As chillier weather sets in, travel content creator Tara Povey shares her list of cosy stays in Ireland for you to explore.
In the words of Richard Gilmore, “I am an ‘autumn’!”
I have an entire Halloween wardrobe and there’s nothing I love more than the crunch of a leaf underfoot. While I inevitably miss the long days of summer, that’s nothing the crisp air of autumn and a cosy getaway can’t fix.
There’s no better feeling than curling up with a book and a blanket by a crackling fire in a gorgeous hotel. Here are some of my favourite cosy stays in Ireland for you to explore this autumn.
Head Gardener’s House, County Cork
This Irish Landmark Trust property dates back to the 1800s and is nestled on the edge of the Fota House estate. The nearby Fota arboretum and gardens is the perfect place for a brisk walk to spot the changing colours of the leaves.
The house can sleep five people and is dog-friendly, making it perfect for friends or family groups.
It has been beautifully designed and decorated by Jessie Wilkinson with wonderful pops of colour and plenty of snug areas to relax in the evenings.
One of the most unique things about a stay here is that, thanks to the nearby Fota Wildlife Park, you might even be awoken by the sound of a lion’s roar in the morning.
CABÜ by the Lakes, County Cavan
It doesn’t get more cosy than a cabin by a lake, and CABÜ by the Lakes in Cavan offers just that. I’ve yet to visit myself, but it’s certainly on my list for this autumn. From the nature spa to the communal “sitooterie” open fire seating area, CABÜ is the perfect place to slow down, relax and escape the chaos of the world for a few days.
There’s plenty to do during a cabin stay, like kayaking, forest bathing, scenic walks or even toasting marshmallows – though I hear that toasting a Tunnock’s tea cake is even better, actually! Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like otters, pine martens and red squirrels during your stay.
The Hideaway at Foxhollow Farmhouse, County Meath
I stayed here in October a few years ago, and it was as if I’d stepped into an episode of The Gilmore Girls or onto the set of Practical Magic. The classic farmhouse kitchen is straight from the pages of a magazine, made perfect by the homemade sweet treats left for guests by the owner, June.
The house sleeps up to eight people and is full of thoughtful touches like the insanely comfy fox slippers or the raincoats and wellies left out for guest use. The location is perfect for Halloween lovers like myself as the infamous Farmaphobia scare event is only a short drive away.
Harvey’s Point, County Donegal
This four star hotel on the edge of Lough Eske is famous for its warm Irish welcome. The staff truly make Harvey’s Point feel like a luxurious home away from home. One of my favourite things about this hotel is the intimate snug right by reception complete with a roaring open fire.
There are lots of lovely trails and nature walks around the lake and the nearby Bluestack Mountains, perfect for crisp Autumn mornings. The rooms in Harvey’s Point are some of the biggest in Ireland; even their standard rooms leave you feeling like you’ve been given a secret upgrade to a suite.
They offer wine* tasting and cooking demonstrations during the week, not to mention their famous cabaret evenings every Wednesday, so even if the weather isn’t co-operating, there’s plenty to do here in autumn.
Number 31, County Dublin
A city break in autumn is always a good idea. Number 31, just off St Stephen’s Green in Dublin, offers a stylish and comfy escape in a Georgian townhouse with easy access to all that the city has to offer.
Their stunning sunken seating area is the perfect spot to curl up with a hot chocolate in front of an open fire. They have a great autumn offer called the Fabulous Fireside Fashion Fix package, which includes a complimentary €50 Brown Thomas gift voucher as well as bed and breakfast, so there really is no excuse not to treat yourself to a seasonal city break.
Voco The Club, County Kildare
This boutique hotel, just outside Dublin, is one of my favourite romantic escapes, so much so that I celebrated my anniversary there earlier this year. They offer a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival, and you can even book a room with a private hot tub.
The real star of the show in this hotel is their outdoor garden spa with hot tubs, saunas and cold plunges. There’s something wonderful about warming up in a bubbling hot tub on a brisk autumn day while sipping on a freshly prepared cocktail made at the spa’s very own cocktail bar. If you’re looking for a convenient, cosy couple’s break, this is the spot.
Lyrath Estate Hotel, County Kilkenny
I stayed in Lyrath a few years ago during the autumn, and I was absolutely blown away by how beautiful the estate is. This five-star hotel is set on 170 acres of woodland, full of sign-posted walks perfect for watching the changing leaves fall.
The afternoon tea here was a particular highlight for me, set in the boldly decorated tea room. The cakes were delicious, piled high and impossible to finish. Team this with the magnificent spa and Lyrath Estate Hotel makes for a spectacular girls’ getaway this autumn.
Horse and Jockey Hotel, County Tipperary
This creeper-clad family-run hotel has been a landmark, in one form or another, of this famous crossroads in the heart of Ireland for over 250 years. There’s a real community vibe here, with guests and locals alike relaxing in the in-house coffee shop and browsing the local produce shop.
The cakes, pastries and fresh bread from their bakery are what dreams are made of. The wonderful staff here will prepare you a picnic basket full of sandwiches and snacks that you can bring with you on local walking trails such as the Derrynaflan walk.
So while the days are getting shorter and the air has a bit more nip to it in the mornings, don’t let that stop you from exploring this beautiful country we call home. Ireland might be famous for being green, but it certainly looks fantastic in the changing colours of autumn.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ