Blue Moon
The River Club terrace at Cork's River Lee does a wonderful job of changing with the seasons. Full of flowers all summer long, it's now sweeping into it's AW21 seasonal garb with wafts of pampas grass, baby's breath and tons of lunatic stuff: as in celebrating the moon, though I'm sure they wouldn't mind the occasional howl. A partnership with Hendrick's Lunar Gin and Cork florists, Fox Flowers, the vibe is early 20th century, back when the skies were full of myth and mystery and air travel felt romantic. Sample themed cocktails, generally let your fancy take flight, and sleep over from €221 B&B for two, or ditch the breakfast and add Champagne and oysters instead and find it's actually €1 cheaper. Now there's a hotel that knows its market. The next full moon is November 19th, so take note. doylecollection.com/theriverclubcork.ie
Some Trip
You have to go to Madrid's Prado to see Hieronymus Bosch's wild ride of a masterpiece, The Garden of Earthly Delights, in the "flesh", but from now until December 24th, Limerick's Hunt Museum has Ride a Flying Fish, a VR version of the 500-year-old painting that takes you from the bliss of Eden, all the way down to hell. If that sounds like your cup of tea, book your slot at huntmuseum.com, tickets €10. And stay at Limerick's lovely No 1 Pery Square, where B&B starts at €165, or take the 24-hour Escape package, including dinner, from €318 for two. oneperysquare.com
Lobbyists
I once missed an appointment at the Westin because of an enormous potted plant. Yes, one of us was too well camouflaged behind it. That shouldn't happen in their new, enormously swish lobby, which seemingly cost half a million euro, and is smoothly elegant in a polished marble, chandelier and architectural etchings kind of a way. Apparently the bespoke design features foster calmness, so dive in for a deep breath and see if it exerts enough soothing vibes to save you the price of extra therapy for all that the world is currently throwing at us. Celebrating the reopening, the hotel's Discovering Winter Escape Break starts at €315 per room B&B. thewestinhoteldublin.com
Get Your Zeds
If the sound of a sleep retreat sounds like heaven on earth, check out the Sleep Care Company's new gig at Powerscourt Spring, Co Wicklow. With a programme of skin care, yoga – including face yoga, which I'm just (ahem) getting my head around, forest walks, food, wellness workshops and an immersive sleep programme, you also get a goodie bag to go. From €350 per person, covering two days, all meals and one night, during which you'll hopefully remember nothing save the sweetest of dreams. November 6th and 7th, book via thesleepcarecompany.com
