20 Things to Do in Ireland in September: Festivals, Scenic Drives and Hidden Gems

Updated August 2026–September is one of the best times to visit Ireland, offering mild weather, fewer crowds, and a packed calendar of festivals.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland in September, you can expect a mix of late-summer scenery and early autumn vibes, making it an ideal time for road trips, hiking, and city breaks.

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Here is a list of 20 things to do in Ireland in September that are worth checking out.

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  1. The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Sept. 1st – 30th

  This iconic matchmaking event has been a tradition in the small town of Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, for at least 150 years, and today, it draws at least 40,000 people looking for love or maybe just a bit of Irish “craic.”

  Back in the day, it was difficult for farmers to meet the right woman and so a local matchmaker decided to step in and create an opportunity for them.

  

  Willie Daly is the town’s resident third-generation matchmaker following in the steps of his father and grandfather.

  You’ll find him making suitable matches in the town’s Matchmaker Bar.

  The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is considered Europe’s largest singles event, with music in all the local pubs every weekend during the month.

  2. The Clifden Community Arts Festival, Sept. 17th – 27th

  If you’re looking for an excuse to explore the beautiful Connemara region of County Galway when visiting Ireland in September, why not check out this enjoyable community arts festival that takes place in Clifden, the most westerly part of the county from Sept. 17^th through the 27th.

  

  Now in its 49^th year, the festival includes a great selection of events that cover theater, dance, poetry, music, and art.

  This year’s schedule of events includes a number of exhibitions of handmade prints, paintings, ceramics, photographs, and glassworks, as well as film showings, visual arts performances, festival bus tours, and so much more.

  Be prepared to experience a high-quality artistic program that will be taking place throughout the town.

  3. Walk the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail in County Fermanagh

  Also known as “The Stairway to Heaven,” this invigorating 4-mile/6-km trek in County Fermanagh is the perfect adventure to take in September when the days are still long and the weather is mild.

  

  The walking route will take you first through a beautiful limestone landscape and then you’ll notice the environment changing to a blanket bog, with the Cuilcagh Mountains in the distance.

  You’ll be walking on a gravel path for the first 3 miles or so and then on a boardwalk in the latter stages.

  Be prepared for the steep climb over a series of steps that leads to a viewing platform and fabulous views of the surrounding countryside.

  Read More: Exploring the Dingle Peninsula Without the Funny-Loving Dolphin Fungie

  4. The Armagh Food and Cider Weekend, Sept. 3rd – 6th

  One of the highlights of visiting Ireland in September, especially if you’re heading to Northern Ireland, is the Armagh Food & Cider Weekend.

  Held each year in the “Orchard County,” this festival celebrates the region’s apple-growing heritage with a mix of food experiences, orchard events, and tastings.

  

  But it’s not just about apples and cider. There’s also a range of food-related events to enjoy over what promises to be a fun weekend.

  Rather than being a single event, the festival is a collection of smaller, bookable experiences. You might find yourself enjoying a cider tasting masterclass, sitting down to a multi-course dinner paired with local ciders, or taking part in a hands-on cookery class.

  There are also creative and cultural events, everything from storytelling and writing sessions to relaxed orchard gatherings that bring together local producers and visitors.

  5. Galway International Oyster Festival, Sept. 25th – 27^th

  Seafood is the central focus of this popular event, but you don’t have to be an oyster lover to enjoy the Galway International Oyster Festival.

  

  The main event is the National Oyster Opening Championship, which takes place on opening night.

  That’s when competitors vie for the chance to win the Irish Oyster Opening Cup by becoming the fastest person to open 30 oysters and present them to the judges.

  The winner qualifies for a spot in the world competition, which takes place the next day.

  

  The Mardi Gras Gala is another popular highlight of the festival, as is the free Féile Bia Na Mara bash, where you can enjoy cooking demos, live music, and free tastings.

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  6. Waterford Harvest Festival, Sept. 4th – 6th

  Local food is at the heart of the Waterford Harvest Festival, including the traditional Waterford blaas, an authentic Irish roll recipe that is unique to this part of Ireland.

  

  But there’s a lot more on offer at this fun food festival, including cooking demos, harvest suppers, as well as music events.

  Highlights for this year include the Tasteful Walking Tour, which highlights the cafés, family-run hotels and gastro bars in the city’s Quayside, historic Viking Triangle, the newly restored Cultural Quarter, as well as the Apple Market, the Harvest Tea Cruise on the River Suir, foraging at Mount Congreve Gardens, and much more.

  Be sure to check out this lively event if you are visiting Ireland in September.

  Read More: Fall Foliage in Ireland: 10 Places to Enjoy the Autumn Colors

  7. Dublin Fringe Festival, Sept. 5th – 20th

  The Dublin Fringe Festival attracts up to 30,000 people each year and this year, over 400 artists are set to entertain audiences for 16 days in various venues across Dublin, including entertainment in the form of dance, theater, live art, visual art, and music.

  

  What makes this festival particularly exciting is its focus on bold, contemporary work, everything from immersive installations and experimental theatre to high-energy dance performances and late-night shows.

  Events take place in traditional theaters, but also in other spaces across Dublin, creating a vibrant, city-wide atmosphere. The festival also has a strong reputation for showcasing emerging talent, giving visitors the chance to experience innovative performances before they reach larger stages.

  This is one of Dublin’s most dynamic cultural events that you can experience during a visit to Ireland in September.

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  8. Inishbofin Bi Bó Finne Festival, mid-September (date to be confirmed) & Inishbofin Set Dancing and Trad Weekend (Sept. 25th-27th)

  Inishbofin isn’t as familiar to visitors as its neighbor, the Aran Islands, but it is just as beautiful and in September, it is hosting two festivals.

  

  The annual Bia Bó Finne Food Festival is a chance for islanders to promote all things local, with a special focus on traditional food, arts, and crafts.

  

  The festival usually kicks off with a grand opening in the island’s community center. The highlight is a cookery demonstration from skilled chefs, showcasing local delicacies.

  A food and wine reception is also part of the 3-day celebration, where the spotlight is expected to be on slow-cooked Bofin lamb. A wine tasting masterclass is also available at the Beach Bar.

  Last year, the festival took place between Sept. 19th and 21st.

  Later in the month (from Sept. 25th-27th), you can enjoy the Inishbofin Set Dancing and Trad Weekend.

  This year’s festival includes set dancing and sean nós workshops for beginners, as well as energetic céilís for both beginners and advanced dancers.

  With sessions in every venue across the island, the weekend offers something for everyone.

  9. Take a Hike and See Some Awesome Scenery from The Caves of Kesh/Keash

  A visit to Ireland in September is still an opportune time for hiking and this hike, in particular, is well worth the effort.

  Archaeologists say that the Caves of Kesh in County Sligo are older than the Egyptian pyramids based on research that was conducted in the early 20^th century when animal bones were found dating from the Ice Age.

  

  The caves overlook the village of Keash, not far from the town of Ballymote.

  If you want to explore this area on your own, you can park your car at the bottom and then make your way up to the caves, some of which are pretty deep.

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  Good footwear is essential, as the path can be slippery, and care is needed when entering the caves themselves. For those comfortable with a bit of a climb, however, this is a unique and memorable stop that combines history, legend, and some of the best views in the area, all completely free to visit.

  Once you get there, be sure to take plenty of photos from this spectacular spot.

  

  If you’re planning to explore the West of Ireland, consider adding Sligo to your itinerary, where you can visit unique spots like the Caves of Keash.

  10. See Rare First-Edition Books in this Wicklow Restaurant

  While most restaurants are simply places to relax and have a bite, there’s one really cool eatery tucked away in the heart of the County Wicklow countryside that holds a surprising collection of books.

  

  The Irish Writers Room at the Wicklow Heather Restaurant & House contains first editions of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and James Joyce’s “Ulysses” (still in its original wrapping), along with an original program from the world premiere of Oscar Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Ernest,” among other treasures.

  The restaurant is an easy 5-minute drive from the Glendalough Monastic Site.

  There’s also a small bar in the corner of the restaurant that features a wide variety of Irish whiskey brands.

  11. Take a Boat Tour of the Sligo and Mayo Coast

  Enniscrone native Peter O’Neill’s love of the sea didn’t happen by accident. His late father and grandfather were both fishermen.

   

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  A post shared by Enniscrone Boat Tours (@enniscroneboattours)

  
  The local businessman is taking it a step further by offering boat tours that begin in this popular County Sligo seaside resort, bringing visitors across Killala Bay and beyond to sites like the Dun Briste stack at Downpatrick, off the Ceide coastline, as well as other attractions.

  O’Neill often takes visitors across the bay to Bessie’s Bar in Kilcummin.

  Traveling to Ireland in September means that you could still avail of a boat ride like this one that provides a peek into the waters and coastline off the Wild Atlantic Way.

  Be sure to check out Enniscrone Boat Tours on Instagram if you want to take an exhilarating, fast-paced boat trip and enjoy all that this part of Ireland has to offer.

  12. Spend a Fine September Day at this Outstanding Stone Circle in Cork

  While not nearly as large as Stonehenge in England, the Drombeg Stone Circle in County Cork is one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland.

  It originally consisted of 17 closely spaced stones, but only 13 survive today.

  

  Radiocarbon dating of samples taken near the stones suggests that it was used around 1,100-800 B.C.

  Artifacts discovered at the site include a pot that contained the cremated remains of an adolescent wrapped in a thick cloth.

  Why not spend a fine day in Ireland in September imagining the sacred rituals that might have taken place in this rural spot, known locally as The Druid’s Altar? 

  13. Take a Walk Around Moore Hall in County Mayo

  In the middle of the County Mayo countryside on the shores of Lough Carra lies the shell of a former grand home.

  If you’re visiting Ballintubber Abbey in September, Moore Hall is a 10-minute drive away.

  

  The house once belonged to George Moore, who made his money abroad in the wine and brandy trade and with his substantial wealth was able to build Moore Hall, which was occupied continuously from 1795 until 1910.

  Anti-treaty sympathizers (those opposed to the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which ended the War of Independence in 1921) burned the grand house on Feb. 1, 1923, leaving it a ruin.

  The perpetrators, a gang of IRA men, were opposed to the terms of agreement, which essentially split Ireland into two, the 26 counties now known as The Republic of Ireland, and the Six Counties of Northern Ireland, which pledged allegiance to the Crown and still remain part of the U.K.

  

  Moore Hall is a lovely day trip any time of year but in September, the fall colors appear, and you can take a looped walk around the grounds to enjoy nature and the many carvings of forest animals that are on the property.

  14. Enjoy the Autumn Colors at Glenariff Forest in Antrim

  Glenariff Forest Park, which is in a region known as Glenariff, is one of the famous Glens of Antrim and is actually known as the “Queen of the Glens.”

  And rightly so.

  

  This beautiful forest, about a 20-minute drive from Ballymena, is a National Nature Reserve and contains a mix of planted woodlands, recreational spaces, lakes, and waterfalls.

  There are several walks that you can take in Glenariff Forest Park. They include the Scenic Trail, the Glenariff Forest Park Waterfall Walk, The Viewpoint Trail, and the Rainbow Trail.

  The circular Scenic Trail is the longest at 5.9 miles (9 km) but offers the most spectacular views and it is where you can see Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre on a good day.

  

  While you’re in the neighborhood, you might want to hop on the winding Torr Head Scenic Route, a 45-minute drive that goes between Ballycastle and Cushenden and offers up more fabulous views of the Northern Ireland coastline.

  Read More: 8 Distilleries in Northern Ireland to Discover

  15. Take a Sightseeing Cruise Along the River Corrib from Galway City

  Today it is overgrown with vegetation but there’s a dark history to Menlo Castle, a 16^th-century structure that lies on the banks of the Corrib River.

  

  The castle belonged to the Blakes, once described as the richest family in Galway. They lived there from 1600 to 1910, at which time a fire engulfed the building and took with it Lord and Lady Blake’s disabled daughter Eleanor and two maids.

  

  While a walk to the deserted castle is doable, taking a boat trip on the Corrib Princess seems like the more enjoyable alternative and on a beautiful September day, it might just be the highlight of your trip to Galway City, a few short miles away.

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  16. Visit the Home of Ireland’s Last Leprechauns

  Whether you believe in leprechauns or not, there’s at least one man in Ireland who certainly does.

  

  Kevin Woods, known in the local Carlingford, County Louth, community as the Leprechaun Whisperer, claims that he has seen three leprechauns in his lifetime.

  Today, he is a firm believer in Ireland’s Little People and runs tours from a cavern underneath the medieval town.

  Why not take a tour and see for yourself while visiting Ireland in September?

  17. View the Preserved Art Studio of an Erratic Dublin-Born Painter

  Visiting Ireland in September doesn’t mean you should spend all your time indoors.

  At the excellent Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, which is free to visit, you’ll find a recreation of Francis Bacon’s London studio that was broken down into parts and moved to the Dublin museum in 1998.

  
  Bacon, who was born in the city, is known for his confrontational figurative painting style.

  The chaotic nature of this recreated art studio isn’t surprising given the erratic nature of a life that was fueled by violence and alcohol abuse.

  Over 7,000 articles were collected and cataloged, including paintbrushes, art supplies, even the dust from his studio.

  

  The ceiling, walls, and narrow staircase were also taken away and reinstalled at the back of the museum, where you will find this interesting display.

  Bacon died in Madrid in 1992. His work can be found in art museums around the world.

  18. Harvest Time Blues Festival, Monaghan, Sept. 3rd – 7th

  If you’re a blues lover, you won’t want to miss this festival, which takes place in the town of Monaghan.

  

  Errol Linton, a famous harmonica player, was one of last year’s feature performers at this popular festival.

  This year’s lineup features an impressive mix of blues, soul, and rock artists, including Johnny Gallagher & The Boxtie Band, Muireann Bradley, Rebecca Downes, Earl Thomas, and Andrew Strong.

  Beyond the headline performances, visitors can enjoy the festival’s famous Blues Trail, where musicians take over pubs and smaller venues around Monaghan, creating a lively atmosphere that makes the town feel like one big music venue.

  19. Attend the National Ploughing Championships

  If you want to experience a truly Irish event in September, the National Ploughing Championships held in Tullamore, County Offaly, is something to consider.

  The championships are one of Ireland’s largest outdoor events and usually take place over several days in September. While it’s geared primarily toward farming, the event is much broader than that.

  

  Expect agricultural displays, livestock competitions, food producers, craft stalls, machinery exhibitions, fashion shows, music, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

  If you want to see a side of Ireland beyond the usual tourist trail, this is a fantastic cultural experience.

  And while you’re there, why not explore Ireland’s Midlands region?

  20. Visit The Burren in County Clare

  September is an ideal time to explore the Burren, County Clare’s extraordinary limestone landscape.

  

  With fewer crowds and mild weather, you can enjoy quiet walks through Burren National Park, visit the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen, stop by the Aillwee Cave, or simply take a scenic drive through one of Ireland’s most unusual regions.

  The Burren is a great destination in early autumn and makes a great addition to a September itinerary in County Clare.

  Frequently Asked Questions About September in Ireland

  Is Ireland cold in September?
  September is generally not cold in Ireland, especially during the first half of the month. Average daytime temperatures are usually around 55–65°F (13–18°C), although evenings can feel cooler, particularly along the coast.

  

  The weather in September can vary from mild, sunny days to cooler, breezier conditions, so it’s best to pack layers.

  A light sweater, waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes will help you stay prepared while exploring.

  Does it rain a lot in September in Ireland?
  Rain is always possible in Ireland, including during the month of September, but that doesn’t mean it’s constantly raining either.

  In fact, September is considered one of the more pleasant months to visit because you can still enjoy mild temperatures while avoiding the heavier summer crowds.

  

  Rain showers are often brief, so don’t let the forecast discourage you. A waterproof jacket and flexible itinerary will help you make the most of your trip.

  What should I pack for Ireland in September?
  Packing for Ireland in September is all about layers and being prepared for changing weather. Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sweaters or fleece layers, and clothing that can be easily added or removed throughout the day.

  

  If you plan on exploring Ireland’s scenic walks, coastal areas, or national parks, waterproof hiking shoes with good grip are a smart choice. A daypack and reusable water bottle are also useful additions for sightseeing days.

  Is September peak season in Ireland?
  September is considered part of the Irish tourism’s industry’s shoulder season. While it can still be busy, especially during popular festivals and in major tourist areas, it is generally quieter than July and August.

  
  The benefits of visiting in September include fewer crowds at many attractions, more availability in accommodations, and a more relaxed experience at popular destinations. It’s also a great time for road trips since the days are still relatively long and many seasonal attractions remain open.

  Overall, September is one of the most rewarding times to visit Ireland, offering a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, vibrant local events, and a good alternative to the more expensive summer travel season.

  Are you planning a visit to Ireland in September? Let me know in the comments below.