Autumn in Ireland: the season comes with brilliant color and subtle change, bright days and dark ones, and (it is Ireland, after all) often with rain, wind, and unsettled weather.
There are places and times brilliant with changing colors of foliage.
There are places and times all across the island of Ireland in autumn where color changes are present, but show themselves in more subtle ways.
There may be crisp, clear days.
There will be mist, rain, fog, sometimes ice, almost always wind, too.
There are the gifts of Ireland’s autumn harvests to be prepared, enjoyed, and shared.
In these times, many of the classic festivals found in Ireland in autumn will take on different forms.
There is, however sure to be some celebration of Hallowe’en, and following that All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
Ireland in autumn is a season inviting reflection, connection, myth, legend, story, and music.
Gathering by the fireside with a pint pr a cup of tea, with friend or on one’s own, in kitchen or in pub, is part of autumn in Ireland, too.
Should you explore autumn in Ireland in person just now?
You will need to consider your own situations and your view of risk — and also how you feel about that unsettled weather.
Here are ideas and images to help you dream of Ireland in autumn, explore Ireland in autumn from a distance, and thoughts on travel to Ireland this autumn.
Can you travel to Ireland? Should you travel to Ireland? What about travel within Ireland? What about the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom?
Each of those situations has many moving and changing parts, which may well have changed between when I write this and when you read it. To address each briefly:
Can you travel to Ireland? Maybe. What’s required of you differs depending on the origin of your trip. Things are changing indeed. At the moment, airports and ports remain open, and indeed Tourism Ireland would love to have you back.
…and after watching that video, how could you not make a plan to go? As is noted though, restrictions may apply.
The best place to find travel guidance for the Republic
The best place to find travel guidance for Northern Ireland
At this writing, the Common Travel Area or CTA ( Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, England, Isle of Man, Channel Islands), is still open to the Republic, though you may find more questions at times.
For Northern Ireland. the situation is a bit different (it is a different country). At this writing you are able to cross the border for, for example, a day trip. Longer stays may require additional actions.
The Republic of Ireland has what’s called the Green List, which are those countries whose residents are not required to quarantine when arriving to the state.
Then there is everywhere else — generally, for a point of reference, these are countries which have higher rates of infection and transmission of the virus than Ireland does.
Generally, Northern Ireland aligns with these restrictions, though this also is subject to change.
If you should be required to quarantine, what does quarantine mean? Basically, traveling straight to where you will be staying and not going out except for essential needs. There’s more, but I will add that if you are required to quarantine you must observe these conditions for your own safety, and our of respect for the safety of everyone you encounter. Also, be aware that people who live locally in the Republic and Northern Ireland are under their own restrictions about travel and visiting.
Should you travel to Ireland? Consider why and where you are going, is my advice on that point.
The reason comes down to respect.
Travel by its nature brings you into contact with many different people. Do good research on your own situation and plans, and think long about what you learn.
The autumn colors, the ancient sites, the historic places, the dramatic coast roads,. and the warm hospitality of welcome will be there. Ireland is a country of long stories, after all.
I’d add that if you’ve not yet been to Ireland, autumn may not be your best time for a first trip. If past visits have been in summer, you may want to consider differences that autumn brings.
Short days, cold nights, changing weather, and many places closed or closing early, help make it perhaps not the best season for your very first trip to Ireland. Consider how all that may impact what you dream of doing and seeing when you visit.
Dream on the material about autumn in this piece, and consider what would suit you best..
If you live in Ireland, you’ll know that one the one hand, people are being encouraged to take their holidays by exploring places on the island, in part to help those businesses which are open make up for the lost income from overseas tourism. On the other hand there is still some advice to limit travel.
This may be your time to explore subtle colours of Ireland in autumn, especially outdoors in Ireland’s local, regional and national parks. Exploring the night sky can work, too.
If you are traveling from outwith Ireland that could be a suggestion for you to follow as well. Things (such as pubs, attractions, restaurants, accommodations in smaller towns) usually begin closing down seasonally in Ireland this time of year in any case. Expect changing health situations to have had an impact, as well.
At this writing the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is open. Continuing developments in the politics at Westminster have unsettled parts of the Brexit agreement that were settled. That’s worth several stories on its own. Pay attention health and political news if you plan cross border travel.
After all that, here’s a look at Ireland in autumn, along with a few dogs having fun and a lively tune. May they encourage your dreams for travel when the time is right for you to do so.
Ireland in autumn has its own beauty and welcome. If you are up for a quieter season of the island, short days and at least several bouts of cold, rain, and wind, it could be your time. Remember, too, that if this is not the right time for you to travel, seasons turn. You time for Ireland will come.
Enjoy these windows into Ireland in autumn. Dream now, travel when the time is right for you.
Photograph of autumn leaves in Rostrevor by Albert Bridge.
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