If you have decided to visit Ireland in autumn, you have chosen well. Not only is the Emerald Isle all awash with reds and golds, there’s also a great line-up of festivals to revel in.
And while Ireland is an all-year destination, summer months are high season. It is in autumn that you can have a piece of Ireland all to yourself as well as get the craic! Whether you have already booked your trip to Ireland and are looking for some tips, or are planning one, we’ve put together a handy list for you.
Wicklow Walking Festival
We’re starting with a walking festival. One which lets you take in the beautiful sights (and sounds) of ‘The garden of Ireland.’ If I were to describe Wicklow to you in a few words, it would be ‘heaven on a plate.’ It is stocked with breathtaking scenic beauty and has everything from woodlands, hills, and mountain trails. As someone who lives in Dublin, I have taken advantage of everything that Wicklow has to offer, no matter what the season. It’s absolutely stunning – in spring as well as in winter.
And that is why, the Wicklow Walking Festival is a great way to explore some of its beauty. The Festival is based in the Brockagh Resource Centre and you can choose a walk that takes you through the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Spread over approximately 90,000 hectares, the Park is an experience like no other.
Guinness Jazz Festival
From Wicklow, we take you straight to Cork – and your ride is our words! This is Ireland’s top jazz festival and will host over 1,000 musicians from 30 countries. The Guinness Jazz Festival is now in its 44th year. We would recommend that you buy your tickets; it’s taking place over the October Bank Holiday weekend from the 28th to 31st. Over the years, the festival has featured jazz legends from Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, BB King and Dizzy Gillespie to Ronnie Scott, George Melly, Cleo Laine, and Sonny Rollins. What’s the line up this year, you ask? All the details here for you to have a look.
Dublin Theatre Festival
If you have missed the Dublin Fringe Festival, or the Culture Night, don’t fret. There’s simply so much happening in Ireland in the coming weeks, that your itinerary will always be full. The Dublin Theatre Festival takes place from September 29th to October 16th, and it brings world-class theatre to Dublin. It also supports artists in creating outstanding work and provides a platform to showcase the best of Irish theatre to the world.
This festival will give you a unique opportunity to experience Dublin, its people and its stories. If you love exceptional theatrical experiences, view the 2022 programme guide here.
Bram Stoker Festival
Bram Stoker Festival celebrates the legacy of one of Ireland’s most beloved and iconic writers. It is now in its tenth year, and as you’d expect it draws inspiration from Stoker. His life, work, the Dublin of his time are reflected and the festival truly celebrates everything Gothic, supernatural, after-dark and Victorian.
The festival has over the years featured many outdoor spectacles and installations. What’s new this year? While more details will be released in early October, “a mesmerising, immersive light and sound experience” is promised. For the first time ever, “a spectacular vision of the Northern Lights in Dublin Castle’s Upper Courtyard” will be recreated. The festival takes place from Friday 28 October to Monday 31 October.
More spooking at The Púca Festival
We have written about this fascinating festival previously – find it here. But just as a reminder, we thought we would include a reminder to not miss this festival of “music, fire, feasting and merriment in Ireland’s Ancient East.”
Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival
Now this festival has a big claim to make. It is supposed to be “the oldest oyster festival in the world” and “the most internationally recognised Irish festival after St Patrick’s Day.” The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival was launched in September 1954 by Brian Collins, the manager of the Great Southern Hotel (now called Hotel Meyrick). Held on the very last weekend in September to celebrate Galway’s rich annual oyster harvest (in season from September – April), it has grown from its early days and offers a host of activities, events and of course, delicious food!
Intrigued? Find out more here.
We will keep you updated on what’s happening in Ireland in the coming months, so be certain to check our page and our stories!
