Autumn is a lovely time to escape in Ireland for a cosy seasonal break with good food, crackling fires and easy outdoor pursuits like woodland walks and foraging. Wrap up, slow down and dig in! 1. Roundwood House, Laois Secluded in mature woodland at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains, Frank and Rosemarie Kennan restored this early Georgian property over a quarter of a century ago.
Their daughter Hannah and her husband Paddy Flynn now run it with warmth. You’ll need only a sense of history and an appreciation of genuine hospitality for a happy stay here, so relax and enjoy the grounds and the nearby hills, good home cooking and the company of other like-minded guests basking in the brilliant surroundings. Don’t allow yourself to miss Frank’s Library: “A History of the Evolution of Civilisation”, it is a simply wonderful space.
Where : Roundwood House, Mountrath, Co Laois; roundwoodhouse.com What : Midweek Special 2 B&B+1D c.€250pps.
2. Gougane Barra Hotel, Cork Set in a Forest Park overlooking peaceful Gougane Barra Lake, famous for its monastic settlements, the Lucey family’s delightfully old-fashioned hotel has been a restful base for walking holidays since as far back as 1937. It’s currently in the energetic and enthusiastic hands of Neil Lucey along with his wife Katy, who is a chef, and they love upgrading the property while respecting its special timeless qualities.
It’s still the perfect spot to unwind outdoors, but it’s now also a food destinat.