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Ireland in September

Ireland in September Feature Post
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Is September a good time to visit Ireland?

In Ireland in September, you have the best of both worlds. Peak season is over and many of the summer tourists have already left, but the days are still long and you can still pack plenty into an Ireland travel itinerary.

What’s the weather like in Ireland in September?

Most years, the average temperature (13 °C or 55 °F) in Ireland is a little cooler than during the summer months, but as Ireland has quite a mild climate the difference isn’t that great. Just add a layer or two when needed.

Rain, of course, is always a possibility with Irish weather so be prepared with the suitable rain gear. 

Find out more about the weather in Ireland in September in this longer post.

What to Do in Ireland in September

The autumn, or fall colors may not be as internationally known as in other countries, but they certainly have their own charm.

St.Kevin's Church, Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland.
St. Kevin’s Church at the site of an ancient monastic settlement in Glendalough, County Wicklow.

The subtle changes in the hues of the vegetation around this time of year are beautiful, check the many walks and hikes in woodland areas around Glendalough in Wicklow National Park to view this spectacle! The Emerald Isle is known for its 40 shades of green, but there are plenty of other autumnal colors worth checking out in fall too! 

September is a good time to add a one day trip as part of a small group to your itinerary. For example, bus tours to the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Throne filming locations in Northern Ireland from Dublin can be fitted into the daylight hours (although keep in mind that it will be a busy day!). 

Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland
The spectacular Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland was one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones.

Alternatively, a shorter day trip from Cork to explore Irish version of Alcatraz, Spike Island, in Cork Harbour would also be a good highlight for this time of year.

Road trips along the Wild Atlantic Way, or through the historical east coast (Ireland’s Ancient East trail) or the less well known gems of the Midlands (Hidden Heartlands) would be something to consider during September. The roads are not as full with summer tour buses as they are in Ireland in August, which might be quite an advantage on narrow country roads.

Some of the most popular attractions on the west coast include the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands and Connemara National Park. A visit to Galway city is also one of the things that should be included in an Ireland tour itinerary. 

The Burren in County Clare
The Burren, with its lunar-like rocky surface, is one of the most unusual landscapes in Ireland and is very important area for biodiversity.

There are several festivals and events held in September that draw both domestic and international crowds. Some important ones to mark in your calendar during this month include the Electric Picnic music festival, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival and the Waterford Harvest Festival

Visiting Ireland in September

Road trip in Ireland with a car
Less traffic during the September shoulder season ensures that road trips around Ireland are even more fun!

September is a good time to visit Ireland if you want to make the most of, but wish to avoid the busiest part of the summer season. If you are flexible with your travel dates, it might be possible to save some expense as September is the shoulder season in Ireland. 

Availability of hotels and other types of accommodation can vary, so still book ahead to make sure you get exactly what you want. 

Whether it is your first time or your tenth time visiting Ireland, September is likely to be a good option to travel if you want a mix between indoor and outdoor attractions.

For some more travel tips about Ireland and when to travel, read our post here