As the evenings in Galway grow shorter and the drizzle becomes a little more frequent, there is nothing like escaping for a few days of autumn sunshine.
Thankfully, there are plenty of destinations within easy reach, and with flights departing not only from Dublin but also from Shannon and Ireland West Airport Knock, it’s even easier for Galwegians to enjoy a quick burst of warm weather before winter sets in.
For near-guaranteed sunshine, the Canary Islands remain a firm favourite. Tenerife and Lanzarote enjoy average autumn temperatures of 23 to 26°C, making them ideal for beach days and al fresco dining. While Dublin offers daily flights, Shannon Airport also operates services to Lanzarote (approximately four hours and 30 minutes ), and Ireland West Knock has seasonal flights to Tenerife, meaning you might be on the beach quicker than you think.
If sandy coves and fresh seafood are more your style, Portugal’s Algarve delivers sunshine and charm in equal measure. Temperatures in October typically hover between 20 to 22°C. You can fly from Shannon to Faro in about two hours and 40 minutes, and you will find plenty of transfers and car hire options for resorts such as Lagos and Albufeira.
For a mix of culture and coastline, the Costa del Sol in southern Spain stays warm through the autumn months with daily highs of 21 to 23°C. Shannon operates direct flights to Malaga (around two hours and 50 minutes ), making it a convenient option. From there, a short train journey brings you to Seville if you fancy combining sun with history and tapas.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey, the Greek Islands, especially Crete and Rhodes, still enjoy highs of 24 to 25°C in October. Flights from Shannon and Knock usually involve one quick transfer (most commonly in London, Amsterdam or Dublin ), bringing total travel time to approximately six/seven hours.
Malta is another great option, offering 22 to 24°C in October along with historic towns and scenic harbours. While direct flights are currently only available from Dublin, Knock and Shannon offer swift connecting routes, with the total journey time still under five hours.
For those craving something more exotic, Marrakech offers balmy temperatures of 28 to 30°C in autumn. Shannon provides direct flights during peak season, and connecting routes are available from Knock via London.
So whether it’s the beaches of the Canaries, the cobbled streets of Spain, or the spice-scented squares of Morocco, flights from Shannon and Knock make it easier than ever to trade Galway’s grey clouds for a week of autumn sunshine.
