Autumn is the perfect time to book a few days away. From Connemara castles to Dublin city hotels, we've rounded up some brilliant staycation deals to book now.
Ballynahinch Castle
Nestled in the heart of Connemara, county Galway, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels. Spanning 700 acres of beautiful woodland, rivers and walks, it’s the most picturesque backdrop for a weekend away with the recent addition of an exclusive outdoor sauna experience meaning you’ll leave feeling thoroughly relaxed.
Each sauna session lasts for one hour and can accommodate up to four guests, making it a private and personalised wellness experience. For larger groups, up to eight guests can be accommodated by booking both saunas simultaneously. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with an amenity basket that includes towels, slippers, water and fresh fruit too. Each sauna is also equipped with a cold pull bucket (for those brave enough to use it!) and guests are encouraged to take a refreshing dip in the estate’s pristine lake plunge area.
For those seeking a complete wellness retreat, Ballynahinch Castle offers an exclusive overnight package, Stillness and Sanctuary, that includes dinner at the award-winning Owenmore Restaurant or The Fisherman’s Pub and a private outdoor sauna experience from €525 per room based on two people sharing.
The Montenotte
One of my favourite places to stay down in Cork, the Montenotte is a vibrant four-star hotel with unparalleled views of the city. Close to the train station, it sits on six acres of land with beautiful Victorian Gardens, woodlands and a newly added wildflower meadow too.
The brand-new Autumn Dreams package is designed to immerse you in the essence of the season and includes overnight bed and breakfast for two, a pumpkin spice martini on arrival, a signature welcome platter, dinner at Panorma and access to the rejuvenating heated indoor pool, steam room, sauna and cameo cinema room.
Ballymaloe House
Where better to escape to as the leaves start changing colour than Ballymaloe House? The epitome of cosy, country luxury, you can choose to curl up in front of the fire with a book, take a stroll through the woodlands, wander around the walled garden or use one of their e-bikes to cycle around the grounds.
Beautiful as the scenery is, the food is the real standout and Sunday evening dinner is a treat as Executive Chef Dervilla O’Flynn serves up a four-course, farm-to-table menu. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients the team remain true to the original ethos of Myrtle and Ivan Allen, and I can guarantee you won’t go hungry.
The Dreamy Sunday stay includes overnight accommodation in one of the charming guestrooms, tea/coffee and cake on arrival and a four-course dinner and breakfast the following morning. Stays start from €575 based on two people sharing or €385 for a solo traveller.
Johnstown Estate
Just a stone’s throw from Dublin City, you’ll find the Johnstown Estate in Enfield, county Meath. The perfect choice for those in need of some TLC, the four-star hotel and spa is the best of stately Georgian grandeur and contemporary comforts. It’s also home to an award-winning spa and state-of-the-art leisure facilities.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a cocktail or beer, after which the afternoon is yours to explore the leafy estate or unwind at The Leisure Club, which features a fully-equipped gym, a 20-metre swimming pool, steam, sauna and jacuzzi facilities along with an outdoor Canadian hot tub and lounge area. You can also choose to add pre-booked extras like time in the indoor and rooftop thermal suites or a pampering treatment at The Spa, should you so please.
The Autumn Ease package is available Sunday to Thursday from September to November and includes B&B, dinner, a welcome drink and access to the Estate’s leisure club. Prices start at €250 for two people.
Fota Island Resort
A five-star resort in Cork, Fota Island Resort is situated on its own private island just a 15-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Cork city.
While the children enjoy the fantastic facilities on site from fairy trials, Fota Adventure, leisure centre and walking trails through the 780 acres of lush countryside, the adults can sit back, relax and unwind in Fota Island Spa with its glorious outdoor Spa Garden or experience a game of golf on Fota Island Resort’s magnificent championship golf courses.
An overnight stay in a Family Room at Fota Island Resort starts from €444 per night and includes breakfast and dinner with afternoon tea for two adults and two children.
Anantara The Marker
Inspired by the elements and overlooking the waterfront of Grand Canal Square, Anantara The Marker is a sleek Dublin hotel that ticks all the right boxes.
Part of the regenerated Docklands that exemplify the city’s cosmopolitan future, the hotel is suited to both business and leisure guests – it’s situated close to the National Museum, the Science Museum, the National Gallery, the 3Arena and the Aviva Stadium. Not to mention the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre which is mere footsteps away.
The Season Exclusives offer starts from €265 and includes flexible cancellation and up to 15% savings on the best available public rates.
Sheen Falls
A gorgeous five-star hotel set against the stunning backdrop of Kenmare Bay, Sheen Falls is situated right near the Ring of Kerry, the Beara Peninsula, and the southwestern edge of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery, the hotel itself is every bit as impressive and the team have certainly mastered the art of escapism with a range of experiential dining, wellness experiences and outdoor pursuits to cater to your every need.
Their Halloween-themed Spooktacular Sheen Break runs from October 25 to November 2, combining luxury accommodation with a host of family-friendly activities designed to create an unforgettable holiday for guests of all ages. Prices for a two-night bed and breakfast stay with one dinner at The Stables Brasserie start from €939 for a classic room (price for two adults and one child).
Lyrath Estate
A luxurious five-star hotel in county Kilkenny—the medieval heart of Ireland—Lyrath Estate is celebrated for its gorgeous grounds that are spread across 170 acres of Irish countryside, complete with picturesque lakes, historic gardens, and emerald woodlands.
This month, it’s all about their Silver Screen Stays which aim to add a little movie-star glamour to your weekend with some nostalgic trips down memory lane in the hotel’s cosy and atmospheric cinema room. A relaxing overnight stay in one of the luxurious guestrooms begins with a complimentary screening of an all-time classic movie in the bijou private cinema, with its deep velvet armchairs and couches.
Silver Screen Stays are available on Sunday and Monday nights in August and September (excluding bank holidays) from €375 per room for B&B, a movie screening and an hour in the Thermal Suite of The Spa at Lyrath Estate.
Farnham Estate
Relaxation is the order of the day at Farnham Estate in county Cavan, home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful spas. Set across 1,300 acres of gently rolling countryside on the outskirts of Cavan Town, it’s a genuine retreat to nature where life slows down and outside worries ebb farther and farther away.
A delicate blend of country charm and contemporary interior style, the resort offers wonderful accommodations, healthy and delicious cuisine, an 18-hole Jeff Howes-designed golf course and superb spa facilities.
A place designed for you to ‘take a little away’, a two-night B&B package includes dinner in Maxwell’s Restaurant on the evening of your choice, buffet breakfast each morning, one 60-minute treatment per person and access to the indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool and gym. Prices start at €289 for a Standard King Room.
Hayfield Manor Hotel
A five-star family-owned, boutique hotel in Cork, Hayfield Manor is among the top hotels in Ireland. Discreetly nestled within beautiful walled gardens, it’s a tranquil oasis away from the noise of city life – yet still within easy reach of all nearby attractions. Adorned with ivy, the hotel’s exterior changes with the seasons, turning fiery shades of red and orange.
A one-night luxury stay in a Manor Room, including breakfast and a four-course dinner along with access to the spa, indoor swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room, gym and a full range of Elemis treatments starts at €584.
The Dunloe
Another hotel situated in the heart of the stunning Kerry countryside, the Dunloe Hotel is set on its own 64-acre estate with manicured pathways leading the way to the ruins of the 13th century Dunloe Castle where guests can climb to the top and take in the views.
Boasting an array of complimentary activities—from horse riding to fishing on the River Laune, indoor swimming and tennis to name but a few—this is the place to be for those in search of adventure.
This October, the hotel will transform into a Halloween wonderland full of magic and mystery. Children aged three and above can look forward to a week filled with spooky fun at the hotel’s kid’s club with festivities ranging from pumpkin carving to arts and crafts, movie nights and a special costume disco. Mid-term break prices start from €420 based on two adults and up to three children sharing a Family Parkland Room.
Great Southern Hotel
Built in 1854, Great Southern Killarney embodies the sophisticated elegance of the Victorian era and has been a haven for many presidents, celebrities, and dignitaries throughout the years.
A two-night Relaxation Escape package includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning, one 50-minute Yonka Paris Beauty treatment per person and dinner in The Garden Room Restaurant on an evening of your choice. You’ll also have full access to the health club which includes a heated pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, monsoon shower and two outdoor tennis courts.
The Killarney Park
Rated the number one Killarney Hotel by TripAdvisor in 2023, the Killarney Park Hotel is an independent, family-owned five-star hotel down in the Kingdom.
A two-minute ramble from the garden gates can carry you into the lively atmosphere of Killarney town where the quaint streets and lanes are lined with award-winning restaurants, artisan shops and galleries showcasing local arts and crafts.
This autumn, the team has a number of curated experiences to help you make the most of your stay with prices starting from €228 per person.
Killeavy Castle
As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle is a secluded country estate and one of Northern Ireland’s premier hotel and spa destinations. The estate has many on-site experiences, from an Elemis Spa to an authentic farm-to-fork dining experience, with plenty of outdoor walking trails to explore too.
Seasonal autumnal breaks start from €366 per couple and range from one, two or three-night stays.
Powerscourt Estate
Escape to Powerscourt Estate this autumn, where vibrant leaves, cosy fires, and peaceful surroundings create the perfect seasonal retreat. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Dublin, the hotel is a beautiful oasis in Wicklow with 47 acres of landscaped gardens to explore.
Their midterm offer runs from October 25 to November 2 and includes an overnight stay for the whole family with delicious breakfast, a Powerscourt Explorer Kit filled with tools like a magnifying glass, leaf press and a nature checklist, as well as face painting, Halloween storytelling and spooky cupcake decorating amongst other things. Autumn packages start from €172 per person sharing.
The Hardiman
An iconic Galway landmark located just off Eyre Square, the Hardiman is right in the heart of the action, making it a great base for a weekend exploring the City of Tribes. From the grand sweeping staircases to the high ceilings with chandeliers, wide open spaces, and all the newly refurbished areas with regal furnishings, the hotel exudes luxury and comfort.
Beyond the hotel’s welcoming walls, the city comes alive in autumn when the famous Macnas parade takes to the streets. A spectacular display of artistry and imagination, it’s an experience like no other – well worth the trip west.
The Autumn Escape package offers guests a 15% discount on a two-night midweek stay with breakfast and dinner on an evening of your choice.
The Rabbit Hotel
Crowned the best place to stay in Northern Ireland in 2024 by The Times, The Rabbit Hotel has built up quite the reputation in recent months, and for good reason. The laid-back little sister to Galgorm, it’s homely yet stylish with everything you could need for a trip away with the girls.
The spa area—complete with a giant disco ball—is a sophisticated outdoor paradise with an array of luxurious facilities for you to enjoy whether you’re there for a day spa experience or staying the night.
There are currently four different autumn packages to choose from with prices starting at just €213 per person. The Hop to It offer includes overnight accommodation, access to the spa, breakfast and a private duo clay ritual.
The Shelbourne
For two centuries, the Shelbourne Hotel has stood at the centre of life, love and celebrations in the heart of Dublin City. Rich with history, replete with style, it’s a seamless blend of old and new, with history oozing out of its very walls.
The Shelbourne Signature Stay package includes two nights’ accommodation in a Deluxe King Guest Room with daily breakfast and complimentary car parking.
Glasson Lakehouse
Just moments away from the quaint village of Glasson, you’ll find Glasson Lakehouse along the serene shores of Lough Ree. A destination hotel, spa and golf resort all in one, this place is all about laidback luxury.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable—with dog-friendly options for pet owners—while the heated outdoor pool is the perfect antidote to the cold autumn weather. If you decide to head out for a walk in nature, there are a number of both lake and land activities to help you see the sights including boat tours, kayaking, golfing or bike riding.
The Autumn by the Lake package will give you 15% off a two-night stay complete with breakfast at Bonnie’s each morning.
The Westbury
From the luxe decor to the Sidecar’s stellar cocktail menu and the incredible food at Wilde, the Westbury has hospitality down to a fine art. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, it’s a classic meeting space, great for celebrating a special occasion. As impressive as it is welcoming, the staff couldn’t be nicer and whether it’s directions you need or an umbrella to shield you from the rain, the team is more than happy to help.
Celebrating 40 years in business this year, their Suite Celebrations package offers guests 25% off their stay with a three-course meal for two in Wilde.
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