Only time I can visit Ireland is Oct. 23-Nov. 3rd or so....
Question: We were considering staying in Dingle for 3 nights from the 27th thru 29th, But I worry that the weather may not be hospitable then, and that places may be closed. Should I limit the visit to just one or two nights? Opinions very much welcomed. Thanks!
We'll be coming from Kinsale and on the way up to Galway afterward
I would stay in Dingle for as long as possible regardless of the weather!!!! We were on the Dingle Peninsula for three weeks mid September to early October and we had all kinds of weather....sometimes all in the same day but it is still the most beautiful place we have visited in all of our 20 years of travel!
Suggest you look up the city in Wikipedia and see the weather history including average high and low temperatures, average precipitation and days with precipitation.
Weather that time of the year may be iffy. We just returned from Ireland last month and found Ireland to be pretty quiet in the southwest. Our weather was pretty rainy too.
The weather isn't going to change much between Dingle, Kinsale and Galway, so where you spend your time will strictly be a matter of personal preference. Adding that 3rd day in Dingle would at least give you a bit of latitude if the rain does move in - better chance of having one sunny day to explore Slea Head Drive and the countryside in general.
Note too that you'll be dealing with shorter days by that time of year. Ireland goes off daylight savings at the end of October which may make the days seem even shorter, with sunset being around 4 PM as I recall so getting an early start every day should be a priority.
The best solution for those rainy days when the sun sets early will be a cool pint sitting next to a warming peat fire at a convivial pub (as the Irish discovered long ago).
We love to go in September and October and rarely have had a day ruined fully by weather. Often it's a mix. Dingle is fantastic and well worth 2-3 days. There is plenty to do that time of year. Sadly the trips out to the Blaskets will be pretty much done then but there might be a slim chance that late in October you might be able to get a ride out there. If you get a beautiful day it is totally worth it. I'd contact the Dingle Visitors Center and ask for Billy 's boat service.....he owns property out on the blaskets, gives spectacular tours and goes out there often.....he might be going or know who would if anyone is. Great guy !
Don't worry it's a great place rain or shine. One of our favorite Slea Head days was slashing rain with wind gusts up to 40-50 mph. We were virtually alone and the seas were insane......So beautiful. Even on that very stormy day the scenery was haunting and spectacular. Have a GREAT time and follow that excellent advice on the convivial pub !
Thanks, everyone! I guess I got a bit discouraged when the first place I contacted for a room said they were closed for the season in mid-October.
