There’s a long-standing joke in Ireland that the main difference between the seasons is not so much the weather but the way people adjust their dress sense to pretend it has changed. In a mild Atlantic climate prone to plenty of rain, the evenings start to draw in throughout autumn, the leaves change colour, the pubs get more crowded and certain cultural aspects come to the fore.
Whether you’re looking to delve into the world of local GAA (which peaks in the mid-autumn evenings with county club finales), experience the trad music scene or explore the countryside at its most mystical looking, this is a great time to drop in.
Ireland is pretty great any time of year,
The Cliffs of Moher | © Miks/Shutterstock
but autumnal weather really brings out the colours
Lough Tay | © GreenPicturesMedia/Shutterstock
in the green-space-filled cities,
The Grand Canal, Dublin | © Cait Eire/Shutterstock
and the sweeping, empty countryside.
Tipperary Hill | © mikroman6/Shutterstock
It’s the perfect time for a hike,
Shimna River, Tollymore | © Sara Winter/Shutterstock
to find something very old,
Poulnabrone Portal Tomb, The Burren | © By Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock
or to just to be alone
The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney | © Michal Durinik/Shutterstock
in beautiful open spaces
Glendalough | © Tiramisu Studio/Shutterstock
and connect with nature.
A field in Tipperary | © mikroman6/Shutterstock
While you’re here, we invented Halloween, and it’s a huge deal.
Halloween in Ireland | © Cait Eire/Shutterstock
We even have a huge, intimidating parade.
The Macnas Parade, Galway | © Shutterstock
Our unique sports, hurling and Gaelic football, are reaching their passionate club finales.
Gaelic football in Croke Park | © Eoghan McNally/Shutterstock
And there’s no better spot in the world in fall than a warm Irish pub
The Temple Bar | © Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock
with intimate, traditional music
Traditional Irish music | © Rolf G. Wackenberg/Shutterstock
and days topped off with Ireland’s must-have winter drink, hot whiskey with lemon.
Hot Whiskey | © Billion Photos/Shutterstock