Western Ireland late October- too late?

Posted by David (Atlanta, GA, USA) on 08/10/15 04:21 PM

Hey gang-

My wife and I are considering a short trip to Western Ireland in mid-to-late October (hoping to include our anniversary which is October 21st). We'd be flying in and out of Shannon and would have 6 days/5 nights- perhaps one in Kenmare on arrival day to position us for Ring of Kerry, then two more nights each in Dingle and Doolin.

I realize we're pushing the edge of "shoulder season", but would this be just too late? Would the area pubs still have nightly Trad music sessions? We know Irish weather can be variable almost any time of year, but would this just be too late weather wise?

Any experience or insights much appreciated!

Dave

Posted by Steve

Massachusetts

08/10/15 04:32 PM

404 posts

My wife and I traveled to Ireland from October 12-20 two years ago. As far as western Ireland, we stayed two nights in Dingle and two in Galway. I thought there was still plenty to do, plenty of things open. For music in Dingle, we were told that there was definitely less than in, say, August. But there were probably 2-3 pubs each night with live music. Our weather was actually quite favorable - probably mid to low 50s everyday, and it only rained a few times.

Posted by Mary

Sunnyside, New York, United States

08/10/15 06:10 PM

439 posts

My husband and I were in Ireland for a wedding last year, Oct 20 - Nov 7. We did go to Belmullet, Mayo and Galway City for 2 nights each. When the sun shined, it was beautiful. When it rained, it poured. The 2 days in Galway, where the worst. It took us a long time to get back to his home in Carlow from Galway.

If you go at that time, be prepared with a rain jacket with a hood, waterproof shoes. Umbrella was almost pointless. I wore a baseball hat under the hood, this worked for me, kept some of the rain off of my face.

Some of the sights start to close early at that time. As of Nov 1, some were closed all together.

Thanks,

Mary

Posted by David OP

Atlanta, GA, USA

08/10/15 08:15 PM

33 posts

Thank you Mary and Steve-

Sounds like we will indeed be counting on a wee bit 'o luck if we do this trip that week! ;)

But little things keep telling us we should go....by chance in the car yesterday we tuned in NPR just in time to hear an amazing interview with the late Irish poet John O'Donohue. To listen to him speak about his life growing up in The Burren gave us chills! And this just a few days after we started discussing this trip.

Well the good news is it sounds like we shouldn't have trouble finding lodging!

And Mary please give our regards to your husband and the fine city of Carlow. Some years ago my wife and I chartered a canal boat in Rathangan and we overnighted in Carlow on our journey of the Grand Canal and River Barrow. Very fond memories!

Dave