Historic castles, grand manor houses, luxury lodges, cafés, organic farms, sea swimming and yoga: the perfect end to summer …
Picnic by Lough Erne, explore the Marble Arch Caves, follow the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, known as the “Stairway to Heaven”, or visit the National Trust’s Florence Court Estate and Gardens – Fermanagh’s Lakelands are underexplored. Self-catering turret-style lodges at Lough Erne Resort and Woodland Lodges at Killyhevlin Hotel offer the best of both worlds: full access to superb facilities, spas and restaurants, and the freedom to live like a local.
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Finn Lough was way ahead of the forest bathing trend when it launched its cosy transparent bubble domes. Have dinner at its new Lasair restaurant, cooked by an all-female team.
Visit 19th-century Crom Castle, a National Trust property, in one of the most romantic spots in Co Fermanagh; you can also rent the posh West Wing, which accommodates 13.
Tackle Magho Cliff Walk, a series of stairways through a “cloud forest” to the top of Lough Navar mountain with views that stretch as far as Benbulben and across Donegal. Anglers will love Home Field & Stream and Fishing Tackle and Bait in Enniskillen for advice on fishing hotspots.
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In the Ards Peninsula in Co Down, Greyabbey village is a top spot for vintage and antique hunting – pop into The Eclectic House, The Attic and The Old Courthouse.
Just outside the village, visit neo-classical Mount Stewart House and its impressive gardens.
At Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Rory Martin runs Sunrise and Full Moon kayaking experiences and e-biking tours.
Stay nearby in self-catering retreat Brent Lodge, named after the geese which fly in from Canada to winter on the shores of Strangford Lough, or Brent Cove – both sleep two – each with a wood-burning stove and private terrace for observing the incredible sights and sounds of 30,000 Brent geese on the shore.
The Dalkey of Northern Ireland, the posh enclave of Helen’s Bay is a great base from which to explore Co Down. Stay in The Studio, @thestudiohelensbay, a designer cottage five-minutes’ walk from the sandy beach and the picturesque North Down Coastal Path. It’s also next to Crawfordsburn Country Park with its hiking trails and waterfalls.
On Fridays, stroll over to Helen’s Bay Organic Farm and Garden, founded by farmer John McCormick in 1991 for organic vegetables and more.
At nearby Killinchy, visit Finlay’s Place to pick your own fresh flowers and strawberries. Jude Dellow, aka @salty_yogi_, also leads sunrise and sunset yoga on Helen’s Bay beach. Local swimming club Helen’s Baywatch @helensbaywatch meets on the beach every Sunday morning, and visitors are always welcome.
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Visit Coan Coffee on the Ards Peninsula for cappucino and carrot cake. @coan_coffee
