Visit Ireland in October

With the magic of Samhain – the pagan origins of Halloween – whispering in the wind, Ireland has a mystical quality to the island come October.

Reds and golds in falling leaves match the sunsets now that autumn is truly here, and you won’t want to miss a moment of it. The days may be shorter, but they’re perfect for hiking and cycling through canopies of fiery autumnal colours of leafy woodlands before sweeping down to the coast to take in all that Ireland has to offer. October means dramatic skies and wild oceans crashing at the base of cliffs.

The autumn larder caters to a hearty palate of new apples, fresh meat, and delicious chowders and stews. As the culture in which Halloween (called Samhain in Ireland) originated, Ireland in October is a place rich in storytelling and spooky tales, a land of ancient tradition laced in smoke from the open turf fire – best enjoyed with a pint of Guinness in front of a crackling fire.