if you don’t want to disturb these easily-spooked wild mammals.

Your patience may well be rewarded by some truly magnificent sights as you explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

A photographer’s guide to springtime in Ireland: how to take pretty seasonal pictures

Posted on 22/03/202422/03/2024 by HIBlog

Springtime in Ireland is a wildlife and landscape photographer’s dream.

The vibrant colours that return after months of winter and the perfect seasonal lighting make for some beautiful scenes.

Many insects, birds and animals come out of winter hiding too, to add interest to countryside photographs. People also come out of winter hibernation to enjoy Spring breaks in the run up to Easter and beyond.

An Irish break offers the ideal opportunity to take the camera out and get some beautiful pictures to remind you of your stay.

Read on for some more seasonal photography inspiration.

Weather proof photography

Despite it being Spring, the weather does not always follow suit, especially in Ireland!

So, whenever you are heading out on a nature walk, or exploring a town and want to take some photos, wrap up warm and think about how you can protect your camera or smartphone against any rain.

Don’t be put off taking pictures in the rain, or when the sun is not quite as bright as you would have liked.

You can get some beautiful effects with softer light, as well as some really interesting close-ups of raindrops on leaves or petals and reflections in puddles.

Patterns, reflections and shapes

Look out for other interesting reflections, not only in puddles, but in lakes or ponds, shop window glass and car mirrors.

You could even see what can be reflected back in your Guinness or whisky glass to extend the Irish theme.

Spring flowers can also offer intricate shapes and patterns, which, combined with pretty colours and green foliage, create really beautiful photographs of Spring in rural Ireland.

Walking along the Irish coastline can also help you discover patterns in the pebbles and shingle and the movement of the sea.

You can also use a polarising filter on your camera lens if you want to increase contrast and help the bolder colours stand out, such as a blue sky or green meadow.

Frame your photos

You don’t have to wait until you return home from your Irish Spring holiday to frame your images nicely.

Look for natural frames to include in the photo itself. Hedges, arches, branches and doorways can all add interest to a Spring photo in Ireland and help draw the eye in towards the centre of the photo.

Use dramatic mountains or interesting horizons to add interest towards the back of the picture too. Change the angle to make the natural ‘frame’ work to your advantage. Get down to ground level, or climb up somewhere high and angle the camera down (carefully!)

Keep it simple

We often crave the simplicity of a quiet break somewhere lovely to get away from the complexity of daily life.

So it can work in the same way when taking photos of an Irish Spring scene. Look for smaller details, rather than trying to capture a wider scene.

Pick out a single flower in a meadow or person in a street scene.

Other ideas could include a log covered in moss, a row of spring daffodils or an especially lovely tree covered in spring blossom.

When you look back at your photographs later, it will often be these smaller details that will trigger a happy memory, or start a conversation that inspires you to reminisce about your time in Ireland.

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

Mountains, mist and magic: exploring the Mourne Mountains region of Ireland

Posted on 16/02/202416/02/2024 by HIBlog

The Mourne Mountains in County Down are one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive attractions.

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark, the scenery is glorious and the scope of things to see and do extremely wide. Granite tors sit at the very top, giving a dramatic summit and natural viewing point.

The mountain region is divided into two distinct areas.

The eastern, or ‘high’ Mournes and northern of ‘low’ Mournes.

Each region offers excellent hill walking, cycling and outdoor pursuits.

There is also a wealth of history to explore, such as the eight-foot-high Mourne wall that was built in 1922 to keep sheep and cattle away from the Silent Valley reservoir. The area also has a lively and fascinating past as a smugglers’ haven during the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Hiking, walking and exploring on foot

Such is the diversity of the landscapes in the Mourne Mountains region that you can pretty much find any type of walk to enjoy.

Coastal walks along sandy beaches like Murlough Beach offer dramatic and far-reaching views out to sea. Then, there are hill walks that take you through beautiful wooded areas like Tollymore Forest and across heathlands to see the flora and fauna that call the region home.

Choose from circular walks that set out and return from convenient car parks and starting points or linear walks that take you to new destinations and even more exciting adventures.

Walking festivals, tours and events take place every year, including the Wee Binnian Walking Festival in the early autumn. Guided hill walks that suit all levels of hikers and walking enthusiasts take place at different times of the day – and night – to show the region off at its seasonal finest.

Cycling challenges

The Mourne Mountains region is also an excellent choice for cycling fans.

Again, there is a wide range of routes from family friendly trails to more challenging tracks and lanes.

One famous cycling route is the Mourne Loop.

This is a 45-mile circular trail that takes cyclists on a mixed trail along easier flat areas, picturesque coastal paths, with a few challenging climbs and exciting descents thrown in for good measure.

Check out local tourist information sites for details of other self-guided and bookable cycling routes and excursions, including the Mourne trails and ales tour for local ale lovers. You can also hire electric mountain bikes for a different and fun experience exploring the beautiful region in style.

Local history and culture

St Patrick’s Day is only a few weeks away now. Ireland’s history is steeped in legend about this key figure and many others.

It is thought that St Patrick is buried in a graveyard close to Down Cathedral, located close to this fascinating region.

There are also guided walks along many of the routes St Patrick was believed to have walked in the area.

The Mourne Mountains also have a rich smugglers’ history, with valuable goods such as spices, leather, silk and tobacco coming into Newcastle and being trekked via ponies through the secluded mountain trails.

In fact, one commonly used trail in the high Mournes is still a highly popular walking route today, known as the Brandy Pad.

The unspoilt countryside and sweeping views really can transport visitors back to Ireland’s past, adding to the appeal of this stunning region. Several locations were used as filming backdrops for the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Check out our list of Hidden Ireland accommodation to find the ideal base for some Mourne Mountain adventures of your own.

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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.

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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.

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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!

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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 .

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER