WAS planning on driving around Ire for three weeks in September but we are NOT interested in crowds. Would like to have pre-reservations first and last night and Dublin and Belfast. The rest we would plan as we go a day or 2 in advance. The gathering seems like a turnoff that will draw crowds and make access to attractions hard and more expensive. Your thoughts?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
The Gathering is a year-long marketing campaign designed to increase Irish tourism. Gathering or no, September is a great time to go. It is shoulder season, not peak tourist season, and accomodations shouldn't be hard to get on the fly. Of course, there is no way to know how many tourists you might encounter, but it certainly wouldn't stop me from going. Since you think it seems like a turnoff, though, maybe you would be happier elsewhere.
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN, USA
154 posts
We will be traveling to Ireland in June and wondered about The Gathering also. Check this site: www.thegatheringireland.com/Gathering for information on dates and activities in the areas you are planning to visit. It seems that the activities are held in different areas of Ireland though out the year. We did not think The Gathering and the possibility of increased tourism would be a problem for our travel plans. So far, we have been able to book at B&B's without a problem. As the last poster mentioned September should be a great time for your visit to Ireland.
Barbara
Posted by
Raleigh, NC
21 posts
i spent a week in Ireland in september and there were not many large crowds. there was a redo of the gaelic football championship the sunday i was leaving so Saturday Dublin was packed. i guess that game is normally done in august but it ended in a tie so they had a rematch. depending on when you go to Dublin, they have a one night a year only culture night. the museums are open late, some sites that are pay to see are free and some places that are closed to the public are open. that brings in people from all over the country. (i enjoyed meeting the mayor and toured the mayor's house) i think the summer (june-august) has the largest crowds since schools are out and more people travel. september had a nice mix of decent weather and smaller crowds.