What are the top attractions to visit in Ireland and Scotland during October?

October brings smaller crowds to major landmarks across both countries. Edinburgh Castle sees fewer visitors while offering clear views of the city below. The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland and Urquhart Castle along Loch Ness become more accessible. Fall foliage transforms places like Glencoe and the Ring of Kerry into colorful landscapes. When the weather turns visitors can explore indoor sites like Dublin's Guinness Storehouse or Scotland's historic whisky distilleries. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The autumn colors at Eilean Donan Castle and along Loch Ness were absolutely breathtaking in October."

What weather conditions should I expect in Ireland and Scotland during October?

Temperatures typically range from 45-55°F (7-13°C) with regular rain showers throughout both countries. The Scottish Highlands near Inverness and Fort William experience cooler conditions while Dublin and Edinburgh maintain milder temperatures along the coast. Visitors should pack waterproof clothing and warm layers. Hotels like the Dunollie on Isle of Skye and The Academy Plaza in Dublin offer comfortable bases during autumn visits. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The October weather added a mystical atmosphere to our visit to the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway."

What special events or festivals can I experience in Ireland and Scotland during October?

The month features distinctive celebrations across both nations. Derry hosts Europe's largest Halloween festival while Scotland presents the Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival. Edinburgh Castle runs specialized seasonal programs and Dublin's Temple Bar fills with traditional music events. A TourRadar traveler noted, "The traditional evening of Scottish food and entertainment was incredible - the timing in October made it even more atmospheric with the early sunsets."

How busy are tourist attractions in Ireland and Scotland during October?

October represents shoulder season which means moderate crowds and pleasant weather conditions. Visitors find more space at major sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. Hotels including the Clayton in Galway and Radisson Blu Edinburgh maintain good room availability. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Visiting in October meant we could really take our time at attractions without the summer crowds."

What is the price range for October tours compared to peak season?

Travelers find tours cost 15-20% below peak summer rates with 10-15 day trips ranging from $2,895-$5,449 USD. These packages include stays at established properties like the Maldron Limerick and Premier Inn Edinburgh Park. A TourRadar traveler commented: "October offered great value - we got to experience both countries without the peak season prices."

How long are daylight hours in October for sightseeing?

Available daylight decreases from 11 hours to 9 hours through the month. Tour operators arrange schedules accordingly placing indoor activities like Titanic Belfast and Edinburgh Castle visits during early morning or late afternoon hours. Central hotels such as the Ibis Edinburgh Centre and Clayton Hotel Dublin provide convenient access to attractions. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The shorter October days meant beautiful sunrise views at the Cliffs of Moher without getting up too early."

Ireland and Scotland Tours in October 2026

10 best Ireland and Scotland trips in October 2026

View Map
Explorer
Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
4.9 (21 traveler reviews)
"The add on activities that Contiki has were fabulous!! Would recommend!"
Chelsea, traveled in January
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Scotland Ireland Northern Ireland
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$2,235per person
Price based on Private Double Room
12 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
19 Oct, 2026
9 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Ireland & Scotland
4.8 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Dublin, Blarney, Killarney, Killorglin, Glenbeigh,Waterville,Sneem,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Limerick,Bunratty,Galway,Lough Inagh,Connemara National Park,Edinburgh,Stirling,Glasgow,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Inveraray,Glencoe,Fort William,Oban,Mallaig,Isle of Skye,Aviemore,Inverness,Loch Ness,Elgin,Aberdeen,Stonehaven,St Andrews+26 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wingbuddy
From
US$5,579per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Scotland and Ireland
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
From
US$3,224per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Celtic Kingdoms: Ireland and Scotland – 15 DAYS
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Dublin, Athlone, Galway, Connemara National Park,Cliffs of Moher,Limerick,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Cobh,Cork,Waterford,Kilkenny,Glasgow,Edinburgh,Glencoe,Stirling,Aberdeen,Braemar,Inverness,Loch Ness,Elgin+17 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
Only: Spanish
Operator
Receptivo Aborigen Tours
10% Off
From $4,679
US$4,211per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
9 Day Dublin, Edinburgh, and Inverness
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Dublin, Edinburgh, Inverness
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $2,933
US$2,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
4.9 (319 traveler reviews) award winner
"If you want comfort, fun, adventure and a chance to experience "real America" book it. It's amazing."
Amanda, traveled in July
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ireland Northern Ireland Scotland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Cosmos
3% Off
From $2,869
US$2,769per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Oct, 2026
7 spaces left
16 Oct, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Scotland and Ireland with London
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland Wales England
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
3% Off
From
US$4,001per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Celtic Highlights
5.0 (384 traveler reviews)
"The tour was very well organised and the accommodation was good."
Irene, traveled in August
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Scotland England Ireland Northern Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
10% Off
From $5,019
US$4,519per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Oct, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin
Duration
13 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$3,011per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
12 Day Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and much more
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $4,492
US$3,369per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
9 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"This is the best way to see Ireland and Scotland. Trafalgar handles everything."
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ireland Northern Ireland Scotland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
25% Off
From
US$3,950per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Best of Ireland and Scotland
4.3 (31 traveler reviews)
"The tour was exceptional, and the sights were truly breathtaking."
Linda, traveled in September
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ireland Northern Ireland Scotland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $6,395
US$5,756per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
10 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Summer)
4.9 (21 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic trip away made even better by an excellent tour manager."
IsabelleZupan, traveled in July
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Scotland Ireland Northern Ireland
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $2,995
US$2,696per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK
Duration
10 days
Destinations
England Scotland Ireland
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
10% Off
From
US$3,990per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Leisurely United Kingdom and Ireland
Duration
16 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$4,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour

Applied filtersClear all

Length

min. 9 days

max. 18+ days

Select departure date

+/- 3 days

Price

Solo Travelers

Must-see places

Dublin Edinburgh Glasgow Galway Belfast Cliffs of Moher Killarney Loch Ness Limerick Inverness

Experiences & Attractions

Scenic Cruise Edinburgh Tour Dublin City Tour Cliffs of Moher Visit Distillery Tour and Tasting Trinity College Visit Kilkenny Exploration Burren Exploration Killarney Activities Castle Visit

Start & ending city

Dublin Edinburgh London Glasgow

Dublin Edinburgh London Glasgow Inverness

Age range

Guide Type

Adventure Type

Maximum group size

Adventure Styles

More Styles

Accommodation

Physical Rating

Operators

Operated in

Instant confirmation

Undo filter

Contact our Ireland and Scotland travel experts

Melissa

Expert in Ireland and Scotland at TourRadar

Melissa is one of our seasoned Ireland and Scotland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Ireland and Scotland tours answered!

Choose from 16+ Ireland and Scotland tours
783 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
24/7 customer support

Write us a message

Call us

+1 844 311 8331