Summer may be coming to an end now, but that doesn’t mean that the fun needs to finish. Many people put Autumn at the top of their list of favourite seasons and it’s not hard to see why. At Roundwood House, we’re surrounded by gorgeous colours in the trees and plenty of countryside routes for a seasonal stroll, ramble or hike. In the kitchen, Paddy is cooking up a storm, adding delicious autumnal treats to the menu as the nights begin to draw in.
Roundwood House is nestled in expansive native woodland surroundings at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains – right in the heart of the Irish midlands. Here, we benefit enormously from the beauty of the majestic mountains acting as a backdrop to the reds, golds and browns of the autumnal trees all around us. For autumn afficionados, why not book a seasonal stay in one of the self-catering cottages or B&B rooms at Roundwood House? We can provide the perfect way to say goodbye to the summer of 2023 as we head towards the chillier climes of winter. Here are five ways to enjoy the Irish countryside this autumn.
· Autumn rambles
Visitors to Roundwood House are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best walking routes the country has to offer. The Slieve Bloom mountains offer stunning views and challenging routes for the most seasoned of hikers. Our grounds contain gently meandering pathways that take walkers through wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands with trees aged more than 300 years, including oak, ash, birch, holly, hazel and hawthorn.
· Animal spotting
The woodlands of the Irish midlands are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered or rare. These include red squirrels, hares, pine martens and hedgehogs. Don’t forget to look up as well as across, to see birds such as owls, woodpeckers and willow warblers. A stroll at dusk could include sightings of barn owls or bats going about their business.
· Changing vistas
The trees don’t stay the same colour for long here during the autumn months. If you return to the same view a few weeks apart, everything can look very different. If you are keen to see the best views in the area, ask the Roundwood House team where they recommend. A heady mix of changing colours in the leaves, lit up by the soft seasonal sunshine and gentle mists is a sight not to be missed. As autumn turns into winter, the falling leaves reveal skeletal shapes in the branches and previously hidden landscapes can change the whole view.
· Arts and crafts
Autumn’s vibrant colours have inspired all kinds of arts and crafts activities for children and adults alike. We love to see what creative talents our visitors can reveal and are happy to help identify the best places to inspire a painting or photography session. Mixing up just the right watercolours or oils to capture the glowing tones of an autumnal tree can be hugely satisfying. As can taking the perfect photo to capture the locality in its full seasonal glory. There are so many photo opportunities at Roundwood House, from the attractive main house and outbuildings to the woodlands and nature nearby.
· Harvest feast-ival
We’ve already mentioned Paddy’s delight at getting into the kitchen during autumn to cook up some amazing seasonal treats. He sources top quality local ingredients, including vegetables, herbs and cereal grains. Wild venison is also served at Roundwood and is a real treat at this time of year. Finally, our local forager, Wild Food Mary, drops by regularly in the Autumn season to provide Paddy with wild mushrooms, hazelnuts and damsons, all foraged from the woods and surrounding countryside at Roundwood.
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