I must be nuts--I'm not back from Ireland a week yet and trying to plan my next trip. I have a credit from Aer Lingus burning a hole in my pocket, and as I far prefer travelling during the off season (last week had only two other people at Giant's Causeway), I'm now thinking of going back the week before Thanksgiving. Can anyone tell me what to expect as far as temperature, rainfall, is anything blooming, etc., at that time of year? Thanks! (I still have to post my trip report--which was wonderful--but haven't had time yet!)

spent the last two thanksgiving holidays in ireland. you can expect high 30's low 40's at night with a high in the low 50's during the day. the rain is off and on but has not hindered our plans any. the real problem is you only have about 6/7 good hours of sunlight. in nov, it gets dark there by 4pm/4:15pm. so, if you head to the mountains for hiking or sightseeing, go first thing. everything is green in ireland in november.

Chris pretty much nailed it. We have been there twice in November and yes, there are very few tourists. Not much would be blooming then. Very short days and we always had strong breezes on the coast. We somehow managed to have a GREAT time.

Bill

Coldness and dampness is what you can expect. Saying that, I have been to Ireland during the off season and I loved it. The scenery is still lovely and the sights will be yours to explore without the hordes of tourists. My mouth is watering thinking of the Irish breakfast. Bundle up and have a good trip!

Hey Bill, thanks. I thought so often when I was there last week of all the good advice I got on this forum. I kept referring to my "Fodors friends" and all the advice I was given, you being one of the more important ones. Thanks to all who told me to take the "scenic" route from Connemara to Westport, via the Doolough pass--very moving. Took us lots more time, but well worth it. Lots of driving, but we made all our goals. Tomorrow I'll post all the highlights, although keeping in mind, 50 plus year old women--not lots of walking, hiking, etc., but a grand trip nonetheless! As you might imagine, as we're planning on going back in November. With our Aer Lingus credit we can go for $200 airfare, Abbeyglen Castle, which we loved, now quotes us 199 euros per person for three nights, breakfast, tea and a wonderful dinner. Three nights there, three nights elsewhere, hopefully in Clare, and I think we can do the whole thing for under $700. How can we not go?