The summer might be over, but as one season draws to a close, another bursts into life. Autumn is one of the prettiest times in Dublin, as the trees and plants turn into a patchwork quilt of oranges, reds and golds. The skies seem to be bluer and crisper than ever, and there’s finally an excuse to sit in front of a roaring fire with a hot chocolate.

Here are some of our choices for great places around the city to make the most of the new season.

Howth

It might be a little way out of the city, but if the sun is shining (and you have a few hours to spare) then a trip to Howth is a great way to spend an autumnal day. Take a walk along the cliffs and see the plants and moss morph into beautiful autumnal shades, then warm up with a bowl of chowder in any of the excellent seafood restaurants along the coast.

Phoenix Park

There are a number of gorgeous parks in the middle of the city, but if you really want to immerse yourself in nature then Phoenix Park is the ultimate choice. Take an amble around the extensive green fields, or rent a bike and explore on two wheels. As the leaves change colour and start to fall, the park never looks as beautiful (and the Fallow Deer who roam the fields seem to glow in the autumn light). Take a picnic or pick up a coffee from the tea rooms.

Croke Park

As the city seems to change colour before your eyes, the best way to see it is from a height. For an unbeatable view of the city, take the Ericsson Skyline tour to the top of Croke Park stadium and enjoy the Dublin landscape in all of its autumnal glory. Afterwards, head to the Sideline Bar in The Croke Park for a hot chocolate (or a hot toddy).

Stephen’s Green

Though the park itself is, of course, a beautiful place to relax, it’s the Georgian townhouses around the perimeter that are stunning as the leaves change. The ivy that climbs the exterior of the buildings is the perfect explosion of colour, so take your time walking around the outside of the park as well as the green within.

The Theatre

Sometimes the weather doesn’t quite play ball. What can one day be a glorious, sunny affair can turn into a drizzly grey one. If that happens, you can be safe in the knowledge that autumn also coincides with the Dublin Theatre Festival (and the Dublin Fringe Festival). Take yourself off to the theatre and catch a brilliant play – here are some of our choices for this year’s  Dublin Theatre Festival.