For autumn breaks, consider these new properties and tempting autumn offers in hotels around Ireland …
Goggin Cottage, Co Limerick
This pretty, 19th-century thatched cottage is a new addition to the Irish Landmark Trust’s interesting portfolio of self-catering rentals. Its restoration has been a labour of love. From when the conservation work began in 2009 and continued in 2021 once funding from the Heritage Council was secured. The project was completed this year. Goggin Cottage is located outside the village of New Kildimo which means that in the vicinity there are plenty of interesting Castles to explore: Cullam, Dromore and Ballyculhane, as well as the village of Adare with its boutiques and cafés. It’s also a short drive to Curraghcase Forest Park with walking and cycling trails. This charming, pet-friendly cottage, sleeps two to four people and costs from €480 for two nights; www.irishlandmark.com.
Forest Hotel, Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford
Next week sees the official launch of Mount Congreve’s Forest Hotel which started last year with the opening of its posh Gate Lodge, Damson, and now includes five additional forest eco-cabins, two lodges and two apartments. Rowan, Oak and Acorn Lodges have been carefully restored and are for adult-only stays, costing from €269 to €429 per night. For family stays, the new Forest Cabins are Scandi-style and blend into their natural surroundings, from €229 to €379 per night. Inside the East and West Wings of Mount Congreve House some of the former apartments have also been restored and are ready to welcome guests. Couples and groups of four receive welcome hampers filled with local artisanal produce including Mount Congreve Estate honey, Flahavan’s oats, eggs and more. Those who stay in one of the Lodges and Cabins are given “the keys to the gardens” which they can explore after hours (with their pets). On site too is the new visitor centre, where a new Foxford boutique is opening soon. For dining, Stable Café, which overlooks the magnolia treetops at the 18th-century manor house, offers a plot-to-plate menu. Not to be missed is Afternoon Tea which is served in the Old Tack Room; www.mountcongreve.com.
Barnahown, Michelstown, Co Cork
This new guesthouse has just opened. It’s a 19th-century farmhouse, restored by owner Ciara O’Brien, which offers views of the Galtee mountains and plenty of scope for walking in the surrounding Munster Vales region. Ciara is an outdoor pursuits enthusiast and is offering a bespoke concierge service, providing excursions and experiences such as forest bathing, Ballyhoura mountain biking, tours of Mitchelstown Cave, River Blackwater fishing, and River Suir kayaking. Ciara has thought of everything – from convenient outdoor showers to freshen up after a day full of adventures, with a separate area to hose down any dirty boots or bikes, as well as a solar-powered hot tub overlooking the hills and wildflower meadows.
Guests wanting to fully immerse themselves in the local food culture can enjoy a “Cork Shore To Galtee Mor” tasting platter on check-in that includes either a glass of Irish bubbly in the form of Killahora Orchards’ Fine Perry – a favourite of Ciara’s – or a craft beer from Mitchelstown’s own Eight Degrees Brewing. A hearty breakfast and an honesty bar are also part of an overnight stay in one of the four bedrooms, named after some of Ciara’s favourite Galtee hikes. She says, “Exploring new and less visited areas can sometimes be a challenge without the ‘well trodden path’ to follow, so my goal is to help guests have a truly one-off experience and do it in a low-impact way that benefits the natural environment and the local community.” A two-night stay with breakfast costs from €300; www.barnahown.com.
Moxy Hotel and Residence Inn, Cork
Look out for these two new properties, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, which will open in Cork City this September. Moxy Hotels are known for their playful hotel experience, and the new property will feature 153 chic guest rooms with smart technology, communal spaces with a vibrant social vibe, with round the clock food and beverage options. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a complimentary cocktail at Bar Moxy which doubles as the check-in counter. After exploring the destination, they can unwind with games, music, and craft cocktails in the lobby designed as a dynamic social hub.
Residence Inn is focused on the business traveller and families – those who seek a home away from home experience. It features 53 spacious suites, with fully equipped kitchens and separate living, working and sleeping spaces. Guests can take advantage of a grocery delivery service and access to a fitness centre to make the most of their time and enhance their travel experience.
Both Moxy Hotel and Residence Inn are within walking distance of Cork’s main attractions, whether it’s visiting the iconic English Market, taking a stroll along the River Lee, or enjoying live music in the city’s vibrant pubs, there’s something for everyone; www.marriott.com.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Co Galway
There has been several enhancements to the accommodation offering at Glenlo Abbey Hotel. Last year saw the opening of its new luxury Lodges and this month, renovations have been completed on its deluxe rooms and suites in time to welcome guests for the autumn season. Interior designers, Millimetre Design, collaborated with the hotel owners on the renovation of ten Corrib Deluxe bedrooms, ten Garden Deluxe bedrooms, a Junior Suite, three Grand Suites, and the Presidential Suite (which will be revealed later this year). The colour schemes in the new rooms draw inspiration from Lough Corrib and the history of the main Manor House, and feature calming shades of duck egg blue and taupe complemented by luxurious fabrics and silk wall coverings. Check out the new autumn offers too. The Martini Movie Matinée Experience includes elegant overnight accommodation, a cocktail-making masterclass, dinner for two aboard the iconic Pullman Restaurant, a movie screening, and breakfast before departure. From €469; www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie.
Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Co Wexford
Renowned for its interesting programme of year-round activity breaks and its SeaSpa, regular visitors and fans of Kelly’s Hotel should note some of its latest enhancements. Family bedrooms and the sociable Ivy Room have been renovated by Luca Architecture, optimising sea and garden views and blending contemporary and mid-century design motifs. “The Ivy Room is where our guests gather to eat, drink, relax, and catch up with friends and family. With these renovations, guests will never want to leave!” explain owners Bill and Laura Kelly. Its renovation is part of an ongoing food journey. Guests can enjoy Beaches, La Marine Bistro and the recent addition of The Sea Rooms where chefs Eugene Callaghan, Chris Fullam, and Micheal Gaul bring their expertise and commitment to serving good food. Meanwhile, the new family bedrooms are a mix of fun elements (irregular blue motifs) and classic Louis Poulsen lamps designed to elicit warmth and relaxation, ensuring every guest feels at home. An overnight break with breakfast and dinner costs from €185 per person and includes afternoon tea and cakes, with a full programme of events to choose from throughout the day; www.kellys.ie.
The Heritage, Co Laois
Just in time for a group getaway, The Heritage has unveiled its new suites, which are suitable for up to six guests. To launch the new suites, which include two adjoining bedrooms, and a private sitting room, the hotel is offering a Bubbles & Bliss stay, from €1,494 per night or €249 per person sharing. This includes a 30-minute spa treatment and access to the spa experience, Champagne on arrival, pre-dinner cocktail, a three-course dinner in Blake’s, cinema access or movie night hamper to the room, late check-out and chauffeured drive to Kildare Village and ten per cent discount cards each; www.theheritage.com.