Oktoberfests are hosted all over the world, but it is probably not surprising that Ireland and the British Isles are among the best outside Germany. If you're hoping to enjoy a mug of Bavarian lager, along with brats, sausages and more, you can enjoy Oktoberfest with an Irish or British twist. It all depends on where you go, but these are some of the best to attend in the region.
Oktoberfest Dublin, Ireland (hotel prices and photos)
Ireland's largest city and capital undoubtedly offers the best of Oktoberfest not only in this country, but in much of Western Europe. In 2018, it will take place from 14 September to 6 October, making it an ideal choice if you are already there, but if you miss this year's event, you can also plan to be here for the next one. Head to the George Pier and look forward to music from the popular Bavarian band The Mostlandstürmer, who will rock the main marquee with authentic Oktoberfest music and current chart hits. Renowned DJ Udo will also take the stage and you can look forward to special themed evenings, Bavarian costumes, German food, including roast potatoes and sauerkraut, frankfurters, schmalzkuchen, crepes, savouries and more. There will also be a pit to test your fist against your friends.
Oktoberfest Belfast, Northern Ireland (Hotels nearby)
Belfast is not only a great destination to visit at any time of year, with its colourful mix of history, art, fantastic food, nightlife and the incredibly impressive Titanic Museum, but Northern Ireland's capital also hosts a great Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest Belfast 2018 will be held at the Kings Hall Arena every Friday and Saturday from 29 September to 21 October. Supported by one of Germany's largest breweries, Paulaner, you can expect a wide range of beers, including Paulaner Oktoberfest Lager, brewed specifically for the Munich Beer Festival. Bavarian cuisine and beer will be served by staff wearing traditional Bavarian costumes, and there will be live music and DJs, competitions and games.
Oktoberfest London (Hotels nearby)
England's capital also loves Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest 2018 will be hosted in London from 4 October to 14 October 2018 at Millwell Park in Canary Wharf. Billed as the Royal Oktoberfest, like Belfast, it is hosted in collaboration with German brewery Paulaner, bringing beer tents similar to those in Munich, with a traditional Bavarian Oompah band playing classic British pop and rock. Queen and Oasis songs, with singing and dancing on the benches. Expect a lot of stein-lifting and traditional Dirndl outfits.
Edinburgh Oktoberfest, Scotland (Hotels nearby)
Scotland's beautiful Edinburgh is also home to Oktoberfest, this one with a Halloween twist, hosted from 31 October to 4 November at Murrayfield Stadium in the heart of the city, where the area is transformed into a traditional Oktoberfest complete with live Bavarian music from traditional Oompa music to the great German Schlager. Specially brewed Bavarian beers will be served along with German food such as pretzels, schnitzel and bratwurst. You can add to the Halloween twist by taking a ghost tour of the Old Town underground and visit Edinburgh Castle where dark figures of lost souls are said to lurk.
Oktoberfest Manchester, England (Hotels nearby)
Manchester brings out the mugs for its epic Oktoberfest event taking place in Albert Square from 10 October to 14 October 2018. Dance in your best Bavarian dress to live German music on the benches with booze-filled days in tents holding up to 2,000, with people from near and far coming to celebrate the event with plenty of German beer and food. The city itself hosts some great museums to explore when you've had your fill of beer, including the Manchester Museum, best known for its Egyptian collection containing over 16,000 artefacts and 20 human mummies.
The Real Oktoberfest Glasgow, Scotland (Hotels nearby)
Glasgow offers another opportunity to celebrate in Scotland, hosting The Real Oktoberfest from 17 October to 21 October at Queen's Park Recreation Ground. You can expect to enjoy the same - always flowing - beer and Bavarian food, music, dancing, singing and much more, perhaps with a Scottish twist. There's plenty more to do in Glasgow in2016National Geographic traveller called it one of the world's best places to travel, noting its 'world-class architecture, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking scenery and beautiful shops'.
Oktoberfest Newport, Tredegar Park, Wales (Hotels nearby)
You can also find Oktoberfest in Wales. The popular festival known as Oktoberfest Newport in Tredegar Park brings all sorts of Bavarian traditions including some of the best German beers served in nibbles, along with traditional German and Bavarian cuisine such as sauerkraut, pretzels, spätzle and schnitzel, traditional lederhosen costumes as well as games, live music and other entertainment. The 2018 event will take place on 12 and 13 October. While you're here, South Wales is full of castles worth exploring. Many were used to secure the position of the Normans in the borderlands after the invasion. Newport Castle is one of the later castles. Overlooking the River Usk, it was built in the 14th century.
Oktoberfest Depot, Cardiff, Wales Credit: Oktoberfest beer from bigstock.com
Oktoberfest Depot, Cardiff, Wales (Hotels nearby)
The actual Oktoberfesalso takes place from Munich to Cardiff, which runs throughout October, with fabulous street food, craft beer and live music, as well as authentic Munich beers served in the Munich Oktoberfest. and table service from waitresses in traditional Bavarian dress. Cardiff also offers many quirky shops in ornate arcades, the 11th century Cardiff Castle and picturesque river views. The Millennium Stadium, one of the city's architectural landmarks, offers the chance to pick up rugby Wales souvenirs in the shop next door.