Seasonal stays and immersive retreats for nature lovers, sports fans and foodies …
For seasonal fun: Carton House in Maynooth, Co Kildare has a Halloween Experience on offer, which includes a pumpkin trail weaving its ways across the estate’s 1,100 acres of woodlands, where self-guided walking trails are provided. The two-night Fairmont Family Experience costs from €790 for two adults and up to two children, and includes breakfast in The Carriage House and an evening meal in Kathleen’s Kitchen on one evening for parents. A programme of complimentary kids activities includes a Children’s Movie Room, magic show and cookie decorating class.
SEE MORE: 8 Spooktacular Activities Around Ireland For Halloween
For nature walks: It’s easy to get immersed in the beauty of autumn with a guided garden walk through Killashee’s winding paths and woodland trails – part of its current Harvest Pantry stay, from €224. This includes an Irish artisanal cheese board on arrival, a decadent G&T nightcap and handcrafted chocolates. Don’t leave without a jar of Killashee’s own honey, harvested from its on-site hives in Naas, Co Kildare.
For rugby fans: Ireland’s biggest rugby weekends are approaching as the Quilter Nations Rugby International Series kicks off in November. Arguably, no hotel puts guests closer to the action than the family-owned Sandymount Hotel, a two-minute walk from the Aviva Stadium. The hotel has several match day packages that combine four-star comfort, hearty dining and an unbeatable atmosphere. For those arriving by car, the hotel also provides complimentary parking spaces along with overnight EV charging. In addition there are several hospitality packages, including pre-match buffets from €99 to €109 per person, or full pre- and post-match experience with canapés.
For immersive escapes: The Station House Hotel, Co Meath has launched its autumn series of hugely popular Midweek Departures designed to help guests reconnect with joy. These overnight experiences include guided workshops in ceramics, art, gardening, farming, cooking, baking, wellness or stretching. Upcoming themes include a Christmas Pudding Bake-Off with Thelma Slattery, and a Pilates, Sauna & Swim with Audrey Clarke and Hotbox Sauna.
For wildlife lovers: One of the best spots in Europe to witness rutting season is the 26,000-acre UNESCO Killarney National Park where Ireland’s only remaining wild herd of native red deer roam free. Guests of Aghadoe Heights Hotel can join guided tours with park rangers who provide expert insight and bring visitors safely up close to the action. After a day spent in the park, the spa and fine dining restaurant beckon. A two-night break with breakfast daily, dinner on one evening in The Lake Room Restaurant for two people sharing costs €853, with family rates available.
For a gourmet getaway: Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Co Galway has a new three-night Gourmet Getaway experience, from €469. This includes a cream tea served in the elegant French Room, with Irish Coffee demonstrations in the Cocktail Bar each afternoon. Other experiences include a whiskey tasting featuring locally distilled Micil Whiskey and a Wine Flight Experience centred around the Wine Geese, showcasing how Irish emigrants shaped the wine industry in France, particularly in Bordeaux. Dinner is served in Palmers Bar & Kitchen, while the finale is a memorable table d’hôte menu on board the iconic Pullman Restaurant, set within two original carriages of the Orient Express.
For festive fans: Irish florist Mark Grehan of The Garden is hosting a Christmas Floral Workshop on November 30 and December 1 at Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara. This creative retreat includes foraging for foliage in the castle’s woodland estate before crafting a wreath and table centrepiece. The experience includes all materials, lunch in the Fisherman’s Pub on both days, and one night’s bed and breakfast, from €380 per person sharing.
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For golfers: Overlooking the fourth fairway of the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club, guests at Dunluce Lodge can enjoy the hotel’s 9-hole putting green, designed by Martin Ebert and approved by the PGA. It’s also conveniently close to other outstanding courses such as Portstewart and Castlerock. Afterwards, enjoy the facilities at the hotel’s spa (where day retreat offers are popular) and executive chef Stephen Holland’s creative menus which showcase local producers.
For coffee lovers: Lough Erne Resort’s Wake & Wander overnight getaway is a chance to sample the region’s artisan coffee scene. Guests receive a complimentary coffee and traybake voucher redeemable at one of three highly regarded Fermanagh cafés: LYDIA and The Croft Farm Shop in Enniskillen, and The Thatch in Belleek. These independent coffee spots are known for their artisanal brews and local hospitality.
SEE MORE: A Travel Guide To Fermanagh And Down
For a private spa experience: If you want to hibernate in style, choose one of Galgorm’s guest rooms or suites, close to its Thermal Spa Village where bubbling hot tubs and steamy saunas are framed by golden trees in Ballymena. Enhance your stay with a private spa ritual – a grounding Mud Rasul perhaps, soothing Bathing Experience, restorative Sound & Soul Therapy or rejuvenating Detox Therapy. Dinner and breakfast is included.
