Antrim Castle Gardens

Autumn Photography in Northern Ireland | Typewriter Girl

My love affair with autumn began when I was a young teenager. I can remember the moment quite clearly. It was a crisp Sunday morning in September, and I was wearing a new jumper my mum had bought me. As I walked to visit a friend, I found myself making my way through huge piles of golden leaves, kicking them into the air as they crunched beneath my feet.

It was a fleeting moment, but one that has stayed with me. I remember the happiness and contentment I felt, as though autumn and I were somehow perfectly in tune. All these years later, I still feel the same way when the season returns.

It’s no surprise, then, that I take more photographs in autumn than at any other time of year. Perhaps it’s because the season never seems to last quite long enough. I’m always keen to capture those golden, sometimes melancholy moments before winter makes its presence felt.

Antrim Castle Gardens: golden light and autumn colour

There’s something special about the light in autumn, particularly when it catches the last of the leaves and brings the garden to life. Antrim Castle Gardens offered plenty to admire, from the rich seasonal colours to the beautiful light falling across the planting.

It’s the kind of place that makes me want to slow down, look a little closer and make the most of every last golden moment.

Ballylagan Organic Farm: a house dressed in red

I love a wander around Ballylagan Organic Farm, and often take my dad along with me. On one of our visits, it was the house that caught my eye as I returned from a walk around the farm trail.

From a distance, it looked almost as though the house was on fire, so completely was it covered in Virginia creeper. Up close, the vivid red foliage was even more spectacular. A wonderful reminder that sometimes the most striking autumn displays are found in unexpected places.

Bangor’s Walled Garden: a final burst of colour

This was my first visit to Bangor’s Walled Garden, and it didn’t disappoint. I particularly loved the view that greets you as you enter the garden, with autumn leaves and the last of the dahlias providing bright pops of colour.

There’s something lovely about a garden in this transitional stage, when summer’s abundance is beginning to fade but there is still so much colour and interest to enjoy.

Montalto Estate: an autumn walk around the lake

After two years, I finally returned to Montalto Estate, just outside Ballynahinch. The whole experience felt like stepping into an autumn fairy tale.

We followed one of the walking trails around the lake, taking in the colours and the peaceful surroundings. It’s a lovely place to spend time outdoors, and I can thoroughly recommend a visit if you get the chance, particularly when the autumn colours are at their best.

A season I’d happily linger in

Perhaps that’s what I love most about autumn. It’s a season that encourages me to notice the little things: the changing light, the colour of the leaves, the last flowers in the garden and the simple pleasure of being outdoors.

I know winter is waiting just around the corner, but for now, I’m quite happy to linger a little longer in autumn.

Paula


More from Typewriter Girl:

[My first steps into product photography]

[A is for Autumn]

Heleniums and verbena bonariensis

creating a riot of autumn colour at Antrim Castle Gardens

autumn woods

  1. It’s a few years since we took a trip up North to visit gardens and you have brought a few I hadn’t heard of to my attention. They are very beautiful and certainly worth a visit.

    1. Our usual run would include Rowallane, Mount Stewart, Castleward, the Botanic Gardens and Seaforde. We’ll have a few others to include on the next trip.

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