Traveling to Ireland in November might seem unconventional, but we’ve found it’s the perfect time for an unforgettable adventure. As part of our $5 Travel Club, we deliberately schedule our group trips to Ireland during this low-season month.
Why? Simply put: fewer crowds, better value, and authentic Irish experiences that summertime can’t match. Below, we break down exactly why we love Ireland in November and why you will, too.
When we say we’re with you every step of the way, we mean it. Book a free call with the team who plans, supports, and travels with you through Europe.
One of the biggest perks of a trip to Ireland in November is the dramatic drop in tourist crowds. The summer high season draws vast numbers of visitors. For example, over 646,000 foreign tourists came in July, according to hotelandrestauranttimes.ie, whereas only about 407,700 visited in November, as referenced by cso.ie. That difference in visitor numbers is something you can immediately feel at some of Ireland’s most famous sites.
In peak summer, popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher or Blarney Castle are swamped, with tour buses and long lines everywhere you look. If you arrive at Blarney Castle midday in high season, you can find yourself waiting for hours to get to the top to kiss the stone itself. There are even signs posted that state your estimated wait time of around 90 minutes.
By contrast, our off-season trips means no waiting to enjoy these highlights. Fewer crowds not only save you time, but they also make for a more authentic experience. You won’t be jostling through packed viewpoints or straining to hear your guide over other tour groups. Instead, you can linger in the quiet halls of the Rock of Cashel or take unobstructed photos of the Cliffs of Moher. Even typically crowded tourist towns like Killarney feel more relaxed.
Our November groups often have attractions virtually to ourselves, a rare treat that summer travelers can only dream of. We intentionally plan our itinerary around local holidays and significant events to avoid the crowds, so we hit that sweet spot when Ireland is calm but still full of life: no busy summer tourist crush, no jam-packed hotels, just Ireland at ease.
Another big reason we love Ireland in November: your travel dollars stretch further. It’s no secret that summer’s popularity drives up prices. July and August are not only crowded; they’re considered peak season by airlines and hotels, which means higher airfares and room rates. November, on the other hand, is part of Ireland’s off-season, and this comes with significant cost benefits for savvy travelers.
In fact, November is statistically the cheapest month to fly to Ireland, with recent data showing average round-trip fares around $404 per person. (For comparison, December holiday flights averaged more than double that!) Travel expert Siobhan Byrne notes that even transatlantic flights in winter can be found for as little as $300 each way, making a dream trip to Ireland far more accessible outside of summer.
It’s not just flights. Accommodation and tours are often discounted in the low season. Since November is Ireland’s off-season, crowd levels are lower, and you can usually pick up deals on flights and accommodation during this time. Many hotels and B&Bs lower their rates after the autumn season, and we’re able to pass those savings on to our $5 Travel Club members in the form of affordable all-inclusive package pricing. (After all, the $5 Travel Club is all about turning “small, easy payment plans into all-inclusive trips”, making travel budget-friendly for you!).
As a further note, November is also the last month before holiday demand spikes, so you can snag great prices before the late-December jump and swoop in to grab the savings before the busiest travel season of the year.
And suppose you are a fan of the Halloween festival like I am. In that case, you can also score some great discounts on spooky souvenirs and awesome Halloween candy. Seriously, I bought so much Halloween candy last November, it nearly filled my checked bag!
In short, you get big experiences at a fraction of peak-season cost. Traveling when others aren’t has its rewards, and your wallet will thank you.
Ireland in November has a special charm all its own. While summer days are longer, the autumn landscapes and cozy weather of November create a magical atmosphere. The countryside stays wonderfully green year-round, but by November, you’ll also see beautiful autumn hues in the mix. The leaves changing lead to a cacophony of color, so among the vast swaths of magically varied green, there are beautiful waves of crimson reds, explosions of sunburst orange, and dawning yellows like the sunrise. Imagine the backdrop of golden foliage against emerald hills and medieval castle ruins; it’s a dream for those once-in-a-lifetime photo ops.
Now, I hear you asking, “What about the weather?“
Ireland in November is indeed cooler and a bit wetter, with daily highs averaging ~11°C (52°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F).
But here’s the thing: rain is a fact of life in Ireland, no matter when you go. The Emerald Isle stays emerald for a reason! Locals will tell you to be prepared for rain any time of year. A sunny day is considered a rare bonus.
Don’t let that deter you. We certainly don’t! In summer, you might get a rain shower, and in November, you might get one; either way, you pack a good waterproof jacket and carry on exploring. The upside of November’s weather is an inviting crispness in the air. The cooler temperatures actually add to the Irish experience: as one travel writer joked, “in Ireland, the winter is a cooler version of the summer, and the summer is a warmer version of the winter”. In other words, Ireland never gets truly extreme weather, winter is relatively mild, snow or freezing temperatures are infrequent (And very rare for Ireland in November), and summer isn’t sweltering(theirishroadtrip.com).
With earlier sunsets (about 4:30–5:30 pm in November), you’ll also get to experience Ireland’s lively evenings. The long nights are perfect for cozy pub sessions and cultural entertainment. In fact, many travelers find that cooler weather is the best atmosphere for an authentic Irish experience; it’s a great excuse to hunker down by a pub fireplace with a pint of Guinness and chat with locals. Grab a warm sweater, enjoy a hearty Irish stew or a hot whiskey, and you’ll see how a little chill and drizzle can actually make the pub scene even cozier.
Meanwhile, any break in the weather feels extra special. Between showers, the clouds and light create spectacular scenes (you might even catch a rainbow or two arching over those green hills, and we can almost guarantee you will). Our autumn travelers often rave that the mix of sunny spells, mist, and dramatic clouds made the scenery even more breathtaking.
In short, November lets you experience Ireland’s legendary landscapes in living color and its famed hospitality at its warmest, all while embracing a bit of that wild Celtic weather.
Choosing to travel to Ireland in November isn’t just about avoiding the negatives of summer; it actively enhances the itinerary we’ve crafted. We pack our 8-day Ireland adventure with iconic sights and unique experiences, timed for the season. The result is a trip that’s rich in culture, history, and fun, without the summer tourist chaos. Here’s a taste of what our Atomic Trips Ireland autumn tour offers:
This itinerary showcases what makes off-season travel special. We intentionally structure our November trips to make the most of shorter daylight hours (for instance, touring outdoor sites in the morning and early afternoon, then enjoying indoor or social activities at night). You’ll notice that at no point are we rushing or standing in endless lines, and the pacing is comfortable. Attractions welcome us more warmly because they’re not overwhelmed with tourists. Our guides can focus on personal attention, which gives you a richer cultural connection. Every step of the way, November helps us unlock a side of Ireland that many summer visitors miss.
It’s worth noting that traveling in the “off-season” (fall, winter, and spring outside of major holidays) isn’t just our personal quirk. It’s quickly becoming a trend among savvy travelers. More and more people are discovering the advantages of shoulder seasons and off-peak months. In fact, a 2025 travel industry report showed that shoulder season bookings were up 20% compared to the previous year. Travelers are actively looking to “beat the crowds” and avoid the headaches of peak summer travel.
This shift means that low season isn’t so lonely anymore; you’ll definitely still find fellow explorers around Ireland in November, but it remains far more sane than the jam-packed summer period. The travel world is realizing that you can have a high-season experience without the high-season drawbacks. Off-season is the new high season for those in the know. By joining our November Ireland trip, you’re actually ahead of the curve, riding this wave of more brilliant travel timing.
At Atomic Trips, we’ve built our philosophy around this idea. Rather than following the crowd, we go when the time is right. Our $5 Travel Club members trust us to find those sweet spots in travel, when costs are down but the experience is just as incredible (if not more). Ireland in November is precisely that kind of sweet spot.
Crisp air on castle walls, vibrant autumn countryside, friendly locals with time to talk, lively pubs on a drizzly evening, breathtaking landmarks all to yourself, this is why we do Ireland trips in November. It’s a low-season adventure with high-season magic. By avoiding the summertime rush, we ensure our travelers get an intimate, authentic look at the Emerald Isle, all at a price and pace that leaves them smiling. If you’ve only ever considered Ireland in summer, we invite you to think again and give November a try.
Ready to experience Ireland in the fall?
With our $5 Travel Club making it easy to budget (just $5 a day saved adds up to the trip of a lifetime!), there’s never been a better time to join one of our autumn tours. We’ll handle all the planning, meals, 4-star hotels, castle stays, local guides, and even a few pints on us; all you need is a sense of adventure and a good rain jacket. Come unlock Ireland’s off-season secrets with us. As countless travelers have learned, once you witness Ireland’s beauty without the crowds, you’ll understand precisely why November is our favorite time to go. Join us this November and discover Ireland as if it were all your own.
Sláinte! 🍀
Join me, Sabrina, The Founder of Atomic Trips, for my weekly Let’s Talk Travel Zoom Q&A where I break down everything you need to know about my all-inclusive group trips! Whether you’re curious about destinations, accommodations, what’s included, or how payment plans work, this is your chance to get all your questions answered directly.
Sources:
Skip to content
