5 Destinations On Our Travel Radar This Month

From guesthouses to farmhouses, and for design or music lovers, these are five tempting breaks to indulge in this autumn …

Native Guesthouse, Ballydehob, West Cork

This will appeal to design lovers. In the centre of the village, the guesthouse, with three en suite bedrooms, is the first phase in a broader Native Ballydehob development by owners Didi and Simon Ronan which will include cabins, an event space and sauna. Overnight stays including a breakfast snack, cost €250. Midweek stays with dinner at the nearby Michelin-starred Chestnut restaurant are available throughout October and November. www.native.ie.

Goggin Cottage, Co Limerick

This romantic 19th-century pet-friendly, thatched cottage is a new addition to the Irish Landmark Trust’s interesting portfolio of self-catering rentals. It’s outside the village of Kildimo, and there are plenty of castles to explore in the vicinity (Cullam, Dromore and Ballyculhane), as well as the village of Adare with its boutiques and cafés. It’s also a short drive to Curraghcase Forest Park. Sleeping two to four people, it costs from €480 for two nights. www.irishlandmark.com.

Barnahown, Co Cork

This guesthouse, in a former 19th-century farmhouse, has been restored by owner Ciara O’Brien. She is an outdoor pursuits enthusiast who provides excursions and experiences, from Ballyhoura mountain biking, to tours of Mitchelstown Cave, River Blackwater fishing, and kayaking on the River Suir. A two-night stay in one of the four bedrooms, named after Ciara’s favourite Galtee hikes, costs from €300 with breakfast. www.barnahown.com.

The Foundry, Belfast

Hot on the heels of The Ivy Belfast opening (in the iconic Robinson Cleaver building) is The Foundry hotel in the Cathedral Quarter. For music lovers it’s on the site of the Harp Bar, which launched bands including The Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers and The Outcasts. Now, it’s home to 20 rooms, a bar and restaurant, designed by O’Donnell O’Neill Design. If visiting the city for the International Arts Festival, from October 16 to November 26, this is a stylish base. www.thefoundrybelfast.co.uk.

Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Co Wexford

From honing your bridge skills to wellness weekends in its SeaSpa, there are plenty of tempting autumn activity breaks at Kelly’s Resort. Family bedrooms and the sociable Ivy Room have recently been renovated (by Luca Architecture), emphasising sea views, Irish artwork and mid-century design motifs, plus classic Louis Poulsen lighting. Guests can dine in Beaches, La Marine Bistro and The Sea Rooms where chefs Eugene Callaghan, Chris Fullam and Micheal Gaul consistently serve good food. An overnight break with breakfast and dinner costs from €185 per person and includes afternoon tea and cakes, with a full programme of daily activities. www.kellys.ie.

See more: Seeking Hotels That Offer The Good Life