Visit Ireland in October 2019: Your ultimate guide

1. Weather in Ireland in October

The average daily temperature in Ireland in October might sound cool. But 14°C (57° Fahrenheit) doesn't tell the whole story. Weather in Ireland in October can be settled and warm. As October progresses, air temperatures become crisper and evenings darken.

Remember, weather in Ireland is changeable. You'll most probably be surprised by rain showers at some point. The upside? Lots of rainbows!

Packing for Ireland in October

Expect the unexpected! We recommend packing a mix of light layers and a weatherproof outer shell.

2. Things To Do in Ireland in October

Ireland in October is festival season. With low prices and off-peak crowds, you get the best of both worlds!

? Bram Stoker Festival

When? 25-28 October 2019

Where? Dublin

What? Explore Ireland's capital city and literary history through one its most famous authors; the creator of all-time classic Dracula.

? Dingle Food Festival

When? 4-6 October 2019

Where? Dingle

What? This charming Kerry town is a year-round foodie mecca but things get even tastier from early October.

? Wexford Festival Opera

When? 22 October - 3 November

Where? Wexford

What? This Viking town in Ireland's Ancient East plays annual host to an event awarded Best Festival at the 2017 International Opera Awards.

? Wicklow Walking Festival

When? 25 - 28 October

Where? Wicklow Mountain National Park

What? Just one hour from Dublin lies Ireland's largest National Park. Explore this spectacular and historic landscape with night hikes and other amazing events.

3. Woodland hikes and Cosy firesides

Autumnal colours. Dappled sunlight on freshly fallen leaves.

It's all yours when you visit Ireland in October. Don't miss a stroll in an Irish forest. Wander through beautiful native woodland at Killarney National Park, a stop on several Vagabond and Driftwood tours.

If you're lucky, you may encounter herds of native red deer in Killarney. Love trees? You can wander through stands of ancient oaks and some of Ireland's oldest yew trees.

The best thing about a hike? Getting home! There's nothing to beat the cozy feeling of a roaring fire after a taste of Ireland's wilderness - preferably with a hot spiced whiskey in your hand!

4. Harvest = Amazing Irish Food

Visit Ireland in October to find menus bursting with delicious produce from our pure oceans and rich soil.

October is game season

Try wild venison in a warming stew or as sausages with fluffy mashed potatoes. Freshly harvested vegetables, such as roast squash and carrots, offer autumnal colour to your meal.

Irish orchards overflow in October

Try savoury apple sauce with succulent roast pork. Or enjoy a bowl of steaming apple crumble (with cream, of course!) - one of life's simple pleasures. Make our recipe for apple crumble here.

Don't forget to taste Irish cider

Irish craft cider (alcoholic) and apple juice (non-alcoholic) has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. Keep your eyes peeled for Stonewell, Craigies and Highbank - three excellent craft cider labels.

5. Irish Halloween Traditions

America perfected Halloween. But it was ancient Celtic Ireland where the celebration first began.

? Did you know that the tradition of illuminated pumpkins developed from an Irish tradition of using turnips for the same purpose?

? Fireworks light up Irish skies on 31st October every year. Bonfires are also a common Halloween sight. Catch one of Ireland's biggest Halloween celebrations in Derry city.

? Make sure you try these traditional Irish Halloween foods:

• Colcannon - mashed potato with onion and kale or cabbage
• Bairn breac - moist home-baked fruit bread served with butter.

6. Get 10% Off Vagabond Tours in October 2019

You'll automatically receive 10% off the price of scheduled tours departing in October 2019.

Tickled your fancy?

Find out more about Vagabond and Driftwood Tours in October