Staycation late Sept/early Oct

woodchuck

Where would be the best places in Ireland to do a staycation for 2-3 weeks in late Sept / early Oct?

We already did 2 weeks in Kerry last Summer, which was lovely, but we're looking to go somewhere different.

We're into nice scenery, nature walks and wildlife. I know the weather may not be on our side at that time of year though! But what part of the country would be the best bet? I know all along the west coast / wild Atlantic way is meant to be lovely, but I'm not sure about the time of year for that?

It will be our honeymoon (third time's the charm...), but we don't really want to waste good money on fancy hotels. Especially if there are still restrictions in place about booking times to use the pool etc. We'll probably pick a part of the country first and then see if there are any nice/quirky Air BnBs available at a refundable rate.

Any advice would be great!

U2erthy

If they open up a lot of places will be booked up as people can't go abroad
I would go to belfast or up North

woodchuck

U2erthy wrote: »

If they open up a lot of places will be booked up as people can't go abroad
I would go to belfast or up North

Thanks, but I'd prefer to stick to the republic and pump our money back into our own economy than spend it up north.

And I'm hoping the entire country isn't currently booked out for Sept/Oct! Looking to book something soon enough though so that we don't find ourselves stuck.

fdevine

If we got a bit of an Indian Summer anywhere along the west coast would be good around then

Lots of nature, walks, scenery & wildlife in Clare, which is hopefully our stacation location for this year. Will be staying in Limerick though as some of the prices in and around the Burren were eye-watering

Cliffs, Burren, Aran Islands, dolphin watching from Carrigaholt, caves, lakes & forest parks with marked walks

FWIW there was an interesting piece on the Burren in the lastest Creedon's Atlas of Ireland

HeidiHeidi

If I were you, I'd invest in good wet gear, a few layers of thermals, a good hat and shoes - and head for Donegal.


Fantastic value to be had up there, spectacular beaches and scenery, Glenveagh national park, Sliabh Liag, Tory Island - I could drone on and on.


You're nearly guaranteed NOT to get the weather, but bad weather up there just adds to the experience for me!



Especially along the west coast - I'm more familiar with further north, but any of the areas from Killybegs out west and up the coast from there look spectacular.

And there are two hotels that I've heard only great things about - Lough Eske and Harvey's Point - I haven't been to either but if you fancy treating yourself to a night or two in the lap of luxury that could be an option. Rathmullan House is also old-school gorgeous.

woodchuck

Thanks for all the suggestion guys!

If it was during the summer, I'd definitely be going for somewhere along the wild atlantic way. But coming into Autumn, I'm wondering if we should consider somewhere in the midlands or southeast instead? Or is the wild atlantic way always superior, even in poor weather?

fdevine

woodchuck wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestion guys!

If it was during the summer, I'd definitely be going for somewhere along the wild atlantic way. But coming into Autumn, I'm wondering if we should consider somewhere in the midlands or southeast instead? Or is the wild atlantic way always superior, even in poor weather?

Having been to the inevitably wet "Weshst" many times over the years, you're as likely to get pleasant weather in late September as you are in late July

I have memories of rain sodden camping in Westport in July and t-shirt weather in Doolin in Autumn

If you're preparred for any weather clothing wise then it shouldn't restrict you

HeidiHeidi

woodchuck wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestion guys!

If it was during the summer, I'd definitely be going for somewhere along the wild atlantic way. But coming into Autumn, I'm wondering if we should consider somewhere in the midlands or southeast instead? Or is the wild atlantic way always superior, even in poor weather?

The way I look at it, your expectations heading west (esp northwest) are less, so the disappointment is less when the weather actually turns out to be ****e!


Late Sept/Oct, there is absolutely no guarantee of decent weather in the SE either.



But the chances of the crap weather actually enhancing the experience (if you're kitted out for it properly) are much increased on the north or west coast!


Plus, the scenery is a million times nicer!



(Disclaimer - I may be a little biased in that opinion)

beggars_bush

Sligo and Donegal

limerickabroad

Hey,

I actually had my one week 'staycation' in September last year - went to Galway and Mayo (3 nights in Westport, 3 nights in Clifden). Overall, it worked out very well, and the weather was good for 5 out of the 7 days - went to Connemara National Park, day trip to Clare Island, cycled the Mayo Greenway, did the bog walk at Derrigimlagh, etc. Beautiful part of Ireland, and had a lovely week overall.

I would have to say, though, that time dragged on the two wet days. Went to Kylemore Abbey and Westport House, which were . . . okay, but nothing special. The wet days were a bit grim, tbh. Lots of places were closed because of covid (Connemara National Park visitor centre, Padraig Pearse cottage visitor centre, Avoca shop in Connemara), so things might be better this September . . . hope that helps.

happyoutscan

limerickabroad wrote: »

Hey,

I actually had my one week 'staycation' in September last year - went to Galway and Mayo (3 nights in Westport, 3 nights in Clifden). Overall, it worked out very well, and the weather was good for 5 out of the 7 days - went to Connemara National Park, day trip to Clare Island, cycled the Mayo Greenway, did the bog walk at Derrigimlagh, etc. Beautiful part of Ireland, and had a lovely week overall.

I would have to say, though, that time dragged on the two wet days. Went to Kylemore Abbey and Westport House, which were . . . okay, but nothing special. The wet days were a bit grim, tbh. Lots of places were closed because of covid (Connemara National Park visitor centre, Padraig Pearse cottage visitor centre, Avoca shop in Connemara), so things might be better this September . . . hope that helps.

Visiting the National Museum of Country Life in Castlebar is a must on wet days!
Granted it probably wasn't open (can't remember) last summer but it's a fantastic collection of visual exhibits primarily on the 'days of old'. Brilliant place.

Here's a link to a virtual tour, but doesn't do it justice.

https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Country-Life/Visitor-Information/Virtual-tour-of-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland-Cou

adocholiday

The South East is great too though, especially if you are into the outdoors. I live in Rathdrum in Wicklow and on my doorstep I have Glendalough and Glenmalure for long mountain walks with spectacular scenery. You could spend a week between both of those places alone. The Vale of Clara, Avondale Forest Park, and the Red Kite loop in Avoca for forest walks. The Avoca mines/miners cross/motte stone for a nice historic loop. Head towards Aughrim then and you have lovely walks in that area too of different sorts, beautiful loops around the Iron Bridge.

20 minutes east of here you have Brittas Bay and Magheramore beaches which are lovely but very busy in good weather. Wicklow Town itself has some nice amenities like Wicklow Gaol and a great cliff walk that ends at a lighthouse and not too far away in Ashford you have Mount Usher Gardens and the Devils Glen walk and waterfall. All of this is in a relatively small radius.

Other options a bit further north there are some great walks and drives around the Sally Gap, Crone Woods, Powerscourt House and Powerscourt waterfall.

Further South you have great beaches all along the Wexford coast if that's your thing. I don't know Wexford that well so can't recommend a massive amount there but the area down as far as Hook Head and the lighthouse is also stunning. If you like old stately homes Huntington Castle in Clonegal near Bunclody is great, and Loftus Hall is worth a look. Well's House and Gardens are lovely too. Plus the weather in this part of the country is more likely to be better.

People are quick to dismiss the East as having little enough to do or see compared to the west but I'm living here for the past couple of years and find new stuff to do all the time.