Utravlr

Ireland has a reputation for whimsy and lyricism which it entirely deserves. The Emerald Isle is packed with history and culture and its rolling countryside and vibrant cities have produced some of the world’s finest poets and musicians. The Irish people themselves are a big part of what makes their country so special, exhibiting their famous hospitality and good humour. The illustration of the post is made by yours truly, you can contact me if you want your travel photos as illustrations! I also provide ready to hang painting that can be found at my Print Shop.

The country is littered with famous sights, from the Blarney Stone in County Cork to the towering Slieve League cliffs of County Donegal. Must-visit cities include Kilkenny, Killarney, Limerick and, of course, Dublin. The capital city is especially remarkable for great blend of historical and modern attractions, from the ancient St Patrick’s Cathedral to the iconic Spire of Dublin. Be sure to stop by a pub (or 2) for a pint of Guinness and a bit of folk music and “craic”. An autumn break in Dublin is when sporting events reach their climax, opera starts to warm up and nature bursts into glorious autumnal hues. Book a hotel in Dublin in autumn and see the city at its best!

Join the Spooky Celebrations

One of the only countries in the world to have a bank holiday for Hallowe’en, Samhain (its original Gaelic name) is celebrated with music, dance and fancy-dress parades. The last Monday of October marks the end of the summer harvest season and incorporates the pagan festival of the dead so expect to see a grand parade with a ghostly theme. It’s also the same day as the Dublin Marathon through the city centre.

Enjoy the Autumn colours

Ireland might be famous for its emerald-green landscape, but an autumn break in Dublin means rich golden colours. Enjoy lush St Stephen’s Green and admire the changing colours of the leaves on the trees, even better against a backdrop of a crisp blue sky. Take a peaceful Sunday morning stroll along Grand Canal from the dock westward to Portobello, past locks, basking ducks, quaint bridges and statues.

In Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest city-centre park, you can hire a bike to pedal through thousands of trees, including beech, sycamore and horse chestnut, and you may spot deer on the way. At the superb Botanic Gardens in the northern suburbs, the rust-coloured trees contrast with the lush palms in the glasshouses.

Theatre Festival

You can enjoy Dublin’s theatres year-round, but the Dublin Theatre Festival from late September celebrates drama from around the globe. As well as top performances in the Abbey, Project Arts Centre and the Samuel Beckett Theatre, there are also workshops, free panel discussions and plenty of children’s events. A touch more unorthodox, the fortnight-long Dublin Fringe Festival in September sees a melange of contemporary high-octane performing arts, from risqué circus in makeshift arenas to escapology in public squares.

Gaelic Games

Sports fans will love the GAA Museum at Croke Park, celebrating traditional Gaelic games. But nothing can quite beat being there among the 80,000-strong crowd for a Gaelic football or hurling match. September sees both sports reach the seasonal climax when the All-Ireland finals take place and the city comes alive, especially if the Dubs reach the final. Swot up on the rules of these fast and furious games and join the party.

Curl Up with a Pint

On chilly autumn evenings, there are few better ways to warm up than with a pint in a cosy bar. Many pubs remain with their original Victorian-era snugs (wood-panelled booths) and perhaps a log fire. Sink into high-backed leather chairs at the hushed Library Bar or hear the live rock bands at Bruxelles. Cosy up in lovably shabby Grogans, popular with old-school writers and actors who settle down on chilly evenings with a pint and a toasted sandwich, surrounded by local artwork.

Opera and pantomime

The highly regarded Opera Ireland starts its season in November, so dress up and enjoy a touch of Dublin’s high-brow entertainment. A handful of operas are staged each year at the Gaiety Theatre, going strong since 1871. For a taste of the forthcoming winter season, late autumn also sees the first performances of pantomimes, with the Gaiety putting on Ireland’s largest panto.

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Until next time, be jealous friends. Be jealous.

Udeety

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