5 Reasons to Visit Ireland in Fall

5 Reasons to Visit Ireland in Fall
Off-season Ireland: rich in color, culture, and cozy local traditions.|©iStock/RobertMayne

When you think of Ireland, images of lush green landscapes, ancient castles, and cozy pubs likely come to mind.  None of these are particularly summery images, so it’s surprising that the vast majority of visitors to Ireland come during the high-season months of June to August—when tours are busy, hotels are expensive and, to be honest, the weather isn’t even that much better (you’ll need a raincoat no matter when you visit).  While Ireland is lovely during any time of year, fall offers an unexpected charm that many travelers overlook. 

In the fall, Ireland transforms into a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and golds, particularly in the countryside. The temperatures remain pleasantly cool, perfect for hiking in national parks or strolling through quaint villages. 

Golden leaves and quiet paths—autumn strolls through Phoenix Park.
Golden leaves and quiet paths—autumn strolls through Phoenix Park.|©iStock/Alan Currie

Plus, since the peak tourist season has passed, you’ll find the streets less crowded, giving you more space to enjoy the cultural treasures Ireland has to offer—like historic landmarks and local festivals—at a more relaxed pace.

Here are five reasons you should travel to Ireland during September, October, and November.

1. Clarenbridge Oyster Festival

While you can definitely eat them year-round, there is a superstition that oysters should only be eaten during months that contain the letter “r.” This is because they tend to be a lot smaller in size at other times of year, since they are focusing their energy on “reproducing.”

And one of the best places to try oysters in an “r” month is in the tiny village of Clarenbridge, County Galway during its Oyster Festival which takes place each September.

Because this village offers the perfect conditions for growing and harvesting oysters:

  • A sheltered bay

  • A perfect ratio of fresh and saltwater

  • The skill, knowledge, and tradition of oyster harvesting that has been a staple here since Roman times.

The festival has taken place every year (except 2020) since 1954, and brings the entire village to life. Over 100,000 oysters are consumed at each festival, along with plenty of Guinness.

The week’s events include a market day, yacht races, art exhibits, a wine and gourmet evening, lectures, oyster shucking contests, and most importantly, eating your bodyweight in oysters!

2. Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

Jazz musicians take to the streets of Cork City for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.
Jazz musicians take to the streets of Cork City for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.|©iStock/cabuscaa

If music makes you tick— this will be your jam (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!). 

Cork (in the south of Ireland) is known for its vibrant music scene, and when visiting you have the great opportunity to hear some of the country’s best traditional (“trad”) musicians.

But, you haven’t properly experienced the buzz of Cork without checking out their Jazz Festival, which takes place in October.

Every corner of Cork City comes alive to the sounds of over 1,000 musicians and artists from over 20 countries. The coolest thing is the festival hosts a massive amount of free gigs and entertainment in over 70 venues across the city.

In Ireland, the music is for everyone!

3. Macnas Parade

If you didn’t know, Halloween originated in Ireland. It was a pagan festival called “Samhain,” (pronounced ‘Sow- In’) which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter—which they called the "Darker Half" of the year.

The wearing of masks and carving of turnips (not pumpkins) was a way of warding off the evil spirits.

Many believe the tradition of carving the pumpkin began after the Irish people immigrated over to the United States and used what was more readily available.

Now that you have the history under your belt, let me say this: You simply have to put the Macnas Parade on your travel bucket list.

This is by far my favorite thing to experience during the month of October in Ireland.

Macnas was founded in Galway City in 1986 by four creative folks who wanted to bring their storytelling to life. The parade draws between 70-100k people each year… so it’s worth arriving early for a good view!

I think the best part about Macnas is how it’s a real community effort. The Macnas creative ensemble is comprised of 45 professional artists and 300 volunteers!

Forget March’s Paddy’s Day parade with its plastic shamrocks, this is a real, authentic local event you’ll be talking about for years.

4. Winterval Christmas Festival

Winterval brings festive magic to Waterford’s medieval streets.
Winterval brings festive magic to Waterford’s medieval streets.|©iStock/Flavio Vallenari

Mainland Europe is famous for Christmas Markets, where tourists browse stalls of handcrafted goods while sipping on mulled wine.

But did you know that there are plenty of less famous Christmas Markets to be found in Ireland? Ones where the tourist crowds are much lighter.

The largest Christmas festival in the country is Winterval, which starts in Waterford (Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914AD) in late November and runs through until the day before Christmas Eve. 

You’ll find more here than just markets, though.

Around the city there are demonstrations of traditional Viking handicrafts, live music performances, ice skating, a carousel and Ferris Wheel, and of course an appearance by Santa along with a Christmas parade.

5. Ireland is Green Year-Round!

This last one isn’t a festival or event, more of a general reason not to limit your visits to the crowded summer months.

Ireland never loses its green color. Even in the dead of winter. Ireland is mythical and magical year-round!

While off-season travel offers shorter hours of daylight, it’s is a small sacrifice for unique experiences, better pricing, and a lot fewer people.

And if you’ve already ventured to Ireland in the spring and summer, this would be a fantastic time for Round 2.

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