10 Unforgettable Fall Experiences In Ireland You Can’t Miss

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.