up If summer is a time to be by the beach then Autumn sends us to the woods. Is there a sound more satisfying than the crunch of bronze leaves underfoot? Here are five of our favourite Autumn walks worth checking out before the leaves all fall and turn to mush. Each walk is short and easy, and accessible for buggies.
Ballycross Apple Farm, Co. Wexford
It’s a family tradition now, every October we go down to the pumpkin patch in Ballycross, eat some waffles and kick some leaves. With the Halloween rush over it should be getting a bit quieter. Don’t leave without apples and apple juice. Entry: Adults €3.50; Children €2.50
Website: Ballycross.com
Avondale House and Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow
We always make a point of going to Avondale in the early autumn as the leaves are turning, the show of colour is magnificent and we can soak it up while the kids play in the playground and we get a takeaway from the coffee shop in the basement of the house. If the day has a slight wind the kids can try catch the falling leaves, it’s magical.
Free Entry but charge for car park, tea shop on grounds in season. More information here.
Altamont Gardens, Co. Carlow
Another regular on our list of Sunday drives, Altamont Gardens between, Bunclody and Ballon is just beautiful all year around, but the combination of the ornamental lake and autumnal leaves is stunning. Entry is free but there’s a €2 parking charge recently been introduced. There’s also a coffee shop with some sweet treats and one savoury option open at weekends in the garden centre. (I recommend the lemon drizzle cake)
Glendalough
We’ve fitted in an Autumn trip to Glendalough every year for the last 15 I’d say. When we lived in Dublin we’d go from there and bring friends, now it’s us and the kids, and possibly a picnic. Glendalough is magical, and the Autumn colours enhance its beauty. Entry is free, parking in the first car park is free, the second one further in is €4. If going on a Sunday arrive by 12pm or parking is tricky on good weather days.
Courtown Woods
Closer to home there are plenty of leaf crunching opportunities, and the long straight stretch in Courtown wood that leads from one car park to the other provides a colourful Autumn archway to run through.
Entry Free, park at Courtown Leisure Centre to enjoy the playground before or afterwards.
Where do you like to crunch leaves?
