STAYCATIONS [SPONSORED] GUIDE TO GREAT BREAKS: continues overleaf >> DRUIDS GLEN HOTEL & GOLF RESORT noon to find my friends four-yearold had strewn the contents of my makeup bag across the ground floor. He enjoyed himself but I have since learned to shut the door. Plan food, but dont overthink it When it comes to group catering, I am not a fan of an elaborate rota. Its a personal preference. In large groups I think each family should fend for themselves, especially when there are children involved. Instead, plan for food that is easy to throw together. Get crowd-pleasers like pizzas and large salad bowls, the makings of a good sandwich, pasta with some jars of sauces and easy toppings, pita bread and dips, and grazing favourites such as cheese and charcuterie and pickled vegetables. Plan this in advance. Put time into coming up with a good shopping list that will make the whole trip easy, then assignitemstopeoplesotheworkisspread across the group. Aim to minimise the washing up as much as possible. Dont forget travel items, condiments, cleaning supplies, coffee, teas, and snacks. And while I dont like cooking rotas, I do like cleaning ones - somebody on the dishwasher each evening, everybody stripping their own beds on the last morning. If you would rather bring the house with you A convoy does not have to mean a rental at all. My family and I often travel in campervans, descending on Achill every summer in a mix of vans, holiday homes, and B&Bs, everyone minding their own food and coming and going on different days. My friends do the same thing every August in Liscannor. For those not going near a tent, there is a middle option. We had a lovely time at the Cabu cabins by the lake in Cavan, where each family gets its own cabin ABOVE: The fabulous swimming pool in Ross Castle, Galway. and there is a big shared space to gather in and plenty of activities to occupy everyone - a sitooterie, a hot tub, and all on site so that nobody has to drive. When it all goes sideways Children are little petri dishes. If one goes down the rest follow. A vomiting bug went through our group at Center Parcs one year and that was the weekend over - activities cancelled, everybody holed up in their lodge. Nothing prevents it, but always arrive stocked with medicine cabinet supplies, and know where the nearest pharmacy and out-of-hours doctor are. It will rain. Plan indoor entertainment. Not all dynamics work well, despite best efforts. All families run differently. Different bedtimes, different screen rules, different views on cleanliness. As the resident Drunk Aunt I enjoy a boozy evening as much as anybody, but not every parent wants one going on around their children. No harm checking in advance. Where to look Bansha Castle in Tipperary is great for large groups. Castlemartyr in Cork has a brilliant kids club and plenty for the adults to do afterwards. Delphi in Mayo suits those who enjoy getting outdoors. Cabu by the lakes is hard to beat. Parknasilla is great for families and groups can rent the houses. Kellys in Rosslare is my personal favourite. If youre booking houses, such as Ross Castle, book early. The good large houses can book out a year in advance for July and August. Then accept that some of it is out of your hands. An aunt of mine once took a house in Westmeath that was the previous home of a very famous pop star, and booked the very week that particular star died. They spent the holiday fielding callers at the door with a paparazzi helicopter overhead. You cannot plan for that. Nestled between the Irish Sea and the Wicklow Mountains, Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort offers an idyllic escape surrounded by the natural beauty of County Wicklow. Set across 360 acres of countryside yet just 30 minutes from Dublin, the resort is a destination where relaxation, indulgence and adventure come together. For those looking to relax and rejuvenate, the resorts spa is a softly lit haven of tranquillity. Designed with relaxation in mind, the spa offers a selection of luxurious treatments, allowing guests to switch of f and enjoy precious time dedicated to wellbeing. From soothing massages to indulgent beauty treatments, eve r y e x p e r i e n c e i s d e signed to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy two of Irelands finest championship courses, Druids Glen and Druids Heath, set amidst the resorts spectacular natural surroundings. With beautifully landscaped fairways, picturesque scenery and challenging layouts, both courses offer an unforgettable experience for golfers of all abilities. As autumn settles over Wicklow, there is no better time to discover the beauty and tranquillity of Druids Glen. After a day on the course, Woodstock House offers an exclusive and elegant retreat for golf groups, located just steps from the first tee at Druids Glen Golf Course. Boasting nine spacious guestrooms and suites, this beautiful Georgian residence provides a private and tranquil setting designed for relaxation and privacy. Each room combines refined comfort with understated luxury, creating the perfect place to unwind, recharge and reflect on a memorable day on the course. Dining is another highlight of the Druids Glen experience, with three distinctive venues offering something for every occasion. Hugos Restaurant combines the finest Irish produce with elegant suroundings and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, while The Garden Rooms & Bar provides a relaxed setting for leisurely dining and drinks. the beautiful surroundings of the resorts championship golf course - Druids Glen. As autumn settles over Wicklow, there is no better time to discover the beauty and tranquillity of Druids Glen. Spend your days exploring the great outdoors, enjoying a round of championship golf or simply relaxing in the spa, before dining and unwinding in luxurious surroundings. druidsglenresort.com Inchydone y Island Lodge & Spa Unplug, unwind and reconnect with a staycation on West Corks blue-flag shores INCHYDONEY ISLAND LODGE & SPA Perched between two sweeping Blue Flag beaches just outside the colourful town of Clonakilty, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is an Irish seaside resort that offers that unique West Cork welcome. Voted Irelands Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards, this contemporary, coastal retreat, combines ?easy-going warmth with comfortable, sumptuous surroundings and invites guests to slow down and savour Atlantic living at best. The setting certainly helps; every guestroom overlooks the ocean, all offering a private balcony or terrace, making the sound of the waves the back-drop to your stay. The superb dining options at Inchydoney are also all about location. At the newly refurbished Gulfstream Restaurant, youll find a celebration of of local Irish craftspeople and artists throughout this beautiful rooms furnishing and decor, while the v i ew s f ro m t h e w i d e windows, have to be among the best in the country. Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, a wonderful West Cork escape. Dunes Pub & Bistro is a West Cork favourite. The menus across both the resorts restaurants champion the local producers and suppliers that are so abundant in this part of Ireland and are a testament to the hotels focus on local provenance. The Island Spa is at the heart of Inchydoney. Recognised as one of Irelands premier seawater spa destinations, it offers a different way to experience the Atlantic - through thalassotherapy. Fresh seawater is drawn from the ocean and heated to a soothing optimum temperature to create mineral-rich pools that encourage the skin to absorb natures goodness. Treatments make great use of the surroundings, featuring seawater treatments from expert therapists to help reset body and mind. I n ch y d o n e y m a ke s switching off effortless, yet theres plenty to do when the mood takes you. Complimentary yoga on the beach ?sea swims in the sheltered bay, easy access to surfing, seakayaking and guided e-bike tours from the hotel keep active travellers happy. Or just relax by a window with a good book and watch the ever changing views in this gorgeous part of the world. Ultimately, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is about reconnection: with the sea, with yourself and with the people youre with. Its a place where the all the little details are looked after, the atmosphere is open and warm, and the Atlantic is always within reach. Its a coastal retreat that promises to restore body and mind, time and time again. Rooms start at €245 for two people sharing. See more at: inchydoneyisland.com September 2026 31 STAYCATIONS September 2026 Gods own dining spaces Sensational destinations that put dining experiences at the heart of your Irish staycation Pages 28 and 29 Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa Unplug, unwind and reconnect with a staycation on West Corks blue-flag shores P erched between two sweeping Blue Flag beaches just outside the colourful town of Clonakilty, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is an Irish seaside resort that offers that unique West Cork welc STAYCATIONS CONTENTS Well-travelled Kiran Mehta on The Land of a thousand welcomes Page 8 The Deerstone in Co Wicklow, an ambient six-acre resort with pet-friendly shepherds huts and deluxe rooms. Irelands best spots to gaze at the skies Pages 12 to 15 Cosy breaks Victoria Square in Belfast, one STAYCATIONS Siren call of Clonakilty Glaswegian singer-songwriter Michael McGovern reflects upon the unique timeless charm of Clonakilty for musicians I ts 10pm on a dark January night. In a post-dinner haze, you decide to take a quick walk around town. A freezing sea mist hangs low across the e STAYCATIONS The highs of Wicklow From hikes short and long to peaks low and high, as well as music festivals and destination cafes, Wicklow is called the Garden County for a reason, writes Eoghan OSullivan F or visitors to Dublin as well as city dwellers themselves Wicklow offers the promise STAYCATIONS The famed Irish welcome Mumbai-based writer Kiran Mehta offers a view on Irelands reputation as the land of a thousand welcomes I was in the Middle East when I first read the words, Céad Míle Fáilte embossed on a tall, white ceramic cup. I am an Indian citizen, but I grew up in Kuwai STAYCATIONS Upwardly mobile Love the great outdoors? Jennifer Sheahan offers a personal selection of memorable Irish camping destinations T here has been a lot of talk this summer about what it costs to holiday at home; €2,000 per week seems to be the going rate for a house near a beach in Kerry STAYCATIONS the best coastal scenery in the country. Im a Galway native by birth and by university, and there are a million things I love about the county, not least of which is the seafood. A local fisherman rowed up onto the campsite beach one evening and sold us fresh fish straight off the boat, STAYCATIONS Skys the limit Look at the stars, see how they shine for you with our guide to Irelands dark skies, writes Domhnall ODonoghue O scar Wilde once mused that everyone was in the gutter, but the lucky among us had our gaze fixed firmly on the stars. And as an Irishman, the witty scribe k STAYCATIONS We have a range of night-time experiences available to book if you would like to join us on one of our night-time adventures, says Roisín Doyle, duty manager at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. From the darker nights to the brighter days, our skies are always offering us something spec STAYCATIONS CONTINUED By Day: Rising 600m above the waves, Sliabh Liag is one of Europes highest sea cliffs and served as a Christian pilgrimage site for over 1,000 years. Burren National Park With its limestone terrain, Co Clares Burren National Park is undoubtedly one of Europes most unique r STAYCATIONS LEFT: Aurora Borealis, Derryclare Lough, Connemara, Co Galway. Photo: Failte Ireland ABOVE: A comet soaring across the Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve. Photo: Michael Sheehan RIGHT: An image of the Rosetta nebula taken by Blackrock Castle Observatory. Photo: Blackrock Castle Observ STAYCATIONS Ten top trends in Irish holidays Sauna raves and chilli festivals are among the hot trends in Irish holidays this year, writes Thom Breathnach A new travel season means new trends, new openings and fresh festivals. So whats literally hot for autumn 2026? From country house escapes, g STAYCATIONS TOP: The annual Macnas Halloween Parade in Galway in October is a hugely popular free open air event. BELOW: Seeking a sweet getaway as part of a very tasty current staycation trend? Scéal Bakery in Dublin. travel for skin care and wellness is on the rise, not only for women but also f STAYCATIONS Wonderful Waterford Waterford is a rural gem that will keep you coming back year after year, as Mimi Murray discovers 18 September 2026 T here are two counties in Ireland that have it all, but dont get the attention of heavy hitters such as Galway or Kerry, Garvan Cummins from The STAYCATIONS MAIN PHOTO, LEFT: Young families love the Dunmore East Adventure centre, with great outdoor amenities and an indoor adventure area including climbing wall, Ninja course, Laser, archery and more. ABOVE: A section of the beautiful 46km Greenway from Waterford city to Dungarvan. LEFT: Come STAYCATIONS The people of Limerick have always refused to conform, a spirit wonderfully reflected in its blossoming cultural scene, writes Domhnall ODonoghue If the herd goes right, then here, we go left. Youd be hard-pressed to find anyone more enthusiastic about Limerick than Stephen Cunneen, o STAYCATIONS ABOVE: Pat Shortt, in a scene from Wreckquiem, by Mike Finn. Photo: Maurice Gunning BELOW: Blindboy in conversation. Photo: Fáilte Ireland and Barry Cronin made, theres a sense of striving in our work that I think makes it stronger. Daly is also a producer at the Limerick Literary Fest STAYCATIONS Spiritual journeys to sacred sites I s this the year that you will try at last one of the legendary pilgrim routes that are dotted across Ireland, a trip you always meant to make, but somehow never got round to? There are so many wonderful and fulfilling pathways to sites of saintly i STAYCATIONS fasting in the cave overnight, in the hope of seeing visions of the Otherworld. Todays pilgrims visit a vastly developed Station Island, with a huge basilica covering most of the original ground, and definitely stay above ground for their purgatorial rituals. Visits to the island are boo STAYCATIONS LEFT: Praying at St Patricks Purgatory on Lough Derg, Donegal, where pilgrims attend fasting, barefoot prayer and allnight vigils. Pic: Paul Faith / AFP RIGHT: A sheep at St Finbarrs Oratory in Gougane Barra, West Cork. Pic: David Creedon CONTINUED Ice Age, runs east to west across t STAYCATIONS neck Pass and along stretches of old pathways for some 96km (56 miles). This, it is said, was the route taken by Declan driving in his chariot to the royal court at Cashel. Although reverence for St Declan certainly cannot be denied, it is likely that this route was already well known fr STAYCATIONS Bookmark this guide to Dublin In the capital city, the stories of literary greats are whispered at every corner, waiting to be heard, writes Kiran Mehta W.B. Yeats, the trump of our hates; His early political views resting on, his love of Maud Gonne, who wouldnt go out on his dates! STAYCATIONS passions a quotation. His words seem truer today than when they were first uttered. With continuous exposure to rage tweets, satirical memes (which trend right before election time), a continuous stream of Instagram stories and posts, how much of what we think is actually our own though STAYCATIONS Gods own dining spots From train carriages to country estates, we take a look at some of the Irish dining spots worthy of a celestial visit. Words by Mimi Murray, Deanna OConnor and Marcus OLaoughaire Ómós First up on Gods food trail is recently opened Ómós in Abbeyleix, a visionary c STAYCATIONS home, rather than a hotel. The welcome is warm, and whether you come for the famed afternoon tea or stay on for dinner, you are guaranteed to feel entranced. On the menu is fine dining paired with a surprisingly reasonably priced wine list. The pan-fried duck breast with cherries and smo STAYCATIONS Buddies on tour Jennifer Sheahan serves up a guide to holidaying in Ireland with a convoy of chums and their families P icture this: its a cold, wet day in January. Youre lying on your couch binging re-runs of Arrested Development and avoiding reality, when your phone buzzes. You pi STAYCATIONS [SPONSORED] GUIDE TO GREAT BREAKS: continues overleaf DRUIDS GLEN HOTEL & GOLF RESORT noon to find my friends four-yearold had strewn the contents of my makeup bag across the ground floor. He enjoyed himself but I have since learned to shut the door. Plan food, but dont overthink STAYCATIONS [SPONSORED] Your guide to a wealth of great breaks, activities and Looking for an inspirational break in Ireland? Here is a guide to some of the best staycations currently on offer YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT ALL-ISLAND STAYCATIONS Fernhill Hotel & Estate offers a peaceful escape in the hear STAYCATIONS [SPONSORED] adventures Sligo Park Hotel Your Sligo starts here Take a break in Sligo Park Hotel, just minutes from Sligo town and the coast and countryside nearby. SLIGO PARK HOTEL each morning, a three-course evening meal each night, tea or coffee with a scone, evening music, a gu STAYCATIONS [SPONSORED] Magical breaks with the very best of food, fun and YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT ALL-ISLANDSTAYCATIONS Iveagh Garden Hotel, a short walk from iconic Dublin attractions like St Stephens Green, Dublin Castle and St Patricks Cathedral. IVEAGH GARDEN HOTEL T h e f o u r - s t a r I ve STAYCATIONS [SPONSORED] entertainment for all Slow the pace, take in the sheer beauty of this unique 500-acre estate MOUNT JULIET ESTATE stunning deluxe bedrooms Wake up and enjoy a full Irish & Continental Breakfast in the morning A Choice of either a 2Course Set Meal in Elles Bistro or Aftern STAYCATIONS Galway, the Venice of the West John Daly finds that Galway delivers plenty of reasons to be cheerful for staycationers looking to recharge their batteries Macnas performing An Treun - The Summoning Of The Lost for the 2025 Halloween parade in Galway city. Photo: Ray Ryan Galway Oyste STAYCATIONS Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery and iconic attraction set in 1,000 acres of mountainside in Connemara, Co Galway. memories regardless of the climatic pain endured. One vivid afternoon etched in my memory happened back in 2010 as we made our way down the Maumturks range STAYCATIONS Escape to The Lake Hotel STAYCATIONS STAYCATIONS 40 September 2026