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    Why Visit Ireland in September?

    By Dawn Rainbolt, PR Manager
    More by Dawn

    Ireland in Autumn

    Autumn is a pretty amazing time of year in Ireland. From the landscapes brimming with colour to the delicious fall cuisine and the spooky season of Halloween – spent in the country the holiday was invented – Irish autumn has a lot of great aspects.

    Add to that mild weather, off-peak tourist season and some truly dramatic skies, keep on reading to find out just why you should visit Ireland this September. Planning your trip in advance also means that you’re more likely to get your entire wish-list featured on your itinerary without comprising.

    Contents

    Quiet Time of Year

    Connemara Autumn Hike

    Hiking in Connemara National Park during autumn.

    September is traditionally the start of the quieter season. Schools are back in session, summer holidays are over, and autumn is knocking at the door.

    If you are looking to get out into the countryside or the wild spaces of Ireland, September is a really great time to come as most other visitors have left. Likely, you’ll have the majority of these wild spaces mostly to yourself.

    It’s a particularly good time to visit some of the iconic spots that are typically busy in the summer months, such as the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, the Skellig islands (which close at the end of the month), and more.

    Beautiful Fall Colours

    Autumn is known worldwide for its vibrant colours. In Ireland, our period of fiery autumn leaves can be quite short, particularly on the west coast, as the winter storms start to roll in. But September is generally a good time to experience the bright oranges, reds and golds adorning the trees.

    And it’s not just the trees – the bracken and the heather carpeting the hills erupts in a display of rusty brown and gold. So whether you’re hiking the forests of Killarney, the heather-capped peaks of Connemara or through the bracken-covered hills of Wicklow, you’re sure to experience the best of autumn in Ireland.

    Better Availability

    Ballynahinch Castle autumn

    Stay in amazing hotels such as Ballynahinch Castle in autumn in the quiet season.

    A quieter season also means better choice and availability in terms of accommodation, guides, and activities. Travelling during the off-peak season can also mean better value for money too, even among Ireland’s most sought-after hotels, manners and guesthouses. By travelling in September, you will get the first pick of your preferred location, accommodation and room type.

    For those who want to indulge yourselves by spending a night or two in a castle or manner on your next visit to Ireland, September is an ideal month in terms of availability, choice, and value. Check out our list of some favourite Irish castle hotels.

    The same is true for activities that might have limited availability, allowing you to easily ensure the inclusion of your whole must-do list while in Ireland.

    Travelled with us before and have a favourite guide you want to accompany your trip? September travel also means you’ll have more guide availability so that you can travel with your favourite guide. Meet our Wilderness Ireland guides here.

    Mild Weather

    The weather in September is usually pretty mild, and it is ideal for outdoor adventures. The days are still rather long, and we often get a period of dry (and even sometimes sunny) weather in September.

    Winter storms are still a few months away, and the Irish can be seen out enjoying the mild temperatures. Why not join them for a week in the wilds of Ireland?

    Each evening after a day out in the autumnal hills, head to the pub for a pint of Guinness or an indulgent gin and tonic, which you can drink in front of the roaring open fireplace while listening to some lively Irish trad music.

    Perfect for Hiking & Cycling

    Biking Donegal during autumn

    Biking Donegal during autumn means quiet roads and stunning vistas.

    With fewer cars and buses on the roads, September is an ideal time for cycling in Ireland. Combine that with a good amount of daylight hours and generally mild weather, why not hit the saddle? September is a great time for hiking too, be it for an evening stroll or for a beautiful day on the hills while the sun still shines.

     View Hiking Tours   View Bike Tours

    Dramatic Skies

    In Ireland, the autumn season, such as the month of September, is a great time to year to look up. Autumn skies in Ireland are wild and dramatic. The longer evenings mean visitors are often treated to some phenomenal sunsets and sunrises. Even during the day, the skies are often dramatic and photogenic.

    Though usually associated with spring, autumn is just as good a time of year to spot rainbows as the spring, due to the transition seasons offering the right combinations required for rainbows. Read our article about Irish rainbows.

    And as nights get longer, while you’re out in the Irish countryside, spend time gazing at the night sky too. Ireland has some great stargazing and dark skies, particularly including two officially recognised dark sky regions in Mayo and Kerry. Read our guide to Ireland’s dark skies here.

    Autumn Culinary Delights

    Armagh autumn apples

    Apples from an orchard in Armagh

    Though not a nation that is traditionally known for food, Ireland is actually a surprisingly good place to eat and drink. September is a particularly good time to do so. Long known as the harvest season, September was historically the time of year when food was brought in for winter preparations.

    September is a great time for apples, for example, and everything that can be made from them such as apple cider, tarts, apple wines, and pork and apple pies. Apples are particularly found in Armagh, Tipperary, and the southeast.

    A lot of traditional Irish dishes can be quite hearty and therefore better suited to chilly autumnal evenings. Enjoy a rich bowl of Irish stew or delicious fish chowder, locally-sourced pork roasts, steaming jacket potatoes, or hearty fish pies. September is an ideal season for mushrooms as well, so be sure to taste some of our local mushrooms, or even try your hand at wild foraging.

    With longer evenings and chillier temperatures, September evenings are best spent by heading indoors to enjoy the cheery atmosphere of Irish pubs. Sip Guinness in front of a roaring open turf fire while listening to trad music as autumn winds blow outdoors.

    Or if Guinness isn’t your cup of tea, maybe you’d like to taste some delicious Irish gin? Or try one of Ireland’s regional craft beers? Though small in number, our new craft beers are exploding with taste. Find a selection of our favourite cosy pubs. September is a favourite season for locals to head to the bar too.

    Irish Weather

    Spring

    Spring weather is mild, but the days are lengthening and consistently drier. The landscape is buzzing with life and colour, with flowers blooming and bustling wildlife.

    Find out more

    Summer

    Summer promises long days, pleasant temperatures, and festivals galore. The countryside transitions from vibrant green to breath-taking purple as the heather blooms.

    Find out more

    Autumn

    Autumn is a time of colourful landscapes and glowing skies. Witness some of Ireland’s most beautiful autumn sunsets and taste flavours unique to our autumn months.

    Find out more

    Winter

    If the conditions are right, marvel at the snow-dusted landscapes during Ireland’s winters. Crunchy snow underfoot, roaring fires in the cosy pubs, and beautiful starry skies.

    Find out more

    Visit Ireland in September

    Meet the Author: Dawn Rainbolt

    “American by birth but European in spirit, Dawn has called the US, Costa Rica, Spain, England, Poland, France and now Ireland home over the years. While she has travelled to more than 30 countries, she has fallen in love with the rich Irish culture and sweeping landscapes of Ireland. Armed with a Masters Degree in Tourism Marketing and a love of writing and photography, she is Wilderness Ireland's Marketing Executive since 2017.”

    View profileMore by Dawn

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