Get to the heart of Ireland this midterm
IT’S almost midterm – and of course Halloween, which makes sense – as the thought of entertaining the family for a week can be scary for parents.
But don’t let the changeable weather spook you this autumn in fact there’s lots of activities you can do, both indoors and outdoors, in the most interesting and picturesque places.
I was recently reminded of all of the great things Ireland can offer for a family holiday when travelled with my daughters and mum to Ballyhoura - part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Our base was Springfort Hall Country House Hotel at Newpothouse in Mallow, and from there we took a short drive to our first stop, Doneraile Court and Parklands.
Doneraile Court is a late-17th century country house, and it and its surroundings is impressive enough, as an imposing building in 160 hectares of walled parkland known as Doneraile Park or Doneraile Estate. But it’s the thrilling history of the place - dibbed North Cork’s Downton Abbey - that was first built by Arthur St Leger in the 1720s that truly shines.
Our guide was wonderfully captivating as she led us through the house, and I couldn’t believe that such complex history was being lapped up by my two girls. Highly recommended if you’re in the area.
Next up was the Donkey Sanctuary Ireland in Knockardbane Farm in Liscarroll, which has loved and cared for over 5,600 neglected and abandoned donkeys since it opened in 1987.
Today there is over 1,700 donkeys and mules in their care and it’s wonderful to go around and say hello to all its happy residents. It’s a lovely family activity and admission is free.
Other highlights of the break included a visit to Lough Gur Pottery, where owner Clair Jones welcomed us into her purpose-built studio and we had great fun both making a mess - plus some vases and bowls, which Clair painted and glazed and posted out to us later.
There are lost of scenic walks in the area – Clare Glens Loop walk for example is perfect for families with young children or those looking for a short stroll through forest scenery. We decided instead to talk a garden walk around Anne’s Grove Gardens, a 190-acre historic estate with 30 acres of renowned gardens located near Castletownroche, Co. Cork, and then made our way to Lough Gur - a place steeped in folklore along with a wealth of archaeology and history dating back to Stone Age times.
We had great fun at the Visitor Centre, which provides an interpretation of the sites associated with Lough Gur, before going and seeing them for ourselves. It’s easy to let your imagination run wild here among stone circles, megalithic tombs, crannogs, ring forts and castles.
Adrenaline junkies would love Ballyhass Lakes in Mallow too, with its range of water and land adventures.