County Donegal Travel Forum

I am traveling to Ireland in October, which I know is not the ideal month to travel in this country.
I'd like to do a driving + hiking trip in Donegal. I don't mind colder temperatures, and some rain here and there, but not steady rainfall day in and day out and muddy trails everywhere.

My question is: is it reasonable to do this kind of trip in October, or should I go to the southwest of Ireland instead?

Your question is very difficult to answer as here on the west coast of Ireland it can be raining in the morning and a couple of hours later the weather will have completly changed and may be fine and sunny. It is often said one can have all four seasons in a day here.. I am giving you this link which may be of some help. www.met.ie/
If you look under climate on the left hand side you will get an idea of the average rainfall.
This year has been very different from normal, much more rainfall, espically along the east coast. Donegal and the northwest which as you can see normally has more rain than the rest of the country has had less than the average.
Good luck with the weather, just make sure you have good rain gear if you need it.

october should still be OK and a lot better than Nov-march. I spent several times there and the changing weather simply teaches you to be pacient, when driving you own car it should be do-able, hiking would be a lot worse...

You would be foolish to expect dry weather and paths anywhere in tIreland (or the UK) in October, but it is entirely possible to wear appropriate clothing/boots and still enjoy the lovely Irish countryside. I don't really think it will make much difference which part of Ireland you visit, to be honest; chances are there will be rain, and some mud (although it's unlikely to be cold).

Yes it is very reasonable to your proposed trip in Donegal in October.

You can check out ... www.hillwalking.ie to see the planned, guided hill walking/hiking trails planned in Sept, Oct and Nov 2007.

It should be most enjoyable but of course cannot guarantee the weather after the "Summer" we are having!!

I don't think it will make much difference where you go that time of year. I'd say pick the place you're most interested in and go there and hope for the best.