Ireland in October: Travel Tips for the Fall
October is a great time to visit Ireland. The winter cold has not yet set in and the colors of autumn are at their most vibrant. Besides mild weather conditions, days are also relatively longer during this time, offering you plenty of time to see local attractions. Explore the world-class museums and art galleries in Dublin; take a road trip on the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way; or explore the 15th century Blarney Castle. Sightseeing tours to Ireland in October are absolutely amazing. For this, you can head out to the cities like Cork and Galway.
- Peter Sam
Ireland Weather in October
Ireland’s weather in October can be best described as mild by the country’s standards. The average high temperature in Dublin is 14°C while the lows hover at around 8°C. There are chances of rainfall, especially in the west and coastal areas. But do take heart because you will find plenty of bright, sunny days to enjoy your holiday amid the colors of fall. The country’s average daylight hour in October is slightly more than ten hours. There is just one caveat: water temperatures off the Irish coast are uncomfortably cold, so swimming is best avoided.
For a seasonal overview of Ireland, check our guide on the best time to visit Ireland.
Weather in Ireland in October - 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 |
| Sep | Oct | Nov | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 17 | 13 | 10 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 63 | 56 | 50 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 50 | 47 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 80 | 60 |
Why Visit Ireland in October
In addition to mild weather conditions, alluring fall colors and tons of sightseeing opportunities, there are many other reasons to plan a holiday in Ireland in October. We have listed a few of them below.
- Events and festivals: Several popular events and festivals are held in October in Ireland. Among them are the Cork Folk Festival, which features everything from music and dance to pub crawls and workshops; Dublin Theater Festival, an important event showcasing plays in venues across the city; Wicklow Walking Festival, which offers an opportunity to discover the lovely paths and trails in Irish mountains; and the Guinness Jazz Festival in Cork, one of Ireland’s finest jazz events.
- Urban exploration: Mild weather conditions make October a great time to explore Dublin. The city is home to plenty of cathedrals, castles, museums, art galleries and parks.
- Road trip: Days are long enough in October to enjoy an Irish road trip. Top choices include driving along Copper Coast and Hook Peninsula.
- Good deals: October is the shoulder season in Ireland. The peak summer rush is long over, which means you will get excellent deals on hotels and airfare.
- Fewer people: As the peak tourist season in Ireland is over by September, you can explore the country’s top attractions at your own pace, without having to worry about crowds.
Where to go and what to do
October is a beautiful month to explore the outdoors and cities of Ireland. Go on a fun trip to Dublin Zoo, which has a menagerie of more than 400 exotic and endangered birds and animals, or explore the beautiful Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, which is filled with lovely artifacts and hosts Ireland’s oldest choir. You can also visit the National Gallery of Ireland to admire the superb Irish and European artwork, take a guided tour of the Book of Kells at the library in the historic Trinity College, or plan a visit to Guinness Storehouse to learn about the 250-year-old history of the famous brand.
Other must-visit cities in Ireland are Cork, famous for its revitalized waterfront and narrow streets lined with excellent pubs and restaurants, and Galway, where you can explore the magnificent Saint Nicholas’s Church, cruise along the River Corrib and enjoy live music and street theater at colorful pubs and cafés.
October is also the perfect time to visit Ireland’s iconic castles. Top choices include the Rock of Cashel, known for its fascinating collection of medieval architecture and Celtic art; and Malahide Castle, which has beautiful rooms like the Gothic Great Hall and gorgeous period furniture.
Also, do not let the possibility of sudden showers stop you from visiting the spectacular Killarney National Park, popular for its sparkling lakes and hiking trails. The Muckross House, a magnificent 19th-century mansion, is also located here, and so is a tour to Torc Waterfall.
For a historical detour, head to Boyne Palace in County Meath, known for the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth. These remarkable tombs are older than the Pyramids of Giza. Check out our history tours to Ireland.
What to bring
October often sees more rain than any other month in Ireland. Make sure that you carry a raincoat and a sturdy pair of waterproof shoes. A warm jacket for cold evenings should also be on your packing list.
Traveling to Ireland in October allows you to combine the benefits of the summer season (long days and accessibility outdoors) with the advantages of winter (thin crowds and good discounts). Overall, this month is a win-win situation for travelers.
If you are still unsure what to do and where to visit in Ireland, our travel specialists in the country are more than happy to help you plan your itinerary. Feel free to reach out to them if you are interested in a customized tour in Ireland.
Have a look at our tours to Ireland in October.
