Ireland in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Ireland

15°C (59°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

80mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

88% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Authentic 'moody Ireland' experience with dramatic storm-watching opportunities along the Wild Atlantic Way - waves can reach 15m (49ft) at the Cliffs Of Moher
Lowest accommodation prices of the year (30-40% cheaper than summer) and zero crowds at major attractions - you'll have Newgrange and the Ring Of Kerry practically to yourself
Cozy pub culture at its peak with turf fires, traditional music sessions happening 4-5 nights per week, and locals genuinely welcoming conversation
Perfect conditions for experiencing Ireland's 'hygge' equivalent - long evenings by the fire, literary pub crawls, and the country's renowned storytelling tradition

Considerations

Limited daylight hours (8am-4:30pm) severely restrict sightseeing time and many outdoor attractions close early or operate weekend-only schedules
Unpredictable Atlantic weather systems can cancel ferries to islands like Aran or Skellig Michael with less than 2 hours notice
Rural roads become treacherous in wet conditions - rental car agencies report 60% more minor accidents in November, and many scenic drives like the Dingle Peninsula require extreme caution

Best Activities in November

Literary Dublin Walking Tours and Museum Visits

November's short days make this perfect for Dublin's incredible indoor literary scene. Trinity College's Long Room Library is atmospheric in grey light, and the Dublin Writers Museum connects you to Joyce, Wilde, and Yeats. Evening literary pub crawls (6-8pm) coincide perfectly with early darkness and feature authentic storytelling sessions that locals attend.

Booking Tip: Book literary tours 3-5 days ahead as they run smaller groups in November. Expect to pay €15-25 per walking tour. Many museums offer November student discounts even for adult tourists. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Music Sessions in Galway and Doolin

November is when Irish traditional music comes alive - locals gather for weekly sessions as tourist season ends. In Doolin and Galway, authentic sessions run Tuesday-Saturday nights starting around 9pm. The raw weather creates the perfect atmosphere for fiddle, bodhrán, and sean-nós singing in warm, firelit pubs.

Booking Tip: No booking needed for pub sessions, but arrive by 8:30pm for good seats. Drinks typically €4-6. Consider staying overnight in Doolin (€40-60/night in November) rather than driving back to Galway in the dark. Current accommodation deals available through booking platforms below.

Cliffs of Moher Storm Watching

November transforms the Cliffs Of Moher into Ireland's most dramatic natural theater. Atlantic storms create massive wave displays visible from 214m (702ft) up, and you'll experience the raw power that shaped Irish culture. The visitor center's heated viewing areas let you watch safely, and November's moody skies create unforgettable photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Check weather forecasts and plan for storm days rather than avoiding them - this is when the cliffs are most spectacular. Entry €8 adults, free parking in November. Guided cliff-edge walks available in calmer conditions for €20-30. Current weather-dependent tours listed below.

Ring of Kerry Cozy Driving Tours

November's empty roads make the Ring Of Kerry a completely different experience. You'll stop frequently for sheep crossings, have waterfalls to yourself, and witness the peninsula's raw beauty without summer's tour buses. Many viewpoints that are crowded chaos in August become peaceful contemplation spots where you can actually hear the landscape.

Booking Tip: Rent a car with good heating and rain-sensing wipers. Self-drive is best in November as organized tours run limited schedules. Budget €45-65/day for car rental plus €25-35/day for fuel. Book accommodation in Killarney or Kenmare 1-2 weeks ahead. Current car rental options available below.

Newgrange and Ancient Ireland Experiences

November connects you to Ireland's ancient winter traditions. Newgrange's 5,000-year-old passage tomb was built to capture winter solstice light, making November visits particularly meaningful. The shorter days and mystical weather recreate conditions ancient Irish people experienced, and guided tours provide historical context about Samhain origins.

Booking Tip: Book Newgrange tours 7-10 days ahead as they run reduced November schedules (usually 10am, 12pm, 2pm). Tours cost €15-18 and include transport from visitor center. Winter solstice lottery applications open in October for December viewing. Current tour availability shown below.

Irish Whiskey and Distillery Experiences

November is prime whiskey season in Ireland - distilleries offer special winter tastings, and the cold weather makes the warming experience perfect. Jameson Distillery in Dublin, Dingle Distillery, and newer craft distilleries provide heated tours explaining how Irish whiskey differs from Scottish whisky, with tastings that locals genuinely participate in during colder months.

Booking Tip: Book distillery tours 5-7 days ahead, especially weekends. Expect €15-25 for basic tours, €35-45 for premium tastings. Many offer November promotions with free mini-bottles. Designated driver services available in most areas for €10-15. Current distillery experiences listed below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

All-Ireland Whiskey Festival

Ireland's premier whiskey celebration featuring tastings from over 40 distilleries, masterclasses with master distillers, and traditional music sessions. The festival showcases both established brands and craft distillers, with special November releases and winter-themed cocktail workshops.

Early to Mid November

Cork Film Festival

One of Ireland's oldest film festivals showcasing international cinema, Irish premieres, and documentary features. November's cozy indoor atmosphere makes this perfect timing, with many venues offering traditional Irish hospitality alongside screenings. Features strong focus on Celtic and European films.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with sealed seams - not just water-resistant. November rain is horizontal and persistent, lasting 2-4 hours per event

Warm wool sweater or fleece layers - 88% humidity makes 10°C (50°F) feel like 5°C (41°F) with the damp chill

Waterproof hiking boots or wellies - city streets flood in Dublin and Galway, rural paths become mud bogs after rain

Warm hat that stays on in wind - Atlantic gusts regularly exceed 50kph (31mph) along the coast

Quick-dry pants or jeans - cotton stays wet for hours in high humidity conditions

Small umbrella for towns, waterproof hood for countryside - umbrellas are useless in rural wind but helpful in sheltered city areas

Power bank for phone - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights and GPS in evening darkness

Moisturizer and lip balm - constant wind and central heating create surprisingly dry skin conditions

Cash in small bills - rural pubs and B&Bs often don't accept cards, especially for tips during music sessions

Headlamp or small flashlight - November sunset at 4:30pm means navigating unlit country roads and paths in darkness

Insider Knowledge

Locals call November 'the real Ireland month' - this is when you see authentic daily life without tourist performance. Shopkeepers have time to chat, pub conversations are genuine, and you're experiencing Ireland as Irish people do.

Book accommodations Sunday-Thursday for best prices but Friday-Saturday for better heating and service - weekend guests get priority for maintenance and amenities during low season.

Many attractions listed as 'closed November' actually open by appointment for small groups - call directly rather than relying on websites, especially for castle tours and heritage sites.

Irish November weather changes every 20-30 minutes - never cancel outdoor plans for rain forecasts, but always have indoor backup options researched and ready.

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing summer rain gear instead of winter waterproofs - November rain is cold, windy, and penetrating. Your light summer rain jacket will leave you miserable and potentially hypothermic.

Planning too many outdoor activities per day - with only 8.5 hours of daylight and frequent weather delays, limit yourself to 2 major outdoor experiences daily and build in flexibility.

Expecting Mediterranean-style restaurant hours - many restaurants outside Dublin close 2-3 days per week in November, and kitchens often stop serving by 8pm. Always call ahead and have backup dinner plans.