Autumn in Ireland: Five reasons to make this the season to explore the Emerald Isle
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier, is inviting travellers to discover all that Ireland has to offer this autumn. As the summer crowds disperse, the Emerald Isle continues to enchant with its unique blend of culture, scenery and celebration. From September through December, shorter days are brightened by a rich calendar of events and experiences.
With the Aer Lingus Sale offering flights to Ireland from just $339* return, there’s never been a better time to plan your next adventure.
Halloween in Ireland
Did you know Halloween is an Irish tradition? Long before costumes and sweets, it began as the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). Marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter, it was believed to be a time when the veil between the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest.
Visitors can immerse themselves in this mysterious past with tours of castles and houses such as Leap Castle in Offaly, said to be Ireland’s most haunted. In Dublin, the Ghostbus Tour offers a spine-tingling journey through the capital’s haunted history.
Leap Castle, Offaly
Scenic Walks & Road Trips
Cooler weather makes autumn the perfect season to explore Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes. Whether it’s hiking through Killarney National Park, strolling across Dublin’s Phoenix Park, or driving the Wild Atlantic Way, autumn colours create a spectacular backdrop.
Travellers from the US can fly directly into Dublin or Shannon, with Shannon providing easy access to the rural beauty of Kerry, Clare, Galway, Tipperary and Waterford.
Copper Coast, Waterford,
Explore Ireland’s Rich Heritage
For rainy days or leisurely afternoons, Ireland offers world-class museums and historic sites.
Highlights include EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s Docklands, which tells the story of Ireland’s global diaspora, and the National Museum of Ireland, home to over two million artefacts. Contemporary art enthusiasts will enjoy the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Kilmainham, while nearby Kilmainham Gaol offers a powerful insight into Ireland’s turbulent history.
Sport
This autumn, history will be made as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Minnesota Vikings in the first-ever NFL regular season game in Ireland, on Sunday 28th September at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park.
Even without a ticket, Croke Park’s stadium tours offer a brilliant introduction to Gaelic games. Meanwhile, horse racing fans can head to the Listowel Festival in late September — a week-long celebration of racing and entertainment in the heart of County Kerry.
Croke Park, Dublin
Live Music
Nothing beats escaping the autumn chill in a cosy pub filled with live music. Across Ireland, traditional sessions bring warmth and atmosphere to every town.
In Dublin, Temple Bar is buzzing with venues showcasing local talent. Pair the music with a pint or a hearty Irish dish such as beef and Guinness stew, Dublin coddle or classic fish and chips — the perfect reward after a day exploring.
Temple Bar Pub, Dublin
Fly to Ireland for less with aerlingus.com, with offers including:
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New York (JFK and EWR) from $339*, including taxes and fees
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Chicago (ORD) from $439*, including taxes and fees
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Seattle (SEA) from $399*, including taxes and fees
These fares are valid for travel between 1st October – 15th December 2025 and 7th January – 31st March 2026 — ideal for an autumn escape or winter getaway.
In 2025, Aer Lingus is operating its largest-ever transatlantic schedule, with 21 direct routes to Ireland from North America. Gateways include Denver, Cleveland, Minneapolis–St Paul, Los Angeles, Hartford Connecticut and more.
With optimised schedules, Aer Lingus also offers smooth onward connections from Dublin to leading European cities such as Manchester, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid and Amsterdam — making it a convenient choice for travellers.
On board, passengers enjoy Aer Lingus’ renowned Irish hospitality, with complimentary meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment. Plus, thanks to US Customs and Border Preclearance in Dublin and Shannon, onward travel is seamless.
For more, visit aerlingus.com
