Ireland in September: Why It Needs to Be On Your Bucket List

Our Ireland guided tours are especially enjoyable in the autumn thanks to the amazing weather, exciting festivals, and quiet landscapes in Ireland in September. Whether you’re crossing off the hallmark sites like the Cliffs of Moher and the Blarney Stone or taking your time to explore the smaller Irish villages like Rosses Point, there are plenty of reasons to visit Ireland in the shoulder season of September.  

Why September is the best time of the year to visit Ireland

If a tour of Ireland is on your travel bucket list, then early-autumn is the best time to visit. Ireland in September is nothing short of splendid thanks to a shoulder season that brings fewer crowds and mild temperatures. 

Visitors stroll at a slower pace compared to the summer months, though there is certainly excitement to be had with September annual events like the Dublin Fringe Festival and early harvest season festivities. 

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What is the weather like in Ireland in September?

The weather in Ireland in September is welcoming for travelers. Expect your experience on the Emerald Isle to be one of mostly little rain, lengthy hours of daylight, and just enough of a chill in the air to make a jacket, sweater, or lightweight coat comfortable. 

• Climate: Cool and dry
• Average rainfall: 100m (approximately 4 inches)
• Hours of daylight: Approximately 12-13 hours 

What is the average temperature in Ireland in September? 

Average temperatures in Ireland in September hover around 55℉ (12℃) with the mercury occasionally stretching into the low-60s or dropping to the low 50s. Anticipate — and pack for — a range of 10℃ to 17℃. 

No matter the weather, you’ll find Irish eyes smiling on our Enchanting Ireland tour. 

Planning a trip to Ireland in September

“What should I pack for a trip to Ireland in September?” 

We’ve heard this question countless times and believe that knowing what to pack is just as important as knowing what to leave home when visiting the Emerald Isle in September.

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Must-Haves:

• A warm cap or light scarf for late September strolls 
• A Type G power adapter 
• Cash Euros for shopping artisan markets or village shops 

Consider Packing:

• A swimsuit for wild swimming (or floating a hotel pool)
• A collapsible umbrella for the occasional rainy day

Leave At Home:

• Bulky rainjackets or heavy coats
• Flipflops or sandals

Don’t forget to pack your clan’s tartan if joining an Insight Vacations tour to Ireland and Scotland. 

What should I wear in Ireland in September? 

Knowing what to wear in Ireland in September isn’t difficult. Pack layers and you’ll be prepared for chilly days, sunny afternoons, and the occasional rainstorm. One look at the favorable weather forecast and you’ll realize why spending time outdoors is one of the best things to do in Ireland in September. Hiking Connemara National Park and whale watching in West Cork are popular activities, which is all the more reason why your luggage should include a few activewear items. 

What to wear in Ireland in September for outdoor activities:

• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, preferably waterproof or water resistant
• A breathable long-sleeved midlayer
• A poncho or lightweight rain jacket (especially if hiking or camping)
• An insulated jacket or heavy sweater 

For those that like a little exercise yet still want a low-impact experience that slow travel offers, guided tours are a great balance. City breaks in Dublin and Galway, combined with excursions out to Ireland’s gorgeous natural attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park provide an engaging mix of cultural education and accessible adventure. 

What to pack for a trip to in Ireland in September for guided tours:

• Closed-toed footwear with enough traction for strolling wet pavement or unpaved pathways
• A light jacket or sweater that’s easy to carry, just in case the temperatures drop day-to-day
• Clothing you’ll feel comfortable not only walking around in, but sitting on a tour bus in for extended periods

Excursions like our Focus on Ireland tour showcase the best of the Emerald Isle with horse-drawn carriage rides in Killarney, a stroll through the thatched cottages of Adare, and a stop to kiss the Blarney Stone.

Irish Celebrations in September

Irish celebrations are so much more than St. Patrick’s Day and Samhain. While March and October are wonderful times to visit, we love the unique celebrations and events in the shoulder season of September that offer a chance to celebrate Irish culture alongside more locals and fewer international crowds. 

Events in Ireland in September

Harvest season starts a bit earlier in September: the late-summer months actually start the harvest rituals. September ends harvest season, making it an ideal time to taste the bounty of the Emerald Isle. Harvest festivals spring up throughout the country, though the National Ploughing Championships is one of the most memorable.

This outdoor agricultural event combines a trade show with artisan crafts, food stalls, and hundreds of competitions you’ll only find in the countryside. Along with viewing the namesake competition, visitors can get their hands dirty, too, while taking part in workshops like learning how to shear sheep. 

Consider spending the weekend watching the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan after concluding our 10 day Scenic Ireland tour.

Dublin’s famous Temple Bar

Festivals in Ireland in September

Check out these festivals in Ireland during a September visit. 

Dublin Fringe Festival

Dublin Fringe Festival is a great alternative to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. More affordable tickets, fewer festivalgoers, and a generally more laidback atmosphere makes this multidisciplinary arts event simultaneously one of the most popular yet most accessible September festivals in Ireland. Dublin Fringe is a fantastic opportunity to see new and emerging artists from across Ireland make a statement on stage. 

Waterford Harvest Festival

The Waterford Harvest Festival is one of the best festivals in Ireland for visitors who want to engage with Irish culture in every way imaginable. Live music, free family-friendly entertainment, art workshops, produce markets, and a buffet of foodie experiences ranging from fine dining opportunities to traditional cooking demonstrations and tasting from local restaurants. 

Clifden Arts Festival

Galway’s Clifden Arts Festival is the longest-running community arts festival in Ireland. What began as a small celebration of children’s art evolved into an annual event showcasing visual, musical, and literary content through workshops, performances, and public art displays. 

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Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

Love in the air and the pubs during the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. Thousands of people descend upon Lisdoonvarna near the Cliffs of Moher for drinking, dancing, and the chance to meet their true love. Although the contemporary celebration is more of a community event than its 18th-century origins, there’s still one matchmaker left in Ennistymon who tries to pair new couples together in his pub. 

Dublin Theatre Festival

Closing out September and often running into October, the Dublin Theatre Festival brings both adult-oriented and family-friendly programming to venues throughout the city. Theatre, dance, and music, along with artist development programs and public discussion. Some events, such as interviews with the featured festival creatives, are free for the public to attend. 

Cork harbor at sunset

Sounds from a Safe Harbour

A relatively new festival in Cork, Sounds from a Safe Harbour brings dancing, art, music, and conversation to the city every other year. One of the curators is Cork-born actor Cillian Murphy. Like many Irish arts festivals, eclectic performances take place across the city including in diverse locations like the opera house and even on boats. 

Visit Cork, Dublin, and more on our Country Roads of Ireland tour.

Best places to visit in Ireland in September

People have called Ireland home since at least 12,500 B.C. With Irish monuments predating even the Pyramids of Giza, the country’s rich history is only rivaled by its stunning landscape. Falling in love with Ireland is the easy part; narrowing down the best places to even a single county feels impossible. However, many visitors consider these seven areas among the best places to visit in Ireland in September. 

Dublin

Ireland’s capital city is the first-stop for international visitors for many reasons. The pubs at Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, Irish Whiskey Museum, and Jameson Distillery wave in the crowds. This UNESCO City of Literature is Bram Stoker’s birthplace and has one of the most awe-inspiring libraries you’ll ever see in Trinity College. 

Phoenix Park deserves a special mention as one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital. Children laugh on the playground, cyclists zoom around Furry Glen, and wild fallow deer make the occasional appearance.  

Start and end our Irish Elegance tour in Dublin, leaving you plenty of time to explore the capital.

Belfast

Located in the country of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a British capital city just north of Dublin. Before embarking on a Game of Thrones filming locations tour, many visitors to Belfast in September find their way to the hallmark attractions like Titanic Quarter, the Ulster Museum, and the famous Black Taxi tours. The Belfast International Tattoo is one of September’s marquee events. 

Wild Atlantic Way

You can plan an entire Irish vacation without veering off of the 2600km (1600 mile) Wild Atlantic Way. This coastal route starts in County Donegal and ends in County Cork, crossing through Connemara National Park, the Ring of Kerry, the Bromore Cliffs, and Benwee Head. Surfing and foraging, castles and churches, museums, gardens, prehistoric sites and more await on one of the world’s longest defined coastal routes. 

Learn more: Discovering the Best of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Walking along the hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway is one of the unforgettable experiences in Ireland every visitor should add to their itinerary. It’s free to walk these stones any time of the year, though September is an ideal month as there are fewer visitors taking the hourly guided tours. The Causeway Coast Marathon Walk takes place in September near the stones, offering a chance to sightsee while tackling an international marathon or half-marathon.  

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a section of Ireland so spectacular that it’s just as enjoyable to explore over the course of a weekend as it is pleasant to drive in an afternoon. Connecting towns like Killarney, Killorglin, and Kenmare, This route features one of the only three Gold Tier International Park Sky Reserves in the world, though if you’d rather stick to daylight driving, the Iveragh Peninsula will grant you views of St. Finian’s Bay, Torc Waterfall, and the Gap of Dunloe.

Mourne Mountains

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark, the Mourne Mountains is an exceptional edge of Northern Ireland that many visitors bypass. Get lost in wonder hiking through the hills and the Silent Valley or lose track of time dancing and dining at the Eats and Beats Festival in nearby Newcastle. 

Cliffs of Moher

Regularly regarded as one of the best places to visit in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher on the west Clare coast are the most famous cliffs in the country. They stretch roughly 8km and scrape 214m at their highest point. The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see for all visitors to Ireland in September, whether you’re scouting filming locations from Harry Potter or trying to spot the 20 different bird species flying overhead. 

Killarney National Park

Tranquility spreads through Killarney National Park in September as the summer jetsetters begin flocking home. Explore 10,000 hectares however you prefer, be it on horseback, on foot, or on the Lakes of Killarney with a paddle in hand. Heritage sites like Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey deserve your camera’s attention, but it’s the sighting of indigenous red deer that’ll truly leave you captivated.  

Considering a springtime visit, instead? Read our guide to visiting Ireland in May and consider adding a trip across the Irish Sea to your itinerary on our Best of Ireland & Scotland tour.