It’s tough to argue that summertime is a glorious time to visit Ireland. The air is just right, the breeze is heartwarming, and the locals are delighted to welcome people from all over the world to their B&Bs, pubs, and craft shops.
However, if you can make it here in the fall, something twice as magical happens. The streets are a little less crowded, the tour buses are a little less frequent, and those famous forty shades of green become dappled with swirls of yellow, red, and gold. There’s nowhere else on earth like it.
Coming in the autumn season means you’ll be treated to gentle winds off the Atlantic when you’re exploring the West Coast, and things will have calmed down enough that you can actually get to know some of the locals a little bit better.
Get ready for an affordable, picturesque, and, dare we say, life-changing experience in the green hills of Ireland right before everyone nestles in for the winter.
Slieve League, Donegal
It’s an interesting thing. The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are massively famous. They tower 700 feet over the Atlantic and present a sheer drop over what feels like the edge of the world.
Yet, in what’s termed Ireland’s “forgotten county,” there stands another set of cliffs that are much taller – 1,972 feet, to be precise. The climb to these cliffs is considered to be a moderate one, so only do it if your boots are up to the challenge. If they are, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world as you drink in that fresh ocean air.
When you’re done, dip into Donegal Town, where some of the finest locals will greet you with enough warmth to make you think they’ve been missing you for ages. Round out your trip with a visit to Donegal Castle and a pint at the Olde Castle Seafood Bar. We can promise you’ll be so glad you called Donegal home for a few days.
Dingle Literary Festival, Dingle
If you’re a fan of the written word, you won’t want to miss Dingle Lit in the fall – usually sometime in November. First, the setting is perfect, as Dingle is along the Wild Atlantic way, hugging the west coast of Ireland.
It’s a colorful and vibrant town full of friendly locals, unique pubs, fantastic restaurants, and multiple different ways to immerse yourself in the culture.
But, if you come during the right weekend in November, you can take a few writing courses, attend open mic nights, and meet famous authors like Colm Tóibín as they share their literary insights. Best of all? You’ll meet plenty of like-minded friends.
To continue your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, here are 15 experiences you won’t want to miss.
Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
Before you leave County Kerry, the home of Dingle, make your way to Killarney National Park, especially during this time of year. It’s a 26,000-acre park full of discovery.
The first sight you’ll savor is the peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. You can access them as you drive along the Gap of Dunloe, a paved mountain pass nestled between MacGillicuddy Reeks and the Purple Mountain range.
Then, for a little bit of a break throughout your drive, you might want to seek out Muckross House, a gorgeous 19th-century Victorian mansion that will gracefully escort you back in time.
Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale
Here comes another beautiful attraction linked to another beautiful and colorful village. If you – or anyone – in your party loves to golf, there’s simply no course on earth like Old Head.
Perched on, again, what feels like the end of the world, you’ll enjoy a glorious round of golf with some of the most picturesque views of Ireland’s forty shades of green. When you’re done, don’t miss the opportunity to dine in their gourmet restaurant.
But, here’s the kicker. If you can afford to stay on the property for a night or two, you’ll be treated to their wellness spa which is top-shelf. Because of the setting, eateries, and on-site spa, this makes a fine trip for anyone, whether or not they have a love for the sport.
When you leave here, be sure to check out the nearby village of Kinsale, as well. Known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, here, too, you’ll dine in delight and find some of the best local craftsmen in town, from Kinsale Crystal to Kinsale Leather. As a lovely little harbor town, you’ll be instantly charmed.
Gougane Barra, Co. Cork
If you’ve been catching up on your Irish folklore and thought you might like to explore an ancient Irish forest, look no further than Gougane Barra in County Cork. Because it’s the fall, the tapestry of colors will steal you away.
Right at the center of all this majesty is a tranquil lake that mirrors the color of the trees. As you wander through the network of well-maintained trails, you’ll come across St. Finbarr’s Oratory, a pretty little church located on an island. Step inside to light a candle for people all over the world before you emerge from the forest with a renewed sense of hope.
Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny
If you’ve ever wondered what life in the Medieval times was like, Kilkenny will show you. There’s even a stretch of the city called the Medieval Mile. It’s a discovery trail running through the center of Kilkenny, linking the 13th-century St. Canice’s Cathedral with the city’s famous Anglo-Norman Castle, Kilkenny Castle.
Once inside the castle, you’ll be blown away by its splendor. And the tour guides are equally splendid. They’ll offer you such a full and rich history of the castle and local area that you’ll instantly find yourself in a local bookstore looking for a book or two to continue feeding your interest in this historically significant town. After all, Kilkenny is the former capital of Ireland.
The Burren, Co. Clare
The Burren is a famous stretch of land in the west of Ireland. It’s known for its ecological and geological significance. Here, the land is so unique that flowers literally grow out of the rocks. There’s just no stopping nature from putting on a show in this peaceful setting.
While here, you’ll want to drive to Poulnabrone, a megalithic tomb that dates back to 5,800 BC. There’s something about the air in The Burren. It’s calmer, cooler, more mysterious – and Poulnabrone probably has something to do with that.
Then, make your way to Newtown Castle, a 16th-century tower house that you can step inside and, again, feel the winds of fate comb through your hair. Stay a while inside and wax philosophical about what life might’ve been like in the 1500s while you savor the view.
Round out your time in this magical place with a visit to The Burren Perfumery. There, the ladies draw from the bounty of the land to craft the most luxurious lotions, perfumes, creams, candles, and teas. You’ll be so happy to take a little slice of this heavenly place back home with you.
Inisheer, The Aran Islands
Off the coast of Galway, you’ll find three pristine little islands known as the Aran Islands. In order of size, from largest to smallest, they are Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer. Although most people flock to Inishmore, Inisheer has a certain level of beauty that can’t be denied.
You can walk the whole island on a calm autumn day, visiting the lighthouse, an ancient shipwreck called Plassey, and O’Brien’s Castle, a 15th-century tower house. Seek out The Sunken Church, as well – the ruins of a 10th-century church and touch the stone carved by men of that age.
Round off your day with a pint at Tigh Ned before laying your head in the attached accommodation, Radharc Na Mara, as you wonder what it might take to call such a glorious place home.
Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
Another showstopping stretch of land is Connemara National Park. Because it’s autumn, the trees will be putting on a show for their visitors, as the sycamores, oaks, and elms prepare for the winter months ahead.
This is an easy place to drive around and let the road lead you where it wants you to go. But, if you like having at least one certain destination in mind, then plug in Kildavnet Tower on Achill Island.
It’s the former residence of a famous 15th-century pirate named Grace O’Malley. She was a fiery redhead with a spine steely enough to take over her father’s fleet of men and commandeer their ship. She even went toe-to-toe with Queen Elizabeth I a time or two. Like Kilkenny Castle, this is another fantastic story you’ll want to study after you leave.
Galway City, Galway
Before or after ferrying over to the Aran Islands, be sure to spend two or three nights in Galway City. It’s one of the best cities in all of Europe. You’ll probably find yourself on Quay Street a lot – a pedestrian-only lane filled with restaurants, bistros, cafes, shops, and, of course, some quintessential Irish pubs.
For a heartwarming bowl of soup, head to Quay Street Kitchen. For fish and chips fried to perfection, you can go just across the street to McDonagh’s. Then, something truly magical happens after five o’clock.
People shut down their computers, pull out their fiddles, flutes, and guitars from under the desks, and meet up at the pub. Locals gather inside the pubs and just sit down and start playing together. Sometimes, they know each other; sometimes, they don’t. All you need to do is pull up a barstool beside the turf fire to enjoy the finest live music of your life.
Ireland Will Steal Your Heart
Truly, you could come here any time of year, and Ireland will steal your heart. But, if you can plan your trip for the autumn, you’ll find airfare that’s easier on your wallet and a little bit more inventory when it comes to Airbnbs and B&Bs.
If you come for a week, you’ll find yourself wishing you could stay there forever. Make the most of this magical island in a season that marks the gentle transition from one season to the next. The spiritual awakening you’ll experience will stay with you forever.
When you find yourself looking for ways to extend your stay, take a look at these ten coastal treasures. As you make your way to either of these locales, you’ll know your life is about to change.