The Best Places to See Fall/Autumn Leaves in Ireland

For some, autumn (or fall as it is known in the US) is their favourite season of the year. And I can understand why because it is my favourite season for one big reason: the changing colours of the leaves. So, if you are a fan of this time of year, discover the best places to see autumn leaves in Ireland with this list.

Autumn heralds the end of summer and the start of the approaching winter. And in between, many plants go through a transformation, with their leaves journeying through a kaleidoscope of colours before falling. Hence the use of the name ‘fall’ for autumn in America.

There is nothing more spectacular than the array of different shades of green, yellow, orange, red and brown in a forest or wood during autumn in Ireland. The autumn months in Ireland are generally considered to be September to November, with the different-coloured autumn leaves in Ireland being at their best in late October and early November.

Discover below the best places to see fall leaves in Ireland so you can plan to enjoy this yearly spectacle while you visit Ireland or discover somewhere new to you if you are a native.

Best places to enjoy autumn leaves in Ireland

Autumn leaves in Ireland – Leinster

Phoenix Park, Dublin

A great place to see autumn leaves in Ireland is the Phoenix Park in Dublin. This enclosed park of 707 hectares has plenty of places to see the changing colours of autumn on the trees, especially the more heavily wooded areas such as beside the area known as the Fifteen Acres, and towards the Castleknock and Ashtown gates. The Phoenix Park also makes the perfect location for a free day out in Dublin.

Address: Dublin 8

How to get there: You can drive to the park and use the car park behind Dublin Zoo. Alternatively, you can get the Luas Red Line to the Museum or Heuston stops. The following buses also serve the Phoenix Park at different points: 25, 26, 37, 38, 39, 46A and 70. Visit here for more information.

A picture of a group of trees with golden leaves in the Phoenix Park in autumn
Picture Source: Hernán Piñera from Marbella, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native Tree Trails, Dublin

Another place in Dublin to see fall leaves in Ireland is the Native Tree Trails. These are tree trails of species native to Ireland and there are nine locations across the city where you can see the autumn leaves. The Tree Trails are located in

  • Lansdowne Valley Park, Drimnagh (southside)
  • Poppintree Park, Ballymun (northside)
  • Herbert Park, Ballsbridge (southside)
  • Albert College Park, Glasnevin (northside)
  • Bushy Park, Terenure (southside)
  • Johnstown Park, Finglas (northside)
  • Markievicz Park, Ballyfermot (southside)
  • St Anne’s Park, Raheny (northside)
  • Tolka Valley Park, Ashtown/Rathbourne

Each trail introduces you to a selection of Ireland’s native trees, many of which take part in the changing colours of autumn. Find out more by clicking here where you can also download a trail booklet.

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

Built in 1195, Kilkenny Castle is not only a castle,  but it also has extensive parklands which are a great place to find autumn leaves in Ireland. The fifty acres of parklands have lots of mature trees which change their leaf colour as winter approaches.

Address: The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1

How to get there: Kilkenny Castle is accessible by car but you need to find pay-and-display parking in town, there is no car park at the castle itself. The train station is a 15-minute walk from the castle and several national bus services stop at Kilkenny. Find out more about travelling Ireland without a car here.

A picture of a path around Kilkenny Castle in autumn

Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, Kildare

As well as being home to the Irish National Stud, the site at Tully is also home to stunning gardens that include Japanese Gardens. There, during the autumn months in Ireland, you can enjoy seeing the beautiful changing colours of autumn, especially from the Japanese acers (maple trees). St Fiachra’s Garden also displays some of the best fall colors in Ireland.

Address: Brallistown Little, Tully, Co. Kildare, R51 KX25

How to get there: The National Stud is located just off the M7 motorway at Exit 13, approximately 30 minutes by car from Dublin and the M50. You can get a train to Kildare station from Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Westport, and Cork (via Portlaoise). From the station, you will need to get a taxi or catch a bus (126A or 126B, irregular service). You can also reach the National Stud on foot from the station is around 30 minutes.

Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow

Although the Powerscourt Estate is worth visiting throughout the year, if you are looking for some of the best autumn leaves Ireland has to offer, then visit during this season. The beech-tree-lined drive comes alive, as do the trees that line the Triton Lake, and those around the famous Powerscourt Waterfall, one of Ireland’s best waterfalls. Expect shades of red, orange and brown across much of the Estate.

Address: Powerscourt Demesne, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow

How to get there: The Powerscourt Estate is located just 20 minutes south of Dublin, while the waterfall is 6km from the Estate and requires a car to reach. By car, take the N11 southbound and take exit 7 for Bray south. The Estate is reachable by public transport with the 44 and 185 serving Enniskerry Village, a 25-minute walk from the Estate.

A picture of the cascading water of Powerscourt Waterfall during autumn

Birr Castle, Offaly

The 400-year-old Birr Castle Demesne is another place in Leinster where visitors and locals can see autumn leaves in Ireland. With plenty of ancient and rare trees and plants, the beautiful changing colours of autumn are evident in the gardens and parklands in the 50-hectare site located in County Offaly.

Address: Rosse Row, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 VO27

How to get there: Birr Castle is located just off the N52 and is accessible by car, although you should note there is no parking at the castle, only pay-and-display public parking across the road from the entrance. Birr Castle is not easily accessed by public transport.

Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford

The grounds of Johnstown Castle estate are another wonderful place in Ireland to see fall colors. While the estate is also home to the castle and a museum, it is the grounds where you will find the changing palette of autumn. The lakeside trails and woodlands are the best places to catch the changing colours of the season.

Address: Oldtown Ln, Johnstown, Co. Wexford, Y35 HP22

How to get there: Johnstown Castle Estate is located just ten minutes drive from Wexford Town. It is signposted from the N25. You can also travel to Wexford Town by train and get a taxi, and the estate is also reachable by public transport in the form of the infrequent 390 bus which runs from Wexford Town to Kilmore Quay. Click here to see the timetable.

A picture overlooking the lake at Johnstown Castle during autumn

St Stephen’s Green, Dublin

Another place in Dublin where you can find autumn leaves is St Stephen’s Green, at the top of Grafton Street. This historical park and gardens contain plenty of trees that partake in the autumn changing of colours in Ireland.

Address: St Stephen’s Green Square, Dublin 2

How to get there: If you are exploring Dublin, St Stephen’s Green is very easy to get to on foot. It is conveniently located at the top of Grafton Street and can also be reached by the Luas Green Line.

A picture of a pathway through St Stephen's Green in autumn with leaves on the ground

Glendalough, Wicklow

As one of the most historical landmarks in Ireland, Glendalough is not only a great place to visit for its historical importance, but also a great place to visit during autumn in Ireland. The trees around the monastic site and especially surrounding the lakes turn into a veritable rainbow of colours during autumn, many of which may be reflected in the water of the lakes. If you want to combine history, nature and autumn leaves in Ireland, head to Glendalough.

Address: Derrybawn, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, A98 HC80

How to get there: Glendalough is best reached by bus or via a day trip from Dublin. Glendalough is signposted off the M50 where you follow the R755. From Dublin there is a St Kevin’s bus service (number 181) which leaves from Dawson Street and brings visitors direct to Glendalough. Alternatively, the number 133 travels from South Townsend Street to Ashford, where you will change to a number 183 which will bring you to the Visitor Centre.

A picture overlooking Glendalough lake during autumn

National Botanic Gardens, Dublin/Wicklow

The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are another great place to visit in Ireland in autumn. Both the site in Dublin and that in County Wicklow enjoy autumn colours from the trees, shrubs and plants that are found around each site.

Address: Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63 and Kilmacurragh West, Kilmacurra East, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow, A67 YR12

How to get there: The Botanic Gardens in Dublin can be reached by car, or public transport and is also a stop along some of the Hop on Hop off bus tours of Dublin. By public transport, there are a few buses that pass the site including the numbers 4, 9, 83, and 155. The site at Kilmacurragh can only be reached by car, not by public transport. 

Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Westmeath

Located 8km from Mullingar on the shores of Lough Ennell is Belvedere House, Gardens and Park where you can enjoy fall leaves in Ireland during the season. With 160 acres, many of which include woodland walks, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the changing colours of fall in Ireland.

Address: Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

How to get there: Belvedere House is located approximately one hour and twenty minutes from Dublin and can be reached by car via the M4 and N4 and N52. It is not easily reached by public transport, although you could get a train or bus to Mullingar and then use a taxi to travel the rest of the way, a journey of around 12 minutes.

A picture of light streaming through the trees and fallen leaves on the ground at Belvedere Gardens in autumn

Carton Estate, Kildare

If you are located in or near Maynooth in County Kildare then you can enjoy autumn leaves in a range of colours on the Carton Estate. Once the ancestral seat of the Earls of Kildare and the Dukes of Leinster, the estate is home to a grand house, golf courses and parklands, which are where you can see the changing colours of autumn. You don’t need to be staying on the estate to enjoy the autumn colours and can do so on the 3-kilometre looped walk that starts and ends near Maynooth. There are also other walking trails to enjoy.

Address: Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 TD98

How to get there: You can reach the Carton Estate off the M4 by car by taking exit 6 for ‘Leixlip West’. You can also take a train to Maynooth and then a short taxi ride of 5 minutes to reach the estate.

Boyne Valley, Meath

The Boyne Valley, a region in Meath that extends from Drogheda to Trim, Navan and Kells is a great place to enjoy the changing colours of the leaves in autumn in Ireland. The Boyne Valley has lots of woodland trails where you can see the different colours from short riverside strolls to longer off-road treks. Trails include the Boyne Greenway, the Boyne Valley Camino and Balrath Wood Forest Walk among others. Discover more here.

Address: Various locations in the Boyne Valley, Co. Meath

How to get there: The Boyne Valley is located 20 minutes north of Dublin Airport at the hub of four motorways including the M1, M2, M3 and M4. It is best reached by car and then explored on foot.

A picture of a path along a river with fallen leaves on one of the Boyne Valley walks during autumn

Mount Usher Gardens, Wicklow

Mount Usher Gardens come alive in autumn with colour bursting around every corner. Across different areas of the gardens, you can enjoy autumn at its best, with the Maple Walk being the centre stage for colour during the autumn season. The Japanese Maples and Golden Larch create a rainbow of autumn colours. Also, watch out for mushrooms at ground level too.

Address: Ashford, Co. Wicklow

How to get there: Mount Usher Gardens are located approximately 50 minutes from Dublin off the main N11/M11 road. You can reach Ashford where they are located by bus via the number 133 that runs from Dublin to Rosslare and some Dublin to Wicklow buses also stop in Ashford.

Altamont Gardens, Carlow

The beautiful gardens at Altamont are a rainbow of autumn colours during October and November. With 16 hectares that includes an arboretum, bog garden and ice age garden, visitors are sure to see plenty of reds, yellows, oranges and browns among the remaining greens during autumn in Ireland.

Address: Altamont, Co. Carlow, R93 N882

How to get there: Altamont Gardens are accessible only by car. They are located near Ballon off the N80 and N81 between Tullow and Bunclody.

A picture overlooking the lake with changing colours in the trees at Altamont Gardens during autumn

Killruddery House & Gardens, Wicklow

Located 20km south of Dublin is where you will find Killruddery House and Gardens, where autumn colours can be seen during the season from the trees and shrubs found on the 800-acre estate. With plenty of ancient trees and woodland walks, autumn colours can easily be seen at the Killruddery Estate.

Address: Southern Cross, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 W9F2

How to get there: By car, you can reach Killruddery by travelling along the M50 onto the N11 before taking exit 7 and following signs for Greystones. By public transport, the easiest way to reach the gardens from Dublin is to take the DART to Bray and transfer onto the 84 or 184 bus to Vevay Road. From there it is a short walk to the gardens.

Fall leaves in Ireland – Munster

Killarney National Park, Kerry

If you are based or visiting County Kerry in autumn, then head to the Killarney National Park to see autumn leaves. This is one of Ireland’s six national parks and with over 10,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, and woodlands containing native oaks and yew, this is a great place to visit during the season of changing leaf colours. If you don’t want to hike, head to the area around Muckross House where you will find plenty of opportunity to see fall colors in Ireland.

Address: County Kerry (Visitor Centre – Killarney House and Gardens, Muckross Rd, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 HE3C)

How to get there: Killarney National Park is in County Kerry. Killarney Town is the best starting point for visiting the national park. It is located approximately 20 minutes from Muckross House. If you don’t have a car, a taxi is the best option for you to reach Muckross House.

A picture of the Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park in autumn

Lismore Castle, Waterford

If you are based in County Waterford or visiting during autumn and are looking for somewhere to go to enjoy the autumnal leaves then head to Lismore Castle. While the castle is not open to the public due to it still being a private residence, the gardens are open to the public and are stunning. With woodland walks containing plenty of trees and shrubs, you can see autumn colours in all their wonder at Lismore Castle.

Address: Lismore, Co. Waterford

How to get there: Lismore Castle and Gardens are located just off the N72 in the town of the same name. You cannot easily reach Lismore by public transport from Dublin and it is a journey of around 2 hours by public transport from Waterford City.

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork

Fota House in County Cork is home to a Regency House, arboretum and extensive gardens. The gardens and arboretum are home to both native and rare, exotic plants. The 11-acre arboretum, planted for scientific and educational purposes, is one of the best places at Fota House to see the changing autumnal colours thanks to its variety of shrubs and trees housed there.

Address: Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, T45 Y642

How to get there: Fota House is located on Fota Island which is around 30 minutes from the centre of Cork City depending on traffic. Fota House can also be reached by public transport from Cork via the Cobh/Midleton bus service which is a journey of 40 minutes.

Blarney Castle, Cork

As one of the best things to do in County Cork, Blarney Castle is one of the best places to enjoy autumn leaves in Ireland. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland thanks to its famous stone. But, with extensive gardens and grounds at Blarney Castle, if you are visiting in October and November, you will be delighted to see the autumn colours across many areas of the site. Make sure to allow plenty of time to both kiss the Blarney Stone and explore the beautiful grounds.

Address: Blarney, Co. Cork

How to get there: Blarney Castle is located 8km northwest of Cork City and is located off the N20. Blarney Castle is accessible from Cork City via the number 215 bus which is a regular service that takes around 30 minutes.

A picture of Blarney Castle gardens in autumn
Picture Source: Joseph Mischyshyn / Blarney – View of Blarney River to the east, via WikiCommons

Gougane Barra Forest Park, Cork

Located in West Cork, the Gougane Barra Forest Park is a great place in County Cork to experience the autumnal colours in Ireland. Covering 137 hectares and with six walking trails for those of all abilities, it is a must-visit in Cork for the browns, yellows, oranges and reds of autumn leaves. Find out more about these trails here.

Address: Coomroe, Co. Cork

How to get there: The Gougane Barra Forest Park is located 7km southwest of Ballingeary off the R584 and is best visited by car.

Colligan Woods, Waterford

Colligan Woods are another place in County Waterford to go to see fall colours in Ireland. With mixed woodland, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing colours of the season during October and November. There are two walking trails that combine the river and the woodlands. Find out more about the woods and trails by clicking here.

Address: Ballyconnery Lower, Co. Waterford

How to get there: Colligan Wood is located 8km north of Dungarvan on the Clonmel Road, a journey of around 10 minutes by car. Note that these woods cannot be reached by public transport easily.

A picture of a bridge with fallen leaves around it in Colligan Woods in Dungarvan during autumn

Autumn colours in Ireland – Connaught

Strokestown Park House & Gardens, Roscommon

As one of the best things to do in County Roscommon, Strokestown Park House and its extensive gardens and woodlands are a great place in the county to enjoy the autumnal leaves during the season. The mature woodland was planted in the early 1700s and with oak and beech among the variety of trees in the woods, you are guaranteed a great autumnal show if you visit in October or November.

Address: Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, F42 H282

How to get there: Strokestown Park is located in the heart of Strokestown Town, not far off the N5. You can reach Strokestown Park House by car from Galway and Sligo for example, but by public transport, it is more difficult and a longer journey.

Kylemore Abbey, Galway

On the edge of the Connemara National Park in County Galway lies the beautiful Kylemore Abbey and it is one of the best places in Ireland to see autumn leaves during the months of October and November. Thanks to its location among an old oak forest, the surrounding landscape comes alive during the autumn season and visitors can enjoy it along both woodland and lakeside walks.

Address: Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Co. Galway

How to get there: Kylemore Abbey is located along the N59 between Clifden and Westport and is easily reached by car. If you do not have a car, the best way to reach the Abbey is on a day trip from Galway, although there are some limited national bus services that can bring you to the nearby town of Letterfrack.

A picture of Kylemore Abbey in autumn across the lake in front of the abbey

Hazelwood Demesne, Sligo

Located not far from Sligo Town are Hazelwood Demesne and its woodland which formed part of the Wynne Estate. Within the estate, you will find lots of woodland containing trails along which you can enjoy autumn leaves as well as enjoying nature and the shores of Lough Gill. It is a great place in County Sligo to catch the changing colours of autumn in Ireland.

Address: Hazelwood Demesne, Sligo, Co. Sligo

How to get there: Hazelwood Demesne is located a short 8-minute from Sligo Town or a lovely 30-minute walk along the riverside.

Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon

Lough Key Forest Park combines a forest park with outdoor activities and is a great place to visit in County Roscommon at any time of the year. But, during autumn, visitors are treated to a rainbow of changing colours, especially along the walking and cycle trails throughout the park. With 19th-century parkland, native woodlands and more, you are in for a treat if you visit Lough Key Forest Park in autumn.

Address: Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 PY66

How to get there: Lough Key is located on the N4 Dublin/Sligo Road, just 5km from the nearby town of Boyle. The forest park is easily reached by car, and while you can each Boyle by train or bus, you will need a taxi to bring you to the forest park from there.

A picture of light streaming through the trees of the Lough Key Forest Park during autumn
Picture Source: Lough Key via Facebook

Coole Park Nature Reserve, Galway

Coole Park Nature Reserve is a wetland area in south County Galway that has wetlands, seasonal lakes and plenty of woodlands. It is these woodlands that come alive during autumn with leaves of red, brown, orange and yellow and you might even be lucky enough to spot the deer in the enclosure near the visitor centre.

Address: Coole Demesne, Gort, Co. Galway, H91 HF5X

How to get there: Coole Park is located 4km north of the town of Gort in County Galway. You can reach the park from Galway City, a journey by car around 35 minutes. It is not easily accessible by public transport.

Fall colours in Ireland – Ulster

Belfast Botanic Gardens, Antrim

If you are visiting the capital of Northern Ireland, then head to the Belfast Botanic Gardens in October and November to catch the autumn colours. Established in the early 19th century, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast is 28-acre public park housing plants and trees of many varieties and is a great place to catch fall colours if you cannot leave the city.

Address: College Park Ave, Botanic Ave, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT7 1LP (UK)

How to get there: The gardens are located within Belfast itself, a 27-minute walk from Victoria Square in the city centre. Several buses also pass the gardens including the 7a/b, 8a/b/c, and 22.

A picture of an autumnal scene at the Botanic Gardens in Belfast
Picture Source: Autumn, Botanic Gardens, Belfast (1) by Albert Bridge, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mount Stewart Demesne, Down

On the shores of Strangford Lough, you will find Mount Stewart with its neo-classical house and gardens. And the gardens put on a stunning autumnal show with gold, bronze and reds in abundance. This National Trust property comes alive with autumn colours and if you are visiting with family, watch out for the red squirrels among the trees and autumn carpet. The demesne has five and a half miles of trails to enjoy

Address: Portaferry Rd, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT22 2AD (UK)

How to get there: Mount Stewart is located 40 minutes east of Belfast, off the A20. You can also access the property by public transport from Belfast by the number 10 bus which departs from Belfast Waterfront (towards Portaferry).

Ward Park, Down

Ward Park is a 37-acre public park in Bangor, County Down and is another great place to enjoy the changing colours of leaves during autumn in Northern Ireland. As well as the trees, there is a children’s playground for families, hockey and cricket pitches, a bowling green and there is even a chain of small lakes providing a sanctuary for wildfowl.

Address: Castle St, Bangor, Co. Down, BT20 4TA (UK)

How to get there: Ward Park is located in Bangor, County Down, 14 miles west of Belfast.

A picture of a pathway through Ward Park in autumn
Picture Source: Ross, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Castle Ward, Down

Another place to visit for fall colors in Northern Ireland is Castle Ward. This 18th-century National Trust property is situated near the town of Strangford in County Down and is a popular place to visit thanks to the TV Series “Game of Thrones”. Seasonal colours and exciting changes fill the estate during autumn with colours such as red, gold, and brown carpeting the floor.

Address: Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 7BA (UK)

How to get there: Castle Ward is located one hour south of Belfast off the A7. While Castle Ward can be reached by public transport using buses from Belfast, this journey takes more than 2 hours with a change and some walking included.

Glenariff Forest Park, Antrim

One of the most spectacular places to see fall colors in Northern Ireland is the Glenariff Forest Park, home to one of Ireland’s best waterfalls, Ess-na-Larach. Glenariff is part of the Nine Glens of Antrim and covers 1,000 hectares with several walking trails along which you can enjoy autumn colours. Watch out for red squirrel and Irish hare along the way.

Address: Glenariffe Road, Cargan, Co. Antrim, BT44 0QX (UK)

How to get there: Glenariff Forest Park is situated less than one hour north of Belfast by car via the M2 and A43. While there are some public transport options these range in journey time from 1h 40 mins to 2hr 40 mins and involve at least one change of bus.

A picture of a waterfall in the Glenariff Forest Park in Antrim, Northern Ireland
Glenariff Forest Park

Mourne Mountains, Down

The granite mountain range of the Mourne Mountains in County Down come alive in autumn with different seasonal colours across many areas of the mountains. Located less than one hour from Belfast, they are a great place to enjoy a day trip away from the city. Enjoy crisp breezes and crunchy leaves underfoot as you wander the trails through the forests.

Address: County Down

How to get there: The Mourne Mountains are located approximately one hour south of Belfast off the A1. Note that they are not easily reached without a car.

A landscape picture of the Mourne Mountains in autumn

Dún a Rí Forest Park, Cavan

Located in County Cavan, Dún a Rí Forest Park which was once part of the Cabra Estate is a location that is awash with autumn colours during the season. The park has four different walks between 1.5 and 2km in length, along which you can enjoy different autumnal colours from trees such as oak and ash among others. You should look out for the sculptures dotted throughout the park while you stroll along the trails.

Address: R179, Mullantra, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan

How to get there: This forest park is located a few kilometres from the nearby town of Kingscourt. Take the R179 from the town for approximately 2 km until you reach the entrance. You can also reach the park on foot from town.

Tollymore Forest Park, Down

If you are looking for fall leaves in Northern Ireland, one of the best places to see them is Tollymore Forest Park in County Down. Situated at the base of the Mourne Mountains (see above), this area covering almost 630 hectares has many walks and trails through woodlands where you can enjoy the autumnal spectacle. There are four trails in total with distances between half a mile and five and a half miles, all of which are well sign-posted

Address: Bryansford Rd, Newcastle, Co. Down, BT33 0PR (UK)

How to get there: This forest park is located just over 30 miles south of Belfast, just off the A25. It is easily accessible by car within 1 hour and 10 minutes. It is also reached by public transport but this journey takes around 2 hours, the last half hour of which is walking.

A picture of fallen leaves on a bridge in Tollymore Forest Park during autumn

Blessingbourne Country Estate, Tyrone

The award-winning Blessingbourne Country Estate in County Tyrone is home to both the Lowry family home and an autumn rainbow during the months of October and November. The historic 550-acre county estate features lakes and woodlands teaming with wildlife. There are both walking and cycling trails for both guests of the estate and day visitors to enjoy.

Address: Blessingbourne Estate, Murley Rd, Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone, BT75 0QS (UK)

How to get there: Located 67 miles southwest of Belfast, the Blessingbourne Country Estate can be reached by car along the M1 and A4 from Belfast. It can be reached by public transport via the number 262 bus towards Enniskillen, a journey of 2 hours and 17 minutes.

Glenveagh Castle Gardens, Donegal

Glenveagh Castle Gardens are open all year round and are free to visit. But one of the best times to visit this location within the Glenveagh National Park in autumn. As well as the beautiful location the castle gardens have a 27-acre garden which is home to trees and shrubs, many of which change colour during autumn, particularly in the woodland garden. This is the best place to enjoy autumn colours in County Donegal.

Address: Gartan Mountain, Co. Donegal

How to get there: Glenveagh Castle Gardens are accessible from Letterkenny by car, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Drive along the N56 north and then turn onto the R255 Gweedore Road.

A picture of part of the gardens beside Glenveagh Castle in autumn

The Argory, Armagh

Another place in Northern Ireland to visit during autumn is The Argory in County Armagh. This neo-classical National Trust property is home to a mansion, wooded riverside walks and more. It is along the woodland walks that you can enjoy the autumnal kaleidoscope.

Address: 144 Derrycaw Rd, Dungannon, Co. Armagh, BT71 6NA (UK)

How to get there: The Argory is located near Clonmore in County Armagh, not far off the M1 from Belfast. This is a car journey of less than one hour. You can also reach the National Trust site by public transport by taking the number 1 from Belfast to Portadown and then changing to the number 67d towards Dungannon, a journey of 2 hours and 17 minutes.

This list of over 35 places to enjoy the changing colours of autumn in Ireland has something in each of the four provinces of Ireland. Whether you are in the north, south, east, or west of the Emerald Isle you are sure to be near a great place to enjoy the fall leaves in autumn.

More ideas for days out during fall/autumn in Ireland:

A picture of sunlight streaming through autumnal trees and text overlay saying places in Ireland for autumn leaves
A grid of four autumnal pictures and text overlay saying 35+ amazing places in Ireland for autumnal and fall colours
A grid of three autumnal pictures taken in Ireland and text overlay saying 35+ places in Ireland for fall leaves
by Cath Jordan
Cath is an Irish expat and the founder of Travel Around Ireland. She and her husband both come from Dublin, where the rest of their family remains. They regularly return to the Emerald Isle to explore the country with their son as well as to visit family. Through Travel Around Ireland, Cath shares her local expertise and knowledge with travellers and visitors to Ireland. Find out more about Cath here.

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