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Wander Sasha, Belfast (2026)

03/11/2026

Exploring a 400-year-old castle in the Irish countryside 🏰

Tucked away in the pretty village of Clonegal, County Carlow, Huntington Castle is one of those places that makes a lovely day out if you enjoy historic buildings, beautiful gardens and discovering somewhere a little different🤎

Built in 1625, this historic castle has been home to the same family for generations. And there’s plenty to explore beyond its impressive stone façade🍂

We spent our time wandering around the castle grounds, admiring the architecture, taking in the autumn colours climbing up the old walls and, naturally, stopping for a cup of tea in the courtyard. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a day out memorable☕️

📌 What I’d recommend when visiting:

🏰 Take a castle tour: Discover the historic rooms, fascinating family stories and the rather unusual Temple of the Goddess in the castle’s basement.

🌳 Explore the gardens: Don’t miss the famous Yew Walk, with trees over 500 years old, the formal Italian gardens and the peaceful water gardens.

🍰 Visit the tea rooms: Housed in a 17th-century barn, they’re perfect for coffee, cake and a little break.

🛍️ Browse the gift shop: You’ll find locally produced Irish treats, jams, books and lovely souvenirs.

📸 Take your time: The castle architecture, stone staircases, ivy-covered walls and courtyard make wonderful photography spots.

📍 Huntington Castle, Clonegal, County Carlow, Ireland.

Practical tip: From October to December, the gardens and tea rooms generally open at weekends, 11 am–5 pm, with castle tours at 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm. Check the official website before visiting, as private events can affect opening.

A lovely addition to a County Carlow road trip and another beautiful historic corner of Ireland worth discovering. 🤎

Castles in Ireland | Irish castles to visit | Historic houses Ireland | Ireland day trips | Irish castle gardens | Hidden gems in Ireland, Ireland travel guide | Things to do in Ireland

29/10/2026

Rain on the roof, fire in the fireplace, pyjamas all day❤️

There’s something about an October day in the Irish countryside that makes staying in feel like the best plan imaginable🫶🏻

The rain is coming down outside, tapping against the roof, the countryside is wrapped in grey skies, and we’re not going anywhere. No itinerary, no sightseeing, no pressure to make the most of every minute.

Just slow mornings, cosy pyjamas, a warm fire, a hot cup of tea and the simple pleasure of watching the weather from the comfort of indoors🤎

I think this is one of the loveliest things about a countryside cabin stay in Ireland in autumn. You don’t need perfect weather or a packed schedule to enjoy it. Sometimes, the accommodation itself becomes the destination.

🍂 My idea of a perfect autumn getaway:
🔥 A fireplace you can sit beside for hours.
☕ Tea or coffee within arm’s reach.
🧦 Comfy clothes and absolutely no dress code.
🌧️ Rain outside, warmth inside.
📚 Time to read, chat, nap or simply do nothing.

If you’re planning a cosy cabin break in Ireland, don’t automatically rule out the rainy forecast. Choose somewhere with a fireplace, beautiful countryside views and space to slow down - then let the weather do its thing.

Sometimes the best part of a trip is having nowhere to be. 🏡

📍The Old Forge Glamping, Munny Farm, Wicklow

Cosy cabin stays Ireland | Cosy cottages Ireland | Irish countryside getaway | Cabin retreat | Romantic countryside escape | Weekend getaway Ireland

27/10/2026

Powerscourt Waterfall, misty woods and all the autumn colours🍁🤎

If you’re planning an autumn escape in Ireland, save this spot!📌

Powerscourt Waterfall in County Wicklow is one of those places that feels especially atmospheric on a rainy day🫶🏻

Surrounded by towering trees, copper-coloured ferns and forest-covered hills, Ireland’s highest waterfall makes a beautiful stop on a Wicklow road trip. We visited on a misty, rainy day, and the combination of rushing water, rich autumn colours and enormous old trees made the whole place feel wonderfully wild. 🤎

☔️ My tips for visiting Powerscourt Waterfall:

📍 Getting there: The waterfall is near Enniskerry, County Wicklow, around an hour from Dublin by car, depending on traffic. It’s a great addition to a Wicklow Mountains day trip.

🍂 Best time to visit: Autumn is beautiful for the changing foliage, while recent rainfall can make the waterfall particularly impressive. Check the weather before travelling.

🥾 Explore beyond the main viewpoint: Take your time wandering through the grounds, admiring the trees and following the paths for different views of the waterfall.

👢 Dress for the Irish weather: Bring waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes. Paths can get muddy and slippery after rain, so take extra care.

👨‍👩‍👦 Visiting with kids: The open grounds are lovely for a family wander, spotting leaves and exploring nature. Keep children close around the water and uneven ground.

📸 Photography tip: Overcast skies and mist create beautiful, moody woodland shots. Try framing the waterfall through the trees and capturing the contrast between the white water and autumn foliage.

☕️ Make a day of it: Pair the waterfall with a visit to nearby Enniskerry or explore more of the Wicklow countryside.

A little rain never stopped us exploring - sometimes it makes Ireland even more beautiful. 🌧️🍁

Save this for your next autumn trip to Ireland!

Powerscourt Waterfall | Wicklow | Wicklow Mountains | Things to do in Wicklow | Wicklow day trip | Waterfalls in Ireland | Places to visit near Dublin | Ireland travel guide | Ireland road trip

22/10/2026

The climb to the top of Slieve Donard - and the views that made it worth it🤍

Looking for one of the best hikes in Northern Ireland? Add Slieve Donard to your list!⛰️

Slieve Donard is Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Starting at Donard Park in Newcastle, County Down, the route follows the Glen River through woodland before opening onto rugged mountain slopes. The final climb follows the famous Mourne Wall to the summit😍

Our hike had it all: rocky trails, wild ponies, dramatic views and a misty summit that made the climb worthwhile. 🤍

Planning your hike? Here are my tips:⬇️

📍 Start: Donard Park, Newcastle, County Down.

⏱️ Time: Allow around 4–5 hours for the return hike.

📏 Distance: Approximately 9–10 km return.

💪 Difficulty: Challenging, with a steep ascent and uneven, rocky terrain.

🧥 Wear: Hiking boots with good grip, warm layers and a waterproof jacket. The summit can be much colder and windier than the town below.

🎒 Pack: Water, snacks, a fully charged phone and an offline map.

🌫️ Check the forecast: Mountain weather changes quickly, and mist can reduce visibility. Be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.

🍂 Best time to visit: Spring to autumn can offer good hiking conditions, but always check the weather before setting off.

Once back in Newcastle, finish the day with a walk along the beach and a well-deserved coffee. ☕️

Save this for your next Northern Ireland adventure! Would you take on the highest mountain in Northern Ireland? ⛰️

Slieve Donard hike | Mourne Mountains | Best hikes in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland travel guide | Must-see places in Northern Ireland

20/10/2026

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Causeway Coast🤍

📍White Rocks Beach, Northern Ireland

If you’re planning a trip along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, add White Rocks Beach in Portrush to your itinerary🤍

Famous for its dramatic white limestone cliffs, golden sands and spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean, it’s one of those places that feels magical even when the sun refuses to come out🌊

📍 Tips for visiting White Rocks Beach, Portrush:

🥾 Explore the coastline. Take a walk along the sandy beach and admire the striking limestone cliffs and natural rock formations.

🤎 Visit in autumn. October brings moody skies, dramatic waves and a quieter atmosphere, making it a wonderful time for a peaceful coastal escape.

🧥 Dress for the Northern Irish weather. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers and sturdy footwear. Wind and showers can arrive quickly along the coast.

☕ Pack a hot drink. A flask of tea or coffee makes a windy beach walk feel extra cosy.

📸 Bring your camera. The contrast between the white cliffs, golden sand, deep-blue sea and changing skies makes this a beautiful spot for coastal photography.

🌊 Check the tides and weather before visiting. Stay clear of cliff edges, unstable rock formations and caves, and never risk walking through rising water.

🚗 Make it part of a road trip. White Rocks Beach is a lovely stop while exploring Portrush and the Causeway Coastal Route.

And keep your eyes on the sand - you might even find a little heart-shaped stone to take home as a souvenir of your day🤍

Save this spot for your next Northern Ireland adventure!✅

White Rocks Beach Portrush | Things to do in Portrush | Best beaches in Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland travel guide | Causeway Coastal Route

14/10/2026

Edinburgh: iconic spots & hidden corners 🏰❤️

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Save these spots for the perfect mix of iconic landmarks, hidden corners, Harry Potter magic and cosy coffee stops ⬇️

📷 The Vennel Viewpoint - Get that classic Edinburgh Castle shot from the famous staircase.

🌈 Victoria Street - The colourful, curved street that looks like real-life Diagon Alley.

🌳 Princes Street Gardens - A peaceful green escape with beautiful castle views.

🥐 Greenwoods - A lovely spot for a relaxed brunch before exploring.

🌿 Circus Lane - A charming cobbled street, especially lovely in autumn.

☕ The Milkman - Stop for aesthetic coffee vibes in a cosy Old Town setting.

🕰️ Chessel’s Court - A quiet historic courtyard tucked away off the Royal Mile.

📸 Cockburn Street - A winding Old Town street with gorgeous views and photogenic corners.

🏡 Dean Village - A storybook corner with cobbled streets and riverside views.

🏛️ National Museum of Scotland - Explore fascinating exhibits and visit the free rooftop terrace.

🪄 Museum Context - A must-stop Harry Potter shop near Greyfriars Kirkyard.

🌄 Calton Hill - One of the best free viewpoints for panoramic city views.

✒️ Writers’ Museum - A free, atmospheric gem celebrating Scotland’s literary legends.

🏰 Royal Mile - Wander Edinburgh’s historic heart, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace.

🗿 Scott Monument - Admire this striking Gothic landmark on Princes Street.

⚡ Greyfriars Kirkyard - Discover the atmospheric cemetery with names that inspired Harry Potter characters.

🔎 Advocates Close - Explore a narrow historic close with atmospheric Old Town views.

☕ Starbucks, Princes Street - Grab a coffee with a view of Edinburgh Castle.

Save this guide for your Edinburgh getaway 📌 and send it to your travel buddy!

Which spot would you visit first? 👇

Edinburgh travel guide • Things to do in Edinburgh • Edinburgh hidden gems • Edinburgh weekend getaway • Edinburgh itinerary • Top places to visit it Edinburgh

13/10/2026

Edinburgh: iconic spots & hidden corners 🏰❤️

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Save these spots for the perfect mix of iconic landmarks, hidden corners, Harry Potter magic and cosy coffee stops ➡️

Edinburgh travel guide • Things to do in Edinburgh • Edinburgh hidden gems • Edinburgh weekend getaway • Edinburgh itinerary • Top places to visit it Edinburgh

📷 The Vennel Viewpoint - Get that classic Edinburgh Castle shot from the famous staircase.

🌈 Victoria Street - The colourful, curved street that looks like real-life Diagon Alley.

🌳 Princes Street Gardens - A peaceful green escape with beautiful castle views.

🥐 Greenwoods - A lovely spot for a relaxed brunch before exploring.

🌿 Circus Lane - A charming cobbled street, especially lovely in autumn.

☕ The Milkman - Stop for aesthetic coffee vibes in a cosy Old Town setting.

💚 Chessel’s Court - A quiet historic courtyard tucked away off the Royal Mile.

📸 Cockburn Street - A winding Old Town street with gorgeous views and photogenic corners.

🏡 Dean Village - A storybook corner with cobbled streets and riverside views.

🏛️ National Museum of Scotland - Explore fascinating exhibits and visit the free rooftop terrace.

🪄 Museum Context - A must-stop Harry Potter shop.

🌄 Calton Hill - One of the best free viewpoints for panoramic city views.

✒️ Writers’ Museum - A free, atmospheric gem celebrating Scotland’s literary legends.

🏰 Royal Mile - Wander Edinburgh’s historic heart, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace.

🗿 Scott Monument - Admire this striking Gothic landmark on Princes Street.

⚡ Greyfriars Kirkyard - Discover the atmospheric cemetery with names that inspired Harry Potter characters.

🔎 Advocates Close - Explore a narrow historic close with atmospheric Old Town views.

☕ Starbucks, Princes Street - Grab a coffee with a view of Edinburgh Castle.

Save this guide for your Edinburgh getaway 📌 and send it to your travel buddy!

Which spot would you visit first? 👇

Wander Sasha

03/11/2026

29/10/2026

27/10/2026

22/10/2026

20/10/2026

14/10/2026

13/10/2026

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