So far, the October weather has been what you could call ‘varied’. From bright, sunny weekends to misty mornings and rainy afternoons, we really have seen a huge range of different weather types over the past couple of weeks.
Despite many of us welcoming the late appearance of summer-like conditions, there can be no doubting the therapeutic benefits that a rainy day can have on us. Rather than curtailing fun activities, the rain can bring into focus several different ways to enjoy some unexpectedly relaxing downtime. Here are some ideas for enjoying the rain at Roundwood House this month.
No such thing as bad weather…
Who was it who said “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing?” They were certainly onto something. So long as you can dress warmly to protect against rain and winds, there is no excuse not to venture out to explore the glorious countryside around Roundwood House, even if it is tipping down with rain. Choose from a gentle perimeter walk around the grounds, or head out into the Slieve Bloom mountains for a longer hike – 17 looped trials await your exploration.
Heading into town
Rainy days can be great opportunities to explore local towns and villages. At this time of year, most of the summer tourists will have gone back home and you can stroll around the streets in relative peace. Again, wrap up warm and don’t forget your umbrella. There are countless little shops, tea rooms, churches, museums and other historical buildings to dive into and wait for a break in the weather. Great local towns and villages to visit include Castletown, Kinnitty – and the aptly named Coolrain.
Lovely library day
The library at Roundwood House is an attraction not to be missed. Situated in the Old Coach House, it is a peaceful haven, lined with 2,000 English-language books covering all kinds of fascinating topics. It is the ideal place to while away a drizzly afternoon reading, reflecting and enjoying a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake. You can curl up in a cosy armchair or use the ample desks to spread out and compare books, in readiness for a lively, literary discussion. There’s nothing like an intellectually stimulating conversation to take your mind off the less than clement weather.
Treating all the senses
A rainy day can be a treat for all the senses, from the gentle sound of morning drizzle to a dramatic thunderstorm darkening the sky. Rain also has its own smell, signaling its imminent arrival. Add to the sensory satisfaction by enjoying a home-cooked meal in the beautiful surroundings of Roundwood House, with local ingredients that have been nurtured by the rain to bring you a taste sensation. After dinner, why not head outside for a short stroll in the garden and enjoy feeling the rain on your face? When you come back inside, we will be waiting for you with a warming cup of hot chocolate, coffee or tea.
Shopping in the rain
Finally, a rainy day can be a great excuse to head for nearby Kildare Village – the designer outlet shopping village featuring more than 100 international brands. Get ahead on the Christmas shopping, or look for some seasonal ‘finds’ to take you into winter. Bad weather needn’t stop play for intrepid shoppers, happy to dodge the rain and wind and enjoy a day of bargain hunting. There are restaurants and cafes on site to help you make a day of it. Perhaps you will find yourself a brand new umbrella or raincoat to remind you of your October visit to Roundwood House!
If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE
You can also check us out on our social media pages here: