Ireland in November can be as fun as the summer season. As long as you know where to go, what to pack, and what to do, your dream vacation in Ireland during the fall season can be amazing as any season.
So should you travel to Ireland in November? I’d say yes. The weather is not that cold and there will be less crowd which is ideal. So, if you don’t know where to start yet, this Ireland travel guide for November should be able to help you.
Things you'll find in this article
- What is the weather in Ireland in November?
- What should you pack for Ireland in November?
- Where you should stay in Ireland in November
- What is there to do in Ireland in November?
- 1. Go back in time with Brú na Bóinne ( Boyne Valley Tombs)
- 2. Be amazed at the Cliffs of Moher
- 3. Admire the castle of Kylemore
- 4. Take a glimpse of the past in Trinity College
- 5. Visit the Glasnevin Cemetery
- 6. Find the perfect pint at Guinness
- 7. Explore Glenveagh National Park
- 8. Explore the charming town of Kinsale
- 9. Take a scenic road trip in Dingle
- 10. Visit Galway City
- 11. Explore Limerick City and its Georgian houses
- Practical Tips for Ireland in November
What is the weather in Ireland in November?
The temperature in Ireland in November
The climate of Ireland is influenced mainly by the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, Ireland doesn’t experience the same extreme temperatures that other countries have from the same latitudes.
Ireland in November will have an average of 9.5°C(49°F) to 12°C (54°F) temperature. It normally falls toward the end of the month as winter approaches.
Rain in Ireland in November
The average precipitation in November is between 16 to 23 days with 2.4 to 6.7 inches of rain. It depends on the region. So make sure to always prepare for rain just in case. December and January are the wettest months as the winter slowly sets in the country.
Wind in Ireland in November
The calmest day of the year, wind wise, has a wind blowing at about 5.7 miles an hour, but in November the wind averages between 8 to 15 miles an hour. This doesn’t mean it’s windy every day. Some days could be incredibly calm, while on other days it could feel like you’re about to get swept off your feet completely!
Sun in Ireland in November
Days are shorter for Ireland in November. Sunrise will start at around 7:20 AM and set at around 5 PM. It gets shorter towards the end of the month so plan your activities accordingly.
What should you pack for Ireland in November?
The temperature will continue to drop from the middle of the fall season until the end as it transitions to winter. During these times, you can expect more rainfall starting mid-October and a much cooler Ireland air. Be sure to consider these items if you’re not sure what to pack for Ireland in November.
Wool skirt – a wool skirt is great for those who don’t want to ditch those chic clothing pieces. You can also wear leggings underneath it. Check out this classic A-line wool skirt in Amazon.
Leggings – fleece-lined leggings will also save you from the dropping temperature. When buying one, be sure to choose a high-quality and opaque fabric like this listing in Amazon.
Fleece inner wear- this will serve as your base clothing for layering. If you don’t have a fleece innerwear, a hoodie will do the trick.
Winter coat – Do not forget your winter coat in your “winter” packing list. This thick puffer coat in Amazon is a great addition to your list.
Jeans – Pack lots (or enough pair) of jeans most especially if you are easily cold and since there will be chances of rain, you definitely don’t want to repeat wet jeans, right?
Boots – In case of heavy or constant rainfall, pack sturdy boots to keep you comfortable walking around. This signature Timberland boot is a perfect addition to your Fall packing list.
Umbrella – Stay protected from the rain by bringing an umbrella with you.
Hoodie – You can also wear a hoodie on top of your innerwear. Hooded jackets can also shield you from light showers. Amazon is selling this pullover hoodie. Check it out here.
Chapstick – Also one of the most essential items for winter. The cold temperature will eventually make your lips crack so to prepare for this unpleasant feeling, pack with you a piece of chapstick.
Flannel – A flannel like this will work wonders if you want extra warmth. You can use it to layer underneath your coat and voila!
You can also check our packing guide for Ireland in all seasons here.
Where you should stay in Ireland in November
Although there are a lot of accommodations in Ireland that will fit any traveler’s budget, nothing beats the experience of staying in castle hotels in Ireland. So here are some of the affordable castle hotels that you can stay in Ireland for the month of November.
Cabra Castle Hotel still has the 18th-century castle vibes but with the modern touch from its amenities. A 4-star castle hotel in Cavan situated in a quiet neighborhood in Kingscourt, Cabra Castle Hotel is a mix and match of royalty and modern luxury. Rates start at $162. To book, click here.
A Gothic castle dated from 1209, Kinnitty Castle Hotel is located at the foot of Slieve Bloom Mountains. If you want the unique experience that comes with this castle, better check it out before it’s too late. Also, the rates start at only $110 a night. To book, click here.
What is there to do in Ireland in November?
Although it’s colder and the days are shorter, there are still many things to do in Ireland in November. Some attractions might close earlier though so always make sure to check the opening hours and plan accordingly.
1. Go back in time with Brú na Bóinne ( Boyne Valley Tombs)
Brú na Bóinne or Palace of the Boyne is valley tombs located near River Boyne, 8 km west of Drogheda. It contains one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world dating back from the Neolithic period. Brú na Bóinne is famous for its Megalithic passage tombs called Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth.
Archaeologists classified Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth as passage tombs, however, these tombs are now recognized to be much more than passage tombs. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, which is a place of astrological, spiritual, religious, and ceremonial importance.
If you are in the area, this is one of the best places to visit in Drogheda, Ireland.
Opening Hours
February – April: Daily 09.30 – 17.30
May: Daily 09.00 – 18.30
June – Mid September: Daily 09.00 – 19.00
Mid – End September: Daily 09.00 – 18.30
October: Daily 09.30 – 17.30
November – January: Daily 09.00 – 17.00
Admission Fee
For the Exhibition and Newgrange and Knowth:
Adult: €13.00
Sen/Group: €10.00
Child/Student: €8.00
Family: €30.00
Contact Information
Location: Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Meath
Email: brunaboinne@opw.ie
Phone: +353 41 9880300
For more information about Brú na Bóinne, click here.
Buy your ticket online here.
2. Be amazed at the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located in County Clare, Ireland. It is one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and one of the most visited attractions in Ireland with 1.5 million visitors annually.
Standing 702ft above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a good day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.
Opening Hours
8 am to 7 pm although, during winter, the cliffs are closed by 5 pm.
Admission Fee
Adults €6
Students €4
Senior Citizens €4
Children under 16
Free Group rates available on request
Contact Information
Location: Lislorkan North, Liscannor,Co. Clare, Ireland
Phone: bookings@cliffsofmoher.ie
Email: +353 65 708 6145
Buy your ticket online here.
3. Admire the castle of Kylemore
Kylemore Castle was built by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from England, as a gift to his wife Margaret in 1871. It was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1903 and was then purchased by the Irish Benedictine nuns in 1920.
Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery was then founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara. Since the 1970s, the estate has been opened to the public.
Nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain and along the shore of Lough Pollacappul in Connemara, the Abbey is one of the most iconic attractions in Galway, Ireland.
It is also one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland. And no visit to Ireland is complete without spending a half-day to the castle ground.
Check out this Kylemore Abbey Tour article for more information.
Opening Hours
9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The last admission is at 4 pm.
Admission Fee
€13 for adult, €9 for a student, €10 for senior, and €26.00 for a family of 4.
Contact Information
Location: Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
Email: bookings@kylemoreabbey.com
Buy your ticket online here.
4. Take a glimpse of the past in Trinity College
If you enjoy walking down memory lane, give it a shot at Trinity College where you can find a collection of Ireland’s treasured past in its Long Room Library. This 200-foot-long room holds 200,000 books as old as you can possibly imagine.
The most popular treasure in this library is the Book of Kells which has a great role in the Irish identity. Trinity College is also one of the best free things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
5. Visit the Glasnevin Cemetery
A visit to the Glasnevin Cemetery in November will surely not disappoint if you want to learn more facts circulating Dublin.
Feel free to walk around this cemetery, chit chat with their experienced set of tour guides, touch the grave of Daniel O’Connell, and dig deep into Dublin’s history.
It is also one of the best outside museums in Dublin.
Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm | Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Admission Fee
Adult: €6.00, Child: €4.00
Contact Information
Address: Glasnevin Cemetery Finglas Road Glasnevin Dublin 11
Email: info@glasnevintrust.ie
Phone: + 353 01 882 6550
6. Find the perfect pint at Guinness
If you have an eye for the perfect pint, the Guinness Storehouse is an experience of a lifetime. This seven-story building stands proudly as the home of the most famous beer in the whole world.
Today, tourists can now learn its history and enjoy one of the best Irish drinks. Every floor holds exciting surprises for everyone.
Guinness Storehouse is also the most visited attraction in Ireland.
Buy your ticket online here.
7. Explore Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park is one of Donegal’s treasures and Ireland’s second-largest national park. The park is located 15 kilometers west of Letterkenny. It unfolds across 16,500 hectares of heathland, forest, and bare mountain slopes around the amazing Lough Veagh.
It is known for Glenveagh Castle and Glenveagh valley – one of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland and the national park is one of the ideal places to do some hiking in Ireland in November.
Opening Times
The visitor center is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The park is open from dawn till dusk. The castle tour is from 9 am to 5 pm but limited during the off-peak and winter season. To verify the schedule, click here
Admission Fee
Admission fee is free for the park. But individual attraction such as the castle has an entrance fee.
For the castle tour admission fees: Adult Castle Ticket €7.00 | Concession Castle Ticket €5.00 | Family Castle Ticket €15.00
Contact Information
Email: glenveaghbookings@ahg.gov.ie
Phone: +353 76 1002537
8. Explore the charming town of Kinsale
Kinsale is a town in County Cork, Ireland. Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque and historic towns on the south-west coast of Ireland.
Kinsale has a beautiful set of long waterfront, yacht-filled harbor, narrow winding streets, and brightly painted galleries, shops, and houses.
It is also a leading Irish tourist attraction and the southerly starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way trail.
9. Take a scenic road trip in Dingle
The 46-km Slea Head Drive from Dingle in Ireland is one of the best and most spectacular driving routes in Ireland. It’s part of the Wild Atlantic Way route which is considered one of the most scenic road trip routes in the world.
The route consists of breathtaking views of the coastline, offshore islands, and cliff-top roads and it’s best to access through driving on your own.
It is one of the most popular activities in Dingle and also one of the best day trips from Cork City.
10. Visit Galway City
Galway City and nothing else comes to mind if we speak about Ireland’s top destination for arts, music, and urban culture.
This city on the west coast of Ireland never fails to exceed expectations- from its medieval walls down to the breathtaking view of the River Corrib.
So whether you’re coming over for a quick visit or longer, there’s just so much to enjoy in this harbor city.
11. Explore Limerick City and its Georgian houses
Known for its medieval and charming old town, Limerick is one of the major cities in Ireland. It is famous for its Georgian houses and compact town with King John’s Castle as the most recognizable site.
The city also boasts amazing museums, gorgeous architecture, and several attractions. So if you are visiting Ireland in November, this city is a must.
Practical Tips for Ireland in November
1. As it can be windy, make sure to be careful when visiting the cliffs and the islands. The cliffs can be dangerous during the windy season so always walk with caution around the area especially if there’s no barrier on the edge.
Also, always verify first from the ferry companies before booking any of your tours or trips.
2. Always bring a raincoat with you. Ireland’s weather in November can be a pickle and always expect the worst especially when it comes to rain.
3. Always double-check the opening hours of the tourist attractions as they normally close earlier from November to February.
4. Because November is in the middle of the summer and winter season, make sure to prepare for colder weather. Especially at night which can be very cold and freezing.
5. Check out this list for more travel tips for Ireland for first-time visitors.
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