Considering a second trip to Ireland...but going in November!?!?!? Rates look to be phenomenal for that time of year. I understand it gets dark around 4:30-5:00,and really, that should be fine as we are early risers...but the question is, what time does the sun rise then? Is it freezing then? I know it is in a temperate zone so my gut feeling is 'no', but would like some input from someone in the know. Do any of the attractions close at this time of year?

Thanks one and all for any help.

Karen

We were there in November of 2001 and loved it! It got light around 7:30, and was dark by 5...so you're right, the days are short. It never got very cold, with temps in the 40s. (Of course, that can feel chilly on a rainy, windy day.)Although some B&Bs were closed for the season, the major attractions we visited remained open, although sometimes with reduced hours. Best things about a November visit were the almost complete lack of fellow tourists, and the long nights sitting by the fire in pubs.

My last November visit to Ireland was a 'spur of the moment' thing because of the great airfares. It was cold & damp! Not freezing, but the kind of cold that chills you to the bone. Temperatures were generally in the low 50's (F, about 10-12 Celsius). The night I arrived I was staying in the 'George' Hotel on O'Connell St. in Limerick City. There was a big storm and the wind noise made it difficult to sleep. When I went down to check-out in the morning, some people were trying to get a statement from the hotel manager - the wind had blown a big piece of slate off the facade and it landed on their rental car in the hotel parking lot.

That was in the southwest. People on my flight home said the weather was much nicer around Dublin.

Many B&B's are closed after mid-October, some earlier.

Karen, I just went over this past November and as long as you are okay with the shorter days and a bit chillier weather then it is well worth it. You get to avoid the tourist and interact with the people much more. I had a mixture of all the weather and loved every minute of it. Just make sure to layer up. If the price is right, make the move as you get to experience Ireland in the fall. Good Luck, Keenan

My first trip to Ireland was Nov. of 2000. It was cool-er then, probably low 40's, with drizzle about every other day.

I loved it, because there where very few tourists, which made it easier to drive from place to place.

If you do a search on Ireland 2000 you should find my trip report.

Yes some of the attractions close for the season in mid-Oct, as well as some of the B&Bs , but if you plan ahead, you will have plenty to see.

Karen -
I love Ireland in November, we've gone for Thanksgiving for the past two years, and as everyone has said, some attractions and B&B's do close down in October. I've had mild weather, but do expect more rain and some windstorms, just dress in layers. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me @ [email protected].

I thank you, one and all, for the wonderful replies. I will go and read a bit more on this topic, and catch the trip report that was so graciously offered.

We are quite flexible in the timing so we could go in October, if it would be better than.

We just want to GO BACK. Our first trip was as a family trip, as our son was living in London, so we did the whole 'Scotland, England, Ireland' thing. Dad and I ... all alone this time.

Considering Northern Ireland for a bit, as well this time. Can you take a rental car from the south into the north? Probably a stupid question, but one I'm curious about, nonetheless.

Thank you all, again.

Karen

Not a stupid question at all: some companies used to charge extra to take the car across the border.

The rental companies do allow you to take cars across the border, but just mention that you plan to take it across, either when you make the reservation, or when you're picking up the car.

You can get some incredible deals on flights in November, but I would vote for October if you can still get good fares. But I still think November's a good option, too. And besides, the earlier it gets dark, the sooner you have an excuse for getting into the pub.