September...yes or no?

Marie · Guru

September...yes or no?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Welcome Back! biggrin biggrin

We spent the month of October (2012) in Ireland. First two nights were in Carlingford, 2nd two in Ennislillen, 1 each in Castlebar and Ballina and then 4 in Sligo, before heading South. We finished the month with two more nights in Sligo. We found it NO more rainy than April or June and would do it again.

In fact, due to family issues, we're looking at September or possibly October for THIS year! biggrin

How long would you stay in Donegal? Are you planning further touring, as well?

Marie · Guru

Hello Bob! Thanks for the good news about September. :) I will probably stay a week in Donegal, then head to Dublin, or vice-versa. I have close friends and family on both coasts. I will be wanting to explore Donegal and perhaps Sligo while out west. I did the entire perimeter back in 2007. Any special places in the area I mentioned that you recommend? When on the east coast, I am thinking of a bus trip to Antrim and the Causeway...

Your ideas are most welcome. Nothing is in stone, with the exception of spending time with family and friends.

Marie

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Marie -- Some ideas: http://www.welovedonegal.com/

Looks like you are equal distance from Sligo, Enniskillen and Glencolumkille. Slightly further afield, Glenveigh National park and Castle. Grianan of Aileach and Derry are probably within range, as well.

http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/

http://www.megalithicireland.com/Grianan%20of%20Aileach.html

Sligo & Enniskillen, 2012 visit: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t51514087/commentary-on-the-retirement-tour/

Enniskillen 2013 visit: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t54502434/one-trip-two-visits-junejuly-2013/

Glencolumbkille, 2007: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t12825158/ics-07-voyage-of-discovery-tour/?page=2&sort=newestFirst

That should get you STARTED -- biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Michele Erdvig · Host

I'm with Bob on September. Weather is always iffy. It hardly matters which month. I would get the free self-catering house and take it from there.

tony2phones · Guru

September tends to be a decent enough month weather wise.

It can get a bit windy out against the Atlantic coast with storms brewing over the seas, the US gets hurricanes and we catch the tail. Generally a lot dryer than it gets from October onwards. Temperature wise fairly reasonable in Irish terms.

Smitty2 · Veteran Member

My husband and I went this past September, 2-12, and had wonderful weather. we went prepared for cool rainy weather, but had beautiful sunny warm weather. We heard about how the weather is very unpredictable and everyone on this forum helped get us prepared for any kind of weather. It turned out to be the best time to go.
We had one night of rain, and that was when we were inside eating dinner. When we were finished and prepared to leave, it had already stopped. We were lucky.

Marie · Guru

Thanks, everyone. September it is, then! Now, any advice on the airfares? Best sites, tricks of the trade?

So great to be back on here planning another trip over. biggrin

murphy · Guru

Marie We have traveled to Ireland in late Sept 06, last half of Oct in 2012, and 1st half of this past Oct. It can be a hit and miss situation. But generally worth the weather since the huge crowds are gone and no long waits in line at attractions or for good etc As for airfares? Well the airlines absorbed huge increases in fuel costs since the days of of $600 airfares in 2007! Fuel has recently dropped but they say the airlines contract their fuel up to a year out so it will take a while to reflect the fuel savings in ticket prices. I have a feeling that $1000 will be the norm (a little less from Chicago east) and if you are diligent and willing to travel mid week, you might land some fares in the 8-900 range I like to use ITA app to get a 30 day glimpse of what the prices are. It will give you airlines, itineraries and flight numbers. Then you go directly to the airline to buy the ticket. Kayak works well for me for open jaw options Good luck! Dan

Marie · Guru

Thanks Dan! I will keep my eyes open, my heart hopeful and my purse strings loose, I guess. biggrin

wckc · Guru

We have visited Ireland twice in late April and three times in September. The weather was comparable for all trips. The great thing about visiting in September is that you can find end of season sales - great if you are looking for souvenirs and gifts for folks at home. Dan is correct too - very few (if any) crowds to deal with since high season is winding down. You do run the risk that a few sights will be closed, but we've still been able to see most everything we've wanted to. Having the opportunity of free accommodations would make my choice!

Briefne · Member

I agree with the previous posters - I was on Rossnowlagh beach for a day last September - the weather was glorious, 2 weeks without a drop of rain - a definate first over many years of visiting
Not sure if you are aware, but its one of the few beaches in Ireland that allows cars to drive along it - it can be a bit of a car park during busier months, September will be fine
The northwest of Ireland is a wonderful part of the world - enjoy your trip