ON THE ISLAND OF IRELAND
Autumn is the ideal time to explore the Island of Ireland’s fabulous landscape and enjoy the rejuvenating power of nature.
Autumn on the Island of Ireland offers the perfect combination of bright, crisp days and cosy evenings. As the leaves turn to red and gold, the landscape takes on a vibrant hue that is a gift to photographers and artists and provides a gorgeous backdrop for walkers and cyclists.
If you’re planning an autumn getaway, why not immerse yourself in the island’s beauty by booking accommodation in the heart of nature.
At Fernwood Farm in County Galway, in the rugged West of Ireland, you can stay in an ecoconscious geodesic dome that sits in the canopy of native trees, or in a house on stilts where each area is bathed in light at different times of the day. There is also a sauna on stilts overlooking the lake providing an indulgent relaxation area.
Another forest hideaway option is Finn Lough in County Fermanagh, where you can sleep under the stars in a luxury transparent dome that is hidden within a beautiful lakeside retreat.
Wherever you choose to stay on the island you won’t be far from a walking trail. There are hundreds of miles of trails through forests and glens and along the wavelashed coastline, providing great opportunities to get active outdoors and enjoy spectacular views.
Indeed, autumn in Ireland is walking festival season. So if you fancy striding out with likeminded people and learning about the flora and fauna as you go, check out the festival calendar. September includes the Wee Binnian Walking Festival in the Mournes, County Down, which has graded walks to suit all abilities and a bit of craic thrown in. Or, head to the Wicklow Walking Festival in October to explore the majestic Wicklow Mountains National Park.
If birdwatching is your thing, Ireland lies beneath some of the busiest bird migration routes in the world and is a great place to spot Canadian geese, Icelandic Whooper Swans and Eurasian
Golden Oriole among other species.
You can also enjoy a bit of whale watching off the Wild Atlantic Way, where humpbacks, minke and even the occasional orca can be spotted on clear autumn days.
With all that activity you’ll definitely work up an appetite for some delicious seasonal food and there is much to be enjoyed. The Irish oyster season kicks off in September and is celebrated at the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. The apple harvest also gets underway and in County Armagh, known as the Orchard County, the Armagh Food and Cider weekend champions great applebased flavours.
Autumn in Ireland is a magical mix of vibrant landscapes, foodie pleasures, outdoor pursuits in the freshest of air and cosy evenings spent by an open fire.
What are you waiting for?