IRELAND IN SEPTEMBER – HERE’S WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Good weather, low travel prices, and smaller crowds. These are the things that make September such a great time to plan a vacation to Ireland. Temperatures range from highs of 13°C (55°F) to lows of 9°C (48°F), which is still very pleasant for outdoor activities. This time of year is ideal for long coastal hikes, deep city exploration, or for visiting some of the famous Irish sights. Rainfall is relatively low for fall, but if you get caught up in the rain there are endless cozy pubs to indulge in great food and drink.

With a distance of 6km and an ascent of 550 meters, the Maulin Mountain Loop in Crone Woods on the south of Glencree Valley is a short but strenuous climb. The hike can be tough for beginners, but the views are wonderfully rewarding. Follow the red signs from the car park, and stop to take in the Powerscourt Waterfall. The total time will be around 2-3 hours, but make sure you arrive early as the park closes at 4pm daily.

Enjoy an explosion of culture at the annual Fringe Festival in the capital. This is Ireland’s largest and most exhilarating multi-disciplinary arts event. There will be everything from music performances, theatre and dance to comedy acts. Artists on the roster include both local and international, and some of the events will be free to attend. Also taking place in the city this month is the Dublin Fashion Festival (which supports the Young Designer of the Year Awards) and the world-famous Oktoberfest.

You don’t need to go to a festival to experience a festival atmosphere. The city of Waterford is renowned for its lively pubs, and everywhere you go there will be traditional bands playing at any time of year. If the fall chill sets in, head indoors and warm up with a pint of the ‘black stuff’ instead. The Reg along The Mall is excellent for live music and a filling gastro-pub menu, whilst The Hub, Dooley’s Dry Dock Bar, and The Munster are also favorites amongst locals.

Head to the famous Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence. With the summer tourist crowd gone, September is the perfect month to explore Ireland’s most well-known sights. Or for a luxurious castle stay for a group vacation, book your trip to the 17th Century Ballinlough Castle in Co. Westmeath. It sleeps up to 16 people, and features its own private golf course. For larger parties, we recommend Lismore Castle, which can house 27 guests and is located less than an hour from Cork.

If gastronomy excites you, this is the best time of year to visit Ireland. For foodies, there are so many festivals and events to choose from. The most distinguished is perhaps Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, home to the freshest and juiciest oysters and seafood. It’s Ireland’s longest-running gourmet extravaganza, and it runs alongside the World Oyster Opening Championship.

Other food events not to miss in September are the Waterford Harvest Festival, A Taste of West Cork, Ennis Food Festival, and Dublin Veg Fest.