Your Perfect Autumn Retreat
Near the Burren & Galway City
Looking for a little getaway this autumn? Somewhere cosy, relaxing, and close to some of Ireland’s best seasonal festivals? You’re in luck — the Lady Gregory Hotel in Gort is just the spot.
Tucked between the wild beauty of the Burren and the buzz of Galway City, we’re perfectly placed for crisp autumn walks, cultural adventures and a whole calendar of brilliant local events. And the best part? When you book our Fall into Autumn offer, Your Breakfast is on Us. That’s right, no better way to start a day of exploring than with a fresh, hearty breakfast and a cuppa in hand!
Rest, Relax & Recharge
After a day out and about, there’s nothing better than coming back to a warm welcome and a bit of comfort. At Lady Gregory Hotel, you can stretch out in a spacious room, take a dip in the pool, or treat yourself to a pampering session in our Beauty Rooms.
Our Leisure Club is the perfect spot to unwind, and if you’re feeling peckish, we’ve got tasty dining options on-site too.
So whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the fresh air, or just a well-earned break, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect autumn escape right here at Lady Gregory Hotel.
Food, Music & Magic
Autumn Events Near Gort
There’s something a little bit magical about autumn in the West of Ireland, the leaves turn golden, the air feels fresh and crisp, and the whole region comes alive with festivals, music, and a real sense of community. If you’re staying with us here at Lady Gregory Hotel, you’ll find yourself in the perfect spot to soak up all the autumn charm — whether you’re here for food, fun, or a bit of culture (or all three!).
From lively traditional music in the heart of Gort to world-class festivals just a short drive away in Galway and the Burren, there’s something happening for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re into food, folklore, music, art, or just soaking up the atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
September 2025
Culture Night, Galway
One night. Endless discoveries. And it’s all free!
Culture Night in Galway is pure magic, the city comes alive with music, art, theatre, talks, pop-ups, and surprise performances around every corner. Wander through galleries after dark, catch an impromptu gig on a street corner, or discover a hidden gem down a side alley you’ve never noticed before.
Whether you’re into traditional tunes, contemporary dance, or just love soaking up the buzz, Culture Night is your excuse to explore Galway in a whole new way, and best of all, it won’t cost you a thing.
Tip: Bring comfy shoes, an open mind, and a sense of curiosity, you never know what you’ll stumble upon!
MORE INFO HERE
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
Seafood lovers, rejoice! This is your moment.
Every autumn, Galway City comes alive with the salty air of the Atlantic, the clink of champagne glasses, and the irresistible smell of fresh seafood. The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is one of Europe’s longest-running food celebrations, and it’s an absolute must for foodies.
Slurp your way through world-famous oysters, sample mouthwatering local dishes, enjoy live music, cooking demos, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere by the sea. It’s part foodie heaven, part great Galway craic, and completely unforgettable.
Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or just here for the fun and flavour, this is the kind of weekend that stays with you (and not just because of the delicious seafood!).
MORE INFO HERE
The Lady Gregory – Yeats Autumn Gathering
The Lady Gregory-Yeats Autumn Gathering (AG25) will take place from September 26th to 28th, 2025, celebrating Lady Gregory’s contributions to Irish literature and culture. The event includes lectures, discussions, theatre, and social activities in historic locations like Woodville Walled Garden, Coole Park, and Thoor Ballylee.
Friday: Tour of Woodville House and Gardens, followed by the operetta, held here at Lady Gregory Hotel, Lady Gregory in America by Colm Tóibín and Arturo Caruso.
Saturday: Opening ceremony at Coole Park, lectures by prominent academics, and a Candlelight Dinner with entertainment.
Sunday: Fireside chats, guided tours of Thoor Ballylee, and discussions on Lady Gregory’s legacy.
For tickets and more information, visit Autumngathering.com or Eventbrite
October 2025
Cooley Collins Traditional Music Festival (Gort)
A legendary weekend is a celebration of everything we love about traditional Irish music.
Great tunes, lively sessions, and that unmistakable local energy that fills every pub and street corner.
Held in honour of music icons Joe Cooley and Kieran Collins, the Cooley Collins Festival transforms Gort into a toe-tapping, fiddle-playing, bodhrán-beating hub of music and craic. Whether you’re a lifelong trad fan or just looking to soak up the atmosphere, it’s the kind of weekend that leaves you smiling (and maybe dancing too).
Pop into a pub for a spontaneous session, take in a masterclass, or just follow the music through town. It’s a proper Galway experience, and one that locals and visitors alike look forward to every year.
MORE INFO HERE
Ballinasloe Horse Fair
One of Europe’s oldest and most colourful fairs, and a real Irish experience!
Held every October, the Ballinasloe Horse Fair is a vibrant mix of tradition, community, and pure energy. Think horse trading, lively markets, street music, fairground rides, and crowds from all over the country (and beyond!) soaking up the fun.
Whether you’re into horses or just love a good day out, it’s a brilliant way to experience a bit of living Irish heritage. From polished show ponies to working horses, you’ll see it all, plus parades, competitions, and loads of local character.
Tip: Come early, wear comfy shoes, and bring your sense of adventure, you never know what (or who!) you’ll see.
MORE INFO HERE
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
Fun, creative, and full of wonder, perfect for curious little minds (and their grown-ups too!).
Every autumn, Galway becomes a playground of imagination thanks to Baboró, Ireland’s flagship festival dedicated to children and families. Expect a joyful mix of theatre, music, storytelling, puppetry, dance, and hands-on workshops, all designed to inspire and delight.
Whether it’s their first show or their fifth, kids light up at Baboró, and adults often leave just as enchanted! It’s a brilliant way to spark creativity and spend quality time together in one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities.
Tip: Shows and events can book up fast, so grab your tickets early and make a day (or weekend!) of it.
MORE INFO HERE
Galway Comedy Festival
Big laughs, big names, and seriously good craic!
Every October, Galway turns into the comedy capital of Ireland with the Galway Comedy Festival, a week packed with side-splitting stand-up, cheeky sketches, and world-class comedians from near and far.
From household names to rising stars, you’ll catch them all in cosy pubs, buzzing theatres, and lively venues around town. The atmosphere? Electric. The jokes? Hilarious. The craic? Absolutely mighty.
So grab a few friends, bring your best laugh, and get ready for one of Galway’s most entertaining weeks of the year!
MORE INFO HERE
Burren Beo Winterage Festival
A one-of-a-kind celebration of farming, nature, and local tradition, with plenty of heart and heritage.
Every autumn, as the cattle return to their winter pastures, the Burren Beo Winterage Festival brings people together to honour the ancient farming practices that have shaped this incredible landscape for generations.
Expect a lovely mix of storytelling, guided walks, talks, music, food, and community events, all focused on the deep connection between land, people, and tradition in the Burren. It’s a brilliant way to learn something new, meet like-minded souls, and experience the Burren from a truly local perspective.
Tip: Don’t miss the cattle drive, it’s not every day you get to walk alongside a herd through this breathtaking landscape!
MORE INFO HERE
Burren Food Fayre
Calling all foodies! This is your chance to taste the Burren at its very best.
Held every autumn in the heart of the Burren, the Burren Food Fayre is a celebration of local flavour, passion, and sustainable food. It’s the kind of weekend where you can meet the makers, chat with local producers, and sample everything from creamy cheeses to fresh seafood, handmade bakes, and more.
There are cooking demos, foodie talks, guided walks, and family-friendly activities, all served with a generous helping of Burren hospitality. Whether you’re a serious food lover or just fancy a delicious day out, it’s a real treat for the tastebuds.
Tip: Bring a tote bag for goodies, you’ll want to take a little taste of the Burren home with you!
MORE INFO HERE
Galway Halloween Festival & Macnas Parade
Spooky, spectacular, and fun for all ages, the parade is an absolute must-see!
When Halloween rolls around, Galway goes all out, and nowhere does it better than the legendary Macnas Parade. This isn’t your average Halloween event. Think towering puppets, glowing lanterns, live music, and surreal storytelling that winds its way through the city streets. It’s spine-tingling in the best possible way!
The festival atmosphere is electric, with family-friendly fun by day and eerie entertainment by night. Expect everything from creepy crafts and spooky storytelling to live performances and costumed characters at every corner.
Tip: Wrap up warm, arrive early for a good spot along the parade route, and bring your camera, you’ll want to capture the magic!
MORE INFO HERE
Samhain Púca Storytelling Festival
Mingle with ghosts, ghouls, witches and vampires.
Visit the Michael Cusack Centre, home of the founding father of the GAA this Halloween for a spectacularly spooky Samhain Púca Storytelling Festival.
This is a community and family fun day with storytelling, local folklore, guest authors, face painting, trick or treat at the Witches Cottage, fancy dress competitions for children and adults, meet the PÚCA, spooky fairy trail and more!
Enjoy spine-tingling stories of magic and mystery. It’s all happening at the Michael Cusack Centre in Poulaphuca, Carron, Co. Clare this Halloween.
Sunday 27th October, 12noon – 4pm