Ireland in November: A Chilly Welcome
For holidaymakers looking for a pocket-friendly trip to Ireland, November offers a great bargain. Yes, temperatures could plunge to a single digit during this time, but it is a fair trade-off, given hotels and travel fares are a lot cheaper. And the fact that the country’s popular attractions draw fewer tourists is definitely a plus. Would it not be nice to explore this enchanting land and its culture without distraction?
Stroll through the streets of Dublin immortalized by James Joyces, discover the charm of cities like Cork and Galway, or explore the stunning Killarney National Park. You could also include a tour of museums and castles in your itinerary if you are interested in learning Irish history and culture. Then there is also a bevy of festivals that celebrate the arts, culture, and food of Ireland. November may be the off-peak season in Ireland, but that does not mean you will not enjoy your holiday. If anything, you will get more out of their trip.
Nonetheless, the entire calendar is available to plan your trip to Ireland.
- Peter Sam
Ireland Weather in November
November is the first winter month in Ireland and the weather during this time is characterized by cold gray days that become shorter as the month progresses. You will still get a reasonable amount of daylight, which will allow you to pack your days with a lot of activities. The average temperature in Ireland in November ranges from 4°C to 10°C. In capital Dublin, the mercury hovers between the minimum of 6°C to the maximum of 11°C. Rainfall is also fairly common during this time, so pack your luggage accordingly.
Check out our seasonal overview on the best time to visit Ireland for more details.
Weather in Ireland in November - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 8 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 45 | 45 | 50 | 52 | 59 | 63 | 67 | 67 | 63 | 56 | 50 | 47 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 38 | 38 | 40 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 47 | 41 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 60 | 70 | 50 | 50 | 70 | 50 | 80 | 60 | 80 | 60 | 80 |
| Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 13 | 10 | 8 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 56 | 50 | 47 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 41 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 80 | 60 | 80 |
Why Visit Ireland in November
If you do not mind the winter season, there are plenty of good reasons to visit Ireland in November. Below are some of our picks.
- Low tourist footfall: The tourist season in Ireland is over by the end of October. This means you can explore the country’s highlights at your own pace and without having to contend with other travelers.
- Good bargains: Get good deals on accommodation and travel fares this month. With the end of the tourist season, many top hotels and resorts slash their rates. This makes it certainly easier on the wallets of travelers.
- Explore Irish culture: November is a great time to learn about Irish arts, history, and culture. The country is home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural attractions. Take a tour of the Dublin Writers Museum and the National Museum of Ireland. You might also want to stop by the Irish Whiskey Museum, Guinness Storehouse, or the Little Museum of Dublin for a fun-filled day.
- Festival season: November also sees some great events and festivals that celebrate Irish arts, traditional music, humor, and cuisine. The top of the lot includes the TULCA Festival of Visual Arts in Galway, Ennis Trad Festival, Comedy Festival in Munster, Jonathan Swift Festival, and the Taste of Dublin.
Where to go and what to do
November offers an excellent opportunity to explore Irish history, arts, and culture, and a Dublin visit is a way to start off. The capital city is home to many museums, art galleries, and castles. You might want to add EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which traces the movement of millions of Irish people who left their homes in search of a better life, to your itinerary if you are heading for Ireland in November. A visit to the Old Library and the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin is also considered a must for visitors. Head for the Dublin Zoo, home to more than 400 exotic and endangered animal species, or tour the beautiful Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, which is filled with wonderful artifacts and is famous for hosting Ireland’s oldest choir.
Popular for its coastal villages, countryside, and food culture, Cork is another must-see destination in Ireland. You could also plan a trip to Galway, the festival capital of Ireland famous for its live music, street theater, pubs, and cafés. The city is also known for the magnificent Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Ireland’s largest medieval parish church. While in the city, make sure that you enjoy a boat tour of the River Corrib. Ireland is also home to many castles and they look particularly spectacular in November. While Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s biggest attractions, there are several other less-known gems you could explore, such as the Rock of Cashel and Malahide Castle.
And winter weather conditions do not mean that Ireland’s outdoor locations cannot be accessed either. All you need is some clothing items to keep you warm and dry and you will be ready for the great Irish outdoors. The incredible 180-km-long Ring of Kerry, a wonderland that includes the lovely Killarney National Park, the charming town of Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe (a spectacle carved in a glacier) are some of the highlights that could be part of your trip to Ireland in November. Another superb outdoor experience could be a drive through the Wild Atlantic Way in southwestern Ireland, a region famous for its craggy cliffs, empty bays, and tempestuous coastline.
What to bring
November is a cold month in Ireland and rain is not uncommon. So you will need a warm jacket and two pairs of waterproof walking shoes if you are planning to explore Ireland’s natural and urban wonders.
Though Ireland’s weather is cold and wet in November, the country still offers plenty of exciting experiences and activities for visitors. If you are unsure about how long to stay in the country, check out our travel guide on how many days you should spend in Ireland. Spending at least a week in the country would give you chance to experience all the must-see highlights. If you want a more in-depth tour, you could opt for a 10-day itinerary. Likewise, if you have a limited number of days, you could opt for a 5-day trip which would give you a brief yet a good glimpse of the country. Since it is part of the off-peak season, you can enjoy deals on hotels and airfare as well as discover popular holiday destinations at your own pace. Also, reach out to our local travel experts to design your own tailormade trip to Ireland
So, wait no longer to plan your trip to Ireland in November.
