The top things to do in Ireland and Scotland in Autumn
Fall foliage in the forest, festivals and more things to do on your autumn in Ireland and Scotland vacation
The month of September brings feasts, fall foliage in Ireland and Scotland and of course, the autumn equinox. We like to think of it as the tipping point because it's literally the equal night and day point of the year – 12 hours of daylight and darkness. And once it tips? You’ll find yourself surrounded by the perfect weather for cozy drinks, delicious harvest season foods, stories by a fire (we like the spooky ones best) and seeing the autumn leaves change colors in our Celtic National Parks. Read on for the top things to do in autumn in Ireland and Scotland.
Autumn in Ireland: Killarney National Park Hike
Feel like getting the best views of the changing leaves? We would recommend making time for a Killarney National Park visit. We can link you with our best in the business guides who live and breathe this park (and the Ireland outdoors) to guide you on a hike filled with unforgettable nature scenes of fall in Ireland, spotting wildlife, and perhaps some of the beautiful hidden treasures tucked into the forest. If you’re there at the right time, you’ll see ample native deer during the rutting season.
Autumn in Scotland: Trossachs National Park & Loch Lomond
Trossachs National Park is perhaps one of the most stunning places to experience autumn in Scotland. Bold, beautiful and absolutely bonny at this time of year. You can take a day trip cruise of Loch Lomond, visit Stirling and see Trossachs all in their blazing fall foliage beauty and get the best of fresh air and wide-open spaces in Scotland.
Autumn in Northern Ireland: Tasty Treats with Tracey
Who doesn’t love a cozy treat on a brisk autumn day? At Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, you come in from the bright outdoors into her classic thatched roof cottage and generous kitchen. Here, you’ll learn hands-on how to bake traditional scones and Bannocks and breads, and if you’ve decided to book some teatime as well, be treated to a charming and relaxed country tea with hyper-local and farm-to-table ingredients. And as always – the best baked goods you can break bread with (gluten-free if need be).
Autumn in Ireland: Galway Food Tour
Speaking of snacking – bring an appetite for good food and history on a visit to Galway. Because it's autumn in Ireland, you’re going to reap the bounty of harvest season when you go out to eat. Consistently reviewed as one of the best experiences in Ireland by guests and also recently ranked by National Geographic Travel as one the top ten things to do in Ireland, we highly recommend taking this tour and experiencing Irish culture through the flavor of local restaurants, specialty shops and markets.
For the Historians and Foodies
Autumn in Scotland: Hike the Highlands
Want to get the full feel of the bold autumn air? Take a Highland Safari professionally guided hike. Spot the amazing wildlife on a hike in this iconic landscape and see dear, eagles, rabbits and more with a kilted guide leading the way. Care to stay a wee bit longer and warm up? You can arrange for a wee bite of a picnic featuring local tastes and treats.
