Golden Days: An Autumnal Journey Through Ireland
Ireland wears its autumn colors like nowhere else on earth. Those iconic green hills beautifully frame bright bursts of color, the hedgerows burn with berries, and our favorite castle fires begin to glow again.
This is a season for slowing down, drifting from harvest markets to wild seascapes, and leaning into the folklore as the nights stretch longer.
If you’re planning a trip between September and November, here are some unforgettable pairings of things to do and places to stay. We hope each one will help you savor the magic of an Irish autumn.
Lough Eske Castle and Donegal’s Woods and Lakes
Tucked beneath the Bluestack Mountains, Lough Eske Castle is tailor-made for autumn. Its turrets rise above a glassy lake, and the forest trails around the estate shimmer with gold.
You can wander among the trees before returning to roaring fireplaces, warm stone walls, and a quiet elegance that softens the chill outside.
From here, Donegal’s landscapes open wide. Glenveagh National Park is close enough for a day’s outing. Its rugged mountains will be dusted with autumn color while its golden trails stretch into the silence.
The Derry Halloween Festival and The Bishop’s Gate Hotel
Few places celebrate Halloween with the flair of Derry, where the festival has grown into one of Europe’s largest events.
Every autumn, the city’s medieval walls blaze with lanterns, parades spill through the streets, and fireworks brighten the Foyle.
Ghost tours and Samhain-themed performances bring Ireland’s ancient traditions into the present. While we’re on the subject, here are a few more haunted sites to explore in Ireland, in case you want to make a whole trip out of it.
After the revelry in Derry, you can retreat to The Bishop’s Gate Hotel inside the old city walls. The boutique property, set in a former gentleman’s club, is full of high ceilings, deep chairs, and the sort of warmth we all crave after a chilly night outside.
Whale Watching with Cork Whale Watch and Skibbereen
West Cork is one of Europe’s prime whale-watching hotspots, and autumn is peak season. You can join Whale Watch West Cork from Baltimore Harbor and set out onto the Atlantic, where humpback, minke, and even fin whales pass through these waters.
On a good day, dolphins will dance at the bow, seabirds will wheel overhead, and the sea air will leave you feeling incredibly exhilarated.
When you return to shore, Skibbereen is just a short drive away. You can settle into a local café like O’Neill Coffee for an herbal tea and a slice of something sweet as you let the warmth creep back into your hands.
The Mourne Mountains at the Wee Binnian Festival and Slieve Donard Hotel
In County Down, the Mourne Mountains look copper in the autumn light. Every September, the Wee Binnian Walking Festival invites visitors to hike these granite peaks with local guides.
From misty ridges to deep glens, the walks reveal a quieter Ireland, one where wind and water do most of the talking.
After a long day on the trail, Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle will be the perfect base. The Victorian landmark sits at the foot of the mountains, looking out toward the Irish Sea. A hot soak in the spa or a fireside drink in the bar will be the perfect end to your day.