TIME TO REST

Whether you’re looking for the perfect family midterm break or a quiet weekend to restore your energy levels, we have the Irish destination for an autumnal escape.

The best Irish destinations for an autumn escape

Cosy hideaways

SHEEN FALLS LODGE

Nestled on the edge of Kenmare town, with the magnificent River Sheen running past the estate, the five-star Sheen Falls Lodge is renowned for going that extra mile, from the expertly prepared food to the countless activities on offer. THE DIGS The main hotel features a range of luxurious bedrooms and suites, but the self-catering lodges are among the best in the country, with plush beds, vast bathrooms and wardrobes, fireplaces made for cosying up to, a well-stocked country kitchen, and (in ours) a sunroom with lounge beds where we dozed off mid-afternoon while trying to catch up on our reading.

BE SURE TO Make the most of the activities on offer, whether your interests lie on land or in the water – everything from salmon fishing on the river to horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, falconry and tennis is available. According to one very friendly staff member on our visit, the ultimate experience is a night-time kayak under the stars, but be warned: it’s a popular one. Of course, there’s always the Easanna Spa with its range of Elemis and Voya treatments for when indoor pursuits are called for. And on October 18-20, the hotel will be running a wellness weekend complete with yoga sessions, walks, aqua fit classes and healthy treats. DON’T MISS Chef Cormac McCreary’s exquisite dishes in the 2 AA Rosette restaurant, The Falls. The home-smoked salmon was one menu item we simply had to try (and were not disappointed with in the least – it was extraordinarily delicate), while a Dover sole served with asparagus and artichoke and a dessert of apricot soufflé with nougatine ice cream made the whole dining experience one we’ll remember always. Plus, the kids were made to feel very welcome with a children’s menu filled with a range of dishes that pleased both them and their parents. TAKE HOME The home-smoked salmon caught on the estate – it’s simply to die for and you’ll thank yourself for bringing some back with you to enjoy and share later. THE DETAILS We stayed in the Little Hay Cottage, a two-bedroom lodge that sleeps four overlooking Kenmare Bay and a short stroll to the main hotel, €450 per night, sheenfallslodge.ie. Meg Walker

GREGANS CASTLE

A stylish bolthole deep in The Burren, this Ballyvaughan hideaway is one of Ireland’s finest,

offering laid-back luxury, wonderful food and creature comforts galore. Gorgeous décor draws on the area’s natural palette, while the award-winning cooking features Clare’s rich produce, gregans.ie.

THE MUSTARD SEED

An impressive Victorian country house just outside Adare, Limerick’s Mustard Seed is as renowned for its old-school hospitality as it is its superb cooking. Surrounded by beautiful grounds, the heritage

hideaway is cosy, chilled-out and beautifully romantic. Dogs are welcome too, mustardseed.ie.

NUMBER 31

A guesthouse with serious sass, this luxury townhouse sits in the heart of Georgian Dublin yet seems a million miles from the hustle and bustle. Design aficionados will love the Georgian-town-house-meets-modernist-mews, with its superb breakfasts, designer credentials and leafy secret garden, no31.ie.