Seasoned Ireland traveller Ian John reveals his top five Emerald Isle autumn holiday tips.
Ireland is a destination that remains forever etched into the minds of those who visit. Whether you’re exploring the quaint market towns and rugged beauty of the west coast or experiencing the thriving Dublin scene as part of a weekend away, the Emerald Isle offers something enticing yet beguiling – and visiting out of season may be the best way to enjoy its boundless attractions.
Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Ireland as its rich, verdant countryside slowly changes hue from a lush green into a rich tapestry of browns, yellows, reds and oranges. With a large number of festivals and other events through October to December, Ireland autumn travel offers any visitor a memorable trip. Outlined below are our five top tips for an autumnal excursion to remember:
1. Music lovers visit Sligo Live for Ireland’s best folk, roots and indie festival
For five days between 24th and 29th October, Sligo is the centre of Irish music as the Sligo Live Festival takes place. At a collection of venues across the city, a vast number of performers from all over the world play a mixture of indie, folk and roots music. This year’s schedule features some of the world’s most famous folk acts, including Van Morrison and Joan Armatrading, as well as hundreds of other bands from all across Ireland, Europe and beyond.
> Discover the best of the Emerald Island’s festivals with Lonely Planet Ireland – get 20% off!
2. Get spooked at the Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival
If you love a bit of a fright, head to County Meath from 19th to 31st October for its annual Halloween Festival. Over the course of 12 days, the county hosts a range of spooky events including the Kells Samhain Festival, Jackula the spooky juggler, the scary Pumpkin Patch where you can pick your own Jack O’Lantern, and the Halloween Spooktacular between 27th and 28th October at Rathbeggan Lakes.
> Explore County Meath with Ordnance Survey’s Ireland Discovery series!
3. Throw on your waterproofs and head to the spectacular Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is famous as being one of Ireland’s most spectacular tracts of unspoiled countryside. In the summer it can be a tourist trap, yet in the autumn it remains a place of tranquil beauty and solitude. Pack some waterproofs and solid walking boots, check the weather forecast and head down to Killarney to begin your trip at Lough Leane and the fabulous Killarney National Park before heading along the N70 to explore Valentia Island and the picturesque seaside villages of Cahersiveen and Waterville.
> Learn about the 50 best Eire walks with Walking in Ireland!
4. Experience the Craic in Dublin!
If you want a typical city break experience, fabulous shops, vibrant pubs and clubs, fine restaurants all served with a cheerful smile and a healthy helping of ‘the Craic’, Dublin is certainly the place to head. Whether it’s exploring the Guinness Brewery, ambling around the impressive Phoenix Park, learning about the city’s rich and often tragic history at Kilmainham Gaol or Dublin Castle, there’s plenty to keep any visitor entertained and informed. Other highlights include the spiritual and artistic ambiance of St Stephens Green and the fabulous Temple Bar. Dublin is a city that once you visit, you will never forget.
> Make the most of the Irish capital with the Dublin Eyewitness Guide – get 25% off!
5. For a magical time, visit Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee Cave
Each weekend from Friday 30th November, you can experience the magic of Christmas at Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan, County Clare. Complete with its own fabulous Santa’s grotto, there is also a Birds of Prey Centre, a ‘hawk’s walk’ and a wolf’s den to explore. Families the length and breadth of Ireland make their annual pilgrimage to Aillwee each year – such is the attraction of seeing Santa and his elves at work in a true, real-life grotto.
> Find your way to Ballyvaughan with Xploreit’s County Clare map!
For more autumnal Ireland travel trips, browse our collection of Ireland maps and travel guides.