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Autumn Escapes: Six Beautiful Stays Across Ireland

Stone building next to a sunny lawn and trees overlooking a distant body of water.

Still Time for an Autumn Escape

Planning a getaway for the Halloween bank holiday? If you’re still weighing up your plans, these six Good Food Ireland® Collection stays and suggested Food, Drink & Authentic Experiences are worth a look for a last-minute change of scene.

With the Halloween bank holiday weekend almost here, you may feel that the best places are already booked. But if you’re still hoping to get away, it’s worth checking what’s available. From a fireside country-house stay in Donegal to a castle retreat beside a quiet lake or a few restorative days by the sea, these beautiful destinations offer inspiration for a spontaneous break. Availability will vary, so contact each property directly to see what might still be possible.

Elegant white mansion with large windows, surrounded by greenery.

Rathmullan House, Donegal

For a last-minute escape with a coastal feel, Rathmullan House sits on the shores of Lough Swilly, surrounded by gardens and with beach views. Built in the 1760s, this country house pairs period sitting rooms, antiques, and welcoming fires with the comfort of a relaxed luxury stay.


Make the most of the food offering too: Cook & Gardener brings together ingredients from the hotel’s traditional walled garden and local Donegal seafood, while the Pavilion serves wood-fired pizzas and local beers. Batt’s Bar is a cosy place for a drink or a light bite, and an indoor heated pool offers another reason to settle in if the autumn weather turns.

 

Aerial view of a large mansion surrounded by autumn trees and distant hills.

 

Killashee Hotel, Kildare

If you’re looking for a countryside break without travelling too far, Killashee sits just outside Naas in 55 acres of historic gardens and woodland. There are walking trails to explore, giving you a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the autumn colours before returning to the warmth of the hotel.

Choose from several dining options, including The Pippin Tree, Oak & Anvil and Larkspur Lounge, or stop by Wild Cherry Café for something more casual. With a spa and family-friendly outdoor features, Killashee is a flexible option for couples, families or anyone in need of a change of pace.

 

Historic castle with a tall tower under a blue sky and surrounded by green lawns.

Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, Roscommon

For a last-minute break with a sense of occasion, Kilronan Castle makes a striking setting. A tree-lined avenue leads through the estate beside Lough Meelagh to the Gothic-style manor, where lake views and elegant interiors bring an atmospheric feel to an autumn stay.


The Douglas Hyde Restaurant draws on ingredients from the estate’s restored walled garden, surrounding woodlands and local producers. You could also make time for Afternoon Tea in the Castle Drawing Room or Palm Court, followed by a visit to the spa and leisure facilities. If a castle escape is calling, check directly with the hotel to see whether a room is still available.

 

Large white house with a garden, people, and umbrellas outside.

Cashel House Hotel, Galway

For a quieter escape, Cashel House Hotel is tucked into Connemara, surrounded by 50 acres of mature gardens and woodland walks overlooking Cashel Bay. This family-run 19th-century country house has traditional features, antiques and family heirlooms that give it a warm, personal character.

The conservatory restaurant makes use of local ingredients, with the seafood-rich waters of the region close by and Killary Harbour known for its blue-shell mussels. If your ideal long weekend means fresh air, unhurried meals and a little space to switch off, Cashel House is well worth checking for last-minute availability.

Children and a caregiver playing with toys on a colorful foam mat in a playroom.

Celtic Ross Hotel, Cork

Rosscarbery Lagoon provides a peaceful backdrop at Celtic Ross Hotel, a relaxed base for exploring West Cork. It’s a lovely setting for a change of scene, with the waterfront just outside and the region’s food culture at the heart of the hotel experience.

The Kingfisher Restaurant works with artisan suppliers from West Cork, while the Kingfisher Bar serves Irish whiskey, gin and craft beer. For a more informal bite, C.R.A.F.T. — the Celtic Ross Artisan Food Truck — serves tapas-style dishes and weekend brunch, with outdoor space overlooking the lagoon. If West Cork is on your mind, contact the hotel to ask what rooms may remain for the weekend.

Aerial view of a beachfront hotel with trees and cloudy sky.

Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Wexford

If a seaside reset sounds appealing, Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa offers a coastal setting in Wexford, with light-filled rooms and a luxury spa for a slower-paced break. The hotel’s range of restaurants also makes it easy to build your stay around good food, whether you prefer a relaxed lunch or a more leisurely meal.

The Ivy Room serves buffet breakfast and lunch, Beaches Restaurant offers a more formal breakfast and weekend roast lunch, and La Marine Bar & Bistro brings a French bistro feel to midweek lunch. The Sea Rooms Smokehouse adds fire-cooked dishes and sharing plates, with food shaped by the hotel’s kitchen garden and local suppliers. It’s worth checking directly with Kelly’s if you’re hoping to squeeze in a coastal getaway.

 

Make It More Than a Getaway

If you’d like to add a little something extra to your stay, a Good Food Ireland® Experience can turn a short break into a more memorable escape. Here are three ideas to explore; check dates and availability directly before making plans.

At Kilronan Castle, Roscommon: Indulgent Afternoon Tea offers a fitting addition to a castle stay.

In Galway: A Hands-on Beekeeping Tour of a Family Farm gives visitors an insight into honey production and local artisan food.

In Wexford: A Blackcurrant and Horse-Breeding Farm Tour combines a look at a distinctive family farm with a taste of its blackcurrant produce.

Scroll to the end for more suggestions ⬇️

A spontaneous break can still be a good one

A last-minute getaway doesn’t need an elaborate plan. Choose the landscape you’re craving — coast, countryside or castle grounds — then get in touch with the hotel directly to check availability and make arrangements.

Interested in seeing more of our experiences? Check out all the current Good Food Ireland® Experiences here

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