Ireland in September or October

We went to Ireland in mid-October 2013. The weather was consistently around 50 degrees. It rained here and there. It was really pretty good overall.

We did 9 days/8 nights, so we did two nights in each of the following places: Dublin, Kilkenny, Dingle, and Galway. We had stops scheduled in between each driving session (Powerscourt and Glendalough between Dublin and Kilkenny; Rock of Cashel between Kilkenny and Dingle; and the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren between Dingle and Galway). For Dublin, we arrived around 7 am on the first day, so we truly had two full days there before we moved on. I would say you want two full days there.

For me personally (and I think many others would agree), Dingle was the highlight of the trip (and that's not to say we disliked our other stops). It really depends on what you want to do with your time. I would not, however, stay the whole time in Dublin - get out and see the island!

Miguel, we were there in mid September a couple of years ago. As Steve said, Dingle was the highlight for us, and I mean the Dingle Peninsula in general, not just Dingle town. We paid a guide for a half day to drive us around Slea Head and it was money well spent, really frees you to enjoy the sights without the concern of driving there. Of course, to see Ireland, a car is really a necessity, sometimes nice to get out of it though.

The weather then was spectacular, we had perhaps 3-4 hours of real rain in the seven nights were there, I suspect October is similar, but the days get shorter accordingly, potentially limiting sightseeing time.

Focus on two or three areas and plan to go back! My strategy for our next trip there will be-again-to stay 2-3 nights minimum at each lodging chosen, and do day trips from those locations. I think Dublin deserves two nights, given the seven night total. My suggestion would be going across to the west for Doolin and the Cliffs, then down to the Dingle area.

The weather during our 2012 trip to Ireland (September 19 to October 4) was quite good. We had maybe three days of rain (not consecutive) and lots of blue skies and sunshine. The temps were mostly in the upper 50s. I never needed anything heavier than a fleece lined sweatshirt. We arrived in Dublin late in the day and spent the next two full days seeing the sights--Trinity College walking tour, Book of Kells, St. Stephen's Green, Guinness Storehouse, Museum of Archaeology, Killmainham Gael and a musical pub crawl. There was plenty of time for everything, plus down time at a few pubs. (One piece of advice--DON'T drive in the city.) We thought the New Grange/Knowth site was definitely worth seeing--north of Dublin but not a terribly long drive. And I agree with the other posters that Dingle should not be missed. We spent two nights there and were able to take a leisurely drive around the Slea Head peninsula--our most memorable day in Ireland. Spending several days in Galway would also give you a number of options--Connamara National Park to the north and the Burren and Cliffs of Mohr to the south. There are so many wonderful places to visit. With your time frame it might be best to pick no more than three areas and save the rest for your next trip!

Suggest you fly into Dublin, spend two nights there, then rent a car and head west and fly out of Shannon. No need to fly into and out of Dublin. Agree with others, Dingle is a not to be missed place. We had a couple of days of some rain end of October and once in September barely any rain, it is Ireland after all so do expect some rain. Either month should be okay but end of October the times change so it gets dark earlier. Enjoy.

a few years back we spent 2.5 weeks in Ireland, lots of cool damp days........I advise something truly water proof w hood and a couple of optional layers under Neath. I might even have had a pair of very cheap gloves shoved into a pocket. be advised that as of October 1, a lot of tourist sites shorten their hours. we had a lovely trip, tho, as the crowds had thinned.

Miguel,

I'd also suggest travel about mid-September as the weather should still be reasonably good (but no guarantees). With only a very short 8 days / 7 nights, two nights is probably the maximum to spend in Dublin as there is so much more to see. Plan your touring well there, so that you don't waste any time!

Another vote for Dingle! I toured all around the Island (north and south) and that was my favourite spot - beautiful small town right on the ocean, easily walkable, lots of Pubs and local music.

Thanks everybody, we are going in early September, flights/car are reserved, and now researching B&Bs and other things!