Leading the way
Apparently inquiries about dog adoption rose by 134 per cent during the pandemic, but what do all those new dog owners do about a family break with the new plus-one-pooch? Leading the way in pup-friendly packages, Tipperary Tourism (tipperary.com) have lots of options including Fuchsia Lane Farm, where a weekend costs from €250 for a lovely cottage (fuchsialanefarm.com), or Stonepark Lodge, close to Lough Derg, has camping spots from €20 per night. Don't fancy autumn under canvas? There's a self-catering spot sleeping four, from €100 a night, minimum two-night stay, stoneparklodge.ie
Fall colours
Okay, so it may look like something out of Las Vegas got dropped into the Wicklow Glens, but the Powerscourt Hotel sure is in a pretty place. Tear yourself away from the Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool and treat your eyes to a natural feast as the leaves turn gently brown all round. Stay between September 1st and October 21st with B&B from €299 per room, or take a family room sleeping two children under 12 from €333. Add dinner at the Sika Restaurant and entry to the Powerscourt Gardens, plus 10 per cent off stuff at the Avoca there from €228.50pps. powerscourthotel.com
Whiskey a go go
Packing a powerful Bohemian punch, Belfast's Harrison Chambers of Distinction do its level best to live up to the name with wild wallpapers, significant bathtubs and all manner of luxuriously quirky touches. The Boho Break, aimed at solo travellers, gives you a room, prosecco picnic, and a map to explore the northern (de)lights. £125. Or try the Whiskey Experience, including a walking tour, tastings and a pub stop too, from £295pps. chambersofdistinction.com
Go for Galway
A little later than usual this year, the Galway International Arts Festival has plenty to see and do, even if you don't set foot inside a theatre. For starters, the Gerrard siblings seem to have taken over the art side – with Joy at the Festival Gallery with her amazing pen and ink works, and John out at Derrigimlagh Bog with his Mirror Pavilion glinting in the autumn light. Find out more at giaf.ie, and stay right in the heart of things at the Hardiman on Eyre Square, with room only from €155, thehardiman.ie
