8 Reasons to Visit Ireland this Fall

Thinking about an autumnal adventure or Thanksgiving trip this year? Well, with lively cities, an extravaganza of festivals and the BEST Halloween celebrations around, the island of Ireland is calling! And if you need more reasons to Press the Green Button and go, these might just seal the deal …

Cathedral Quarter, Belfast © Tourism Ireland

1)     Bright Lights, Big Cities

Ireland’s cities are perfect for fun breaks — the locals are friendly and the bars are hopping. Catch a live gig in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and see why the city has become a UNESCO City of Music. Then, sample the revelry in Temple Bar and you’ll get why Lonely Planet called Dublin a Top City to visit in 2022.

Gin distillery tour, County Down © Tourism Ireland

2)  Foodie Treats

Fall is harvest season, meaning Ireland’s local ingredients are EXTRA tasty. Pick your own apples on an orchard tour in Armagh, shuck down oysters fresh from the wild Atlantic Ocean, then wash it all down with a craft beer or gin on one of the island’s many distillery tours. Delicious!

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork © Tourism Ireland

3)     Buzzing Festivals

Some of Ireland’s best festivals take place this time of year, from the Belfast International Arts Festival and the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival to the Dingle Food Festival! Whichever event you go for, you’ll find like-minded souls.

Kilkea Castle, County Kildare © Tourism Ireland

4)     Epic Castle Stays

Dotted all over the island, Ireland’s luxury castles are straight out of a Disney fairytale. Take Kilkea Castle in Kildare, a timeless gem complete with a golf course, spa and a mystical 12th-century charm you won’t find anywhere else. Go on, treat yourself to a little slice of heaven.

Traditional music session, Galway © Tourism Ireland

5)     Lively Pubs

Warning: Once entered, Irish pubs can be extremely hard to leave! Why? When the drinks are flowing, the traditional music band is in full swing and a local yarn is being told, you’ll want to stay all night. Order an Irish coffee or hot whiskey and enjoy …

Púca Festival, County Meath © Tourism Ireland

6)     Halloween Celebrations

Nowhere celebrates spooky season quite like Ireland! That’s because it all began here with the ancient Celts some 3,000 years ago and the parties have gotten bigger and better ever since. Scare yourself silly at Derry Halloween in the Walled City or mingle with ghouls, ghosts and terrifying creatures from Irish folklore at Púca Festival in the Boyne Valley. A frighteningly good time is guaranteed.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare © Tourism Ireland

7)     The Great Outdoors

Mild weather, crisp air and an explosion of colorful leaves make fall an amazing time to explore Ireland. From mighty sea cliffs such as the Cliffs of Moher to the stunning Glens of Antrim, prepare to be awestruck by the wondrous beauty all around you. Great outdoors, indeed!

Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim © Tourism Ireland

8)     Only in Ireland

Enjoy our famously warm welcome. See star attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway and Glendalough. Visit filming locations from Star Wars and Game of Thrones®. These are unique experiences you can’t get anywhere else. It’s time to Press the Green Button and visit the island of Ireland!

Plan your fall vacation at Ireland.com.