Visiting Ireland in the Fall? Here are my Favorite Things to Do in Ireland in Autumn

Even though I love the long days of Summer, I’m an Autumn lover at heart – I just love the crisp, cozy weather and fall colors.

Autumn in Ireland, from September to November, is a time of rich colors and cooler temperatures. The landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of golden hues as leaves change color, offering a stunning backdrop for photography and road trips.

This is the season for foodies, as autumn brings a host of harvest festivals celebrating Ireland’s amazing produce.

The Dingle Food Festival in October is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts, offering local delicacies from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. Autumn is also a fantastic time for exploring Ireland’s historical sites, such as Glendalough and the Rock of Cashel, without the summer crowds. The crisp air and fewer tourists make it the perfect season for a more relaxed pace of travel.

Autumn is also the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher and experience their breathtaking views without the chill of winter winds.

Weather in Ireland in the Fall:

As I said above, the Autumn months in Ireland include September, October and November. And you’re looking at average temperatures of 11°C to 14°C (52°F to 57°F) during the day.

October in particular offers a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves turn golden, crimson, and amber. The best places to see the fall foliage, in my opinion, are Killarney National Park and Wicklow National Park.

Overall, the temperatures are quite mild, with it getting cooler in November. Evenings in November can reach as low as 0°C.

Rainfall is frequent but usually light, and misty mornings are common, but it does tend to get brighter as the day goes on.

Check out my Autumn packing list for Ireland here!

Best places to see in Autumn in Ireland

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park, a place straight out of a fairy tale, is known worldwide for its shimmering lakes, ancient woodlands, and the majestic McGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. It’s a whopping 25,000 acres, and it is very easy to walk around. There’s so much to do here, from visiting Muckross House to hiking to Torc Waterfall, and going on a boat ride on Lough Leane.

My favorite month to visit here is October, as the fall foliage is beautiful (not quite as bright as New England fall foliage, but still incredibly stunning).

Muckross House is the crown jewel at the heart of Killarney National Park. This mansion house dates back to 1843 and has a whopping 65 rooms! And although the interior of the house is very grand, it’s the gardens that surround it that are really eye-catching. On the grounds of Muckross House, you’ll find a Rock Garden, Sunken Garden, and Stream Garden. It’s also much quiter here in the fall months in comparison to the super-busy summer months.

Muckross Abbey is another one of my favorite parts of Killarney National Park. It was founded over 500 years ago, in 1448, as a Franciscan Friary. And it’s a great place to take some unique photos, especially in the large courtyard, which contains a giant yew tree. The abbey is mostly roofless, so the light streaming in on a fall morning is especially beautiful!

Another one of my favorite things to do in Killarney National Park in the fall is to hop on a boat trip that passes Innisfallen Island, which is home to a 6th-century abbey. The boat leaves from Ross Castle, and it’s glass-covered so that you can take in the wow-worthy mountain views. If you’re lucky, you may even spot red deer and the elusive white-tailed eagle along the way.

🛏️ Where to stay in Killarney: The Lake Hotel – Around 5 km from the national park and just 2 km from town, this refined manor dates back to the year 1820. However, this 4-star hotel, which sits right on the lake, has been modernized inside and boasts regal room,s some of which have balconies. Rates start from €250 per night.

Rock of Cashel

Also known as St. Patrick’s Rock, is one of the most famous historic sites in Ireland, and so late Autumn (October and November) is a good time to visit to avoid the crowds. The Rock of Cashel is said to be the site where Saint Patrick converted the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th century. It served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster before being gifted to the Church in 1101.

This iconic site is a must-see for anyone keen to find out more about Irish history. I explained a little above that the Rock of Cashel is steeped in myth and legend, with stories that intertwine the lives of saints and kings. According to legend, it was here that St. Patrick converted the then-pagan King Aengus to Christianity in the 5th century. The tale of St. Patrick using a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity is deeply rooted in the folklore of the Rock!

Visiting the Rock of Cashel is not just about observing ancient ruins; it’s about stepping into a world where history comes alive. Thankfully, the site is well-preserved and provides informative plaques if you want to DIY-it and guided tours if you want to find out more from a local. On our visits, we found the guides here to be knowledgeable and passionate about the site’s history.

The Rock of Cashel is still quite busy in September, so if you’re visiting then, aim to get here early (ideally when it opens at 9 am). In October and November, it is usually much quieter.

FYI, it can get very windy here in the late fall, so layer up when visiting and definitely pack a windbreaker/ water-resistant type jacket. The whole area is pretty much open to the elements, and there’s just one indoor section – the Hall of the Vicars Choral.

🛏️ Where to stay in Cashel: For a luxurious stay, consider the Cashel Palace Hotel, a beautifully restored Georgian mansion offering elegant rooms and fine dining. If you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast, Baileys Hotel Cashel provides a warm atmosphere with comfortable rooms in the heart of the town.

Kinsale

Vibrant Kinsale is one of the prettiest towns in Ireland. Located about a 30-minute drive from Cork City, this charming town is a maze of narrow streets lined with brightly painted buildings. Plus, it marks the start of the Wild Atlantic Way drive. It’s a dream to visit in fall when the summer crowds have gone (September is my favorite month to visit Kinsale as the weather is still quite sunny).

Renowned for its culinary scene, Kinsale boasts some of the finest restaurants in County Cork, earning its title as the gourmet capital of Ireland – it truly is a haven for food enthusiasts. I particularly enjoy wandering through Kinsale on foot, coffee in hand, while exploring its charming shops and art galleries. Additionally, from Kinsale you can easily access Charles Fort, a 17th-century star-shaped fort that boasts epic views of Kinsale Harbor.

And of course, the Old Head of Kinsale is close by – around 13 km from the center of town. Think of it as a more rugged Cliffs of Moher. Also at the ‘Old Head’, as the locals call it, is The Old Head of Kinsale Signal Tower, which delves into the tragic tale of the RMS Lusitania, which was sunk by a German U-boat during World War I, leading to the loss of approximately 1,200 lives.

🛏️ Where to stay in Kinsale: Definitely stay the night in Kinsale, if you can we like Acton’s Hotel in the center of town, which offers lovely, spacious rooms – some with a view of the harbor. The hotel also has an indoor pool and bar, and restaurant on-site.

Cliffs of Moher

One of my favorite months to visit the Cliffs of Moher is September, as the weather is still fine and the summer crowds have left. These famous cliffs, located on the western coast of Ireland, boast dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and are renowned for their striking natural beauty. September often provides a mix of sunny and overcast days, creating a dynamic backdrop for photography.

Stretching for about 14 kilometers and rising over 200 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs offer breathtaking panoramic views that are simply unparalleled. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands, the Maam Turk Mountains, and even the Twelve Bens in Connemara. The cliffs are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills!

My top tip if you plan to visit here in the Fall is to check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change quickly, and bring appropriate clothing to stay comfortable in windy or rainy conditions. You may also be unlucky in that the cliffs may be covered by clouds/ mist – that’s why we always recommend staying nearby (Lahinch Coast Hotel is our choice) so that you can come back the next day.

As it tends to be misty on a lot of mornings here in the Fall, I would say aim to get here for sunset (which can be as late as 9 pm in September and around 6/7 pm later in the season).

🛏️ Where to stay for the Cliffs of Moher: Lahinch Coast Hotel is a great option nearby; it has awesome coastal views.

Wicklow National Park

This is the largest of Ireland’s National Parks and the only park located in the east of the country. It boasts expansive vistas, meandering mountain roads, and swift streams that flow into the deep lakes nestled within its wooded valleys. And it’s at its most beautiful in the fall.

The name “Glendalough” translates to “Valley of the Two Lakes,” and the area truly lives up to its nickname with stunning views of its upper and lower lakes, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged mountains. This enchanting landscape is heaven for hikers with a myriad of trails that cater to all levels of fitness, from the serene boardwalk around the lakes to the more challenging Spinc Ridge walk.

Among its most famous attractions is the historic St. Kevin’s monastic settlement at Glendalough.

This early medieval monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Be sure to explore the well-preserved ruins, including a round tower, stone churches, and ancient crosses, which offer a glimpse into Ireland’s early Christian heritage.

🛏️ Where to stay in Wicklow National Park: Nestled in the heart of Wicklow Mountains National Park, the Glendalough Hotel boasts views of the historic ruins of Glendalough Cathedral. The hotel features en suite rooms, alongside a restaurant and pub.

The Ring of Kerry

The best month to drive the iconic Ring of Kerry is September, in my opinion, as it’s quieter (way less traffic) but still warm, with mostly sunny days. And by late September, the landscape is starting to transform into a stunning palette of autumn hues.

Autumn’s crisp air and fewer tourists allow for a more leisurely exploration of spots along the route like Killarney National Park, Killarney Town and the Gap of Dunloe. The golden hues of the foliage contrast beautifully with the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean, creating perfect photo opportunities. And gorgeous beaches like Coumeenole Beach will be quieter – and it will likely be still warm enough to go for a swim.

🛏️ Where to stay along the Ring of Kerry: Ard na Slidhe Country House Hotel in Killorglin is a gorgeous option, and it’s situated on the shores of Caragh Lake.

Slainte!

I hope you enjoyed reading my guide to the best things to do in Ireland in the fall. As I said, it’s my favorite season in Ireland.