What special events and festivals happen in Ireland during September?

September brings a rich calendar of cultural events across Ireland. The Galway International Oyster Festival stands out as a highlight where visitors can sample fresh seafood and listen to local musicians while staying at places like The Quayside B&B. In the coastal town of Dingle the annual Food Festival turns the town's streets into an open-air celebration of Irish cuisine. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The festivals added such incredible local flavor to our trip - the oysters in Galway were amazing and the atmosphere was unforgettable."

How crowded are major tourist attractions in Ireland during September?

Tourist numbers decline noticeably in September making it easier to explore popular sites. The Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle see shorter wait times and popular hotels like The Fairview in Killarney have better availability. Paths are clearer for photos and viewing points are less crowded. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Visiting in September meant we could really enjoy sites like the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula without fighting crowds making the experience much more peaceful."

What type of accommodation is available in Ireland during September?

The range of lodging options opens up considerably in September. Visitors can book stays in historic properties like Abbeyglen Castle in Clifden or choose from numerous family-run B&Bs such as Seaview Heights in Dingle. Hotels including the Killarney Plaza and Western Hotel Galway offer good availability at reduced rates. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The September accommodation options were fantastic - we especially loved staying at the Lodge at Ashford Castle where we could really experience authentic Irish hospitality."

How do prices compare in September versus peak summer months?

September marks the start of shoulder season with noticeable price drops across Ireland. Hotel rates typically decrease 10-15% from summer peaks while popular tours like the Wild Ireland Express cost around USD 332 per day compared to USD 400+ in July-August. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We found September prices much more reasonable than August especially for nice hotels like the Radisson Blu in Dublin."

What are the best regions to visit in Ireland during September?

The Wild Atlantic Way shows its true colors in September as summer crowds thin out. The Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula offer clear views and easier navigation of narrow roads. The limestone landscapes of The Burren and rugged trails of Connemara National Park become more accessible. Galway city buzzes with festival energy. As noted by a TourRadar reviewer: "September was the perfect time to explore the west coast - we stayed at the lovely Lodge at Ashford Castle and found the timing ideal for both outdoor activities and cultural experiences."

What kind of evening entertainment is available in Ireland during September?

Nightlife remains lively across Ireland in September. Traditional music fills pubs in Killarney Dingle and Galway where visitors often stay at places like the Dingle Benners Hotel. Theater venues present autumn programs while cities host arts festivals and cultural events. A TourRadar traveler from the Irish Experience tour shared: "The evening entertainment was fantastic - from traditional music sessions in Dingle to modern performances in Dublin's Temple Bar area."

Ireland Tours in September 2026

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10 best Ireland trips in September 2026

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City & Culture
Road Trip Around Ireland
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Howth, Dublin, Kildare, Powerscourt Mountain, Wicklow,Glendalough,Kilkenny,Cashel,Cork,Ring of Kerry,Killarney,Dingle,Cliffs of Moher,Doolin,Galway,Cong,Connemara National Park,Athlone,Kilbeggan,Tullamore+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
From
US$1,417per person
+$2,132 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
23 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
24 Sep, 2026
4 spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
A Tale of Celtic Heritage: An Irish Road Trip
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Glendalough, Cashel, Mallow, Ring of Kerry, Sneem,Derrynane,Waterville,Killarney,Dingle,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Galway,Connemara National Park,Clifden,Clonmacnoise,Tullamore+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
From
US$782per person
+$1,130 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
23 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
24 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
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City & Culture
6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
4.9 (12 reviews)
"Accommodations were top quality. Company was responsive to special requests."
Peter, traveled in May
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cahir, Blarney,Killarney,Killarney National Park,Dingle,Killimer,Spanish Point,Burren,Connemara National Park,Galway+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
From
US$2,131per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
30 Sep, 2026
1 space left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
Dublin to Galway: Coast to Coast Across Ireland
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Athlone, Galway, Kinvarra, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick,Dublin+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
From
US$812per person
+$1,811 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
23 Sep, 2026
4 spaces left
24 Sep, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
Essence of Ireland Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 review)
"It was the right mix of structured time and free time. All tour guides were knowledgeable and extremely personable."
Janet, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cork, Galway
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Firebird Tours
From
US$3,678per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
20 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Ireland in 5 Days: Dublin, Cliffs of Moher & Castle Trails
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Blarney, Cahir, Cashel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandMunster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
25% Off
From $1,934
US$1,451per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
18 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
19 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
6 Days in Dublin: Castles, Waterfalls & Cinematic Journeys
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dublin, Blarney, Cahir, Wicklow, Glendalough,Powerscourt Mountain+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $1,397
US$1,020per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
18 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
19 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
7 Day Dublin And Galway By Train
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $2,310
US$1,686per person
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18 Sep, 2026
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19 Sep, 2026
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$Ireland\'s Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey Tour$
$Ireland\'s Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey - 5 destinations$
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City & Culture
Ireland's Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Tullamore, Howth
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandLeinster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
27% Off
From
US$362per person
+$941 upfront costs
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23 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
24 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
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$Kisses & Cork, Romance in Ireland\'s Rebel City Tour$
$Kisses & Cork, Romance in Ireland\'s Rebel City - 4 destinations$
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City & Culture
Kisses & Cork, Romance in Ireland's Rebel City
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cork, Cobh, Blarney
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
27% Off
From
US$379per person
+$630 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
23 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
24 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
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Adventure & Adrenaline
7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour
4.8 (199 reviews) award winner
"We had an excellent experience!"
Scott, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Cork, Blarney, Kinsale, Kenmare,Killarney National Park,Dingle,Slea Head,Cliffs of Moher,Doolin,Inisheer Island,Burren,Kinvarra,Galway,Connemara National Park,Lough Inagh,Louisburgh,Westport,Croagh Patrick Mountain+14 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
27% Off
From
US$2,535per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
20 Sep, 2026
1 space left
27 Sep, 2026
6 spaces left
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City & Culture
From Dublin: 5 Day Escape to the South West
4.8 (208 reviews)
"Our 5 day trip was wonderful! The trip was very well planned."
Karen, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilbeggan, Clonmacnoise, Galway, Burren, Kilfenora,Cliffs of Moher,Lahinch,Killarney,Dingle,Slea Head,Glenbeigh,Portmagee,Waterville,Blarney,Kinsale,Cashel+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie’s Small Group Tours
27% Off
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US$1,355per person
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23 Sep, 2026
5 spaces left
24 Sep, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
4.9 (80 reviews)
"The Ireland to Island tour was excellent. Having the itenerary and driving all planned out was a real benefit."
Tony, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Midleton, Cobh, Blarney, Kenmare, Waterville,Skellig Michael,Ring of Kerry,Killarney,Tralee,Cliffs of Moher,Doolin,Aran Islands,Galway+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
27% Off
From
US$2,535per person
+$156 local payments
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Price based on Private Double Room
27 Sep, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
7 Day Atlantic Way Experience - Small Group Tour
4.9 (125 reviews)
"What an exciting and fulfilling vacation experience!"
Robin, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Cahir, Kinsale, Killarney, Blarney, Kenmare,Ring of Kerry,Dingle,Slea Head,Galway,Cliffs of Moher,Lahinch,Connemara National Park,Leenane,Oughterard,Maam Cross,Clonmacnoise+11 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayIreland CastleEurope Castle +3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Irish Experience Tours
27% Off
From
US$2,285per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
29 Sep, 2026
4 spaces left
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$Highlights of Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry & Ireland\'s South West 5 Day Small-Group Tour$
$Highlights of Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry & Ireland\'s South West 5 Day Small-Group - 27 destinations$
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City & Culture
Highlights of Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry & Ireland's South West 5 Day Small-Group
4.5 (4 reviews)
"Guide was very nice and full of informations."
Seema, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilbeggan, Clonmacnoise, Galway, Burren, Kilfenora,Cliffs of Moher,Lahinch,Killarney,Dingle,Slea Head,Great Blasket Island,Ring of Kerry,Carrauntoohill,Glenbeigh,Cahersiveen,Portmagee,Valentia Island,Skellig Michael,Waterville,Derrynane,Blarney,Kinsale,Cashel+18 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $2,765
US$1,770per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
21 Sep, 2026
2 spaces left
22 Sep, 2026
2 spaces left
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