Autumn in Ireland

As I’ve spent this fall semester in Dublin, many people have told me that experiencing autumn in Ireland is especially exciting. While late spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Ireland – mostly due to the good weather – watching the colors change and nature settling into winter is something totally unique. As the leaves fall and the temperature drops, you’re given a glimpse into a quieter and more authentic Ireland. 

Some of my favorite things about autumn in Dublin have been wandering through parks and seeing the colorful leaves, enjoying the Halloween decorations that appeared overnight on October 1, and leaning into the melancholy of the grey and windy skies. While the air has gotten a bit cooler, it’s still nice to be outside if you add an extra layer. A few weeks ago, my mom and little brother visited for a weekend and we took the bus from Dublin to Glendalough. The former monastic site is located on two lakes nestled among the Wicklow Mountains and acres of ancient forests. We wandered the woodland trails, taking in the views of the mountains reflecting off the lake. 

Another thing I love about autumn in Ireland is the Halloween celebrations. Many of the things we associate with Halloween originated in Ireland, from the Celtic pagan festival of Samhain. Traditions such as dressing up in costumes, telling ghost stories around a fire, and even trick-or-treating date back to the ancient festival. In Ireland today, Halloween is celebrated in different ways; it’s common to hear fireworks every night, and especially so in the final weeks of October. Restaurants and storefronts are decorated with fake cobwebs, plastic skeletons, and other spooky decor. Even the colder and rainier days add to the autumnal atmosphere.