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  • When to Visit Ireland

Our Guide on When to Visit Ireland

Ireland can be enjoyed year-round, however, the ideal time to explore is during the months of March to May and September to November. This is when the country is less crowded compared to the summer months, and the weather is not as cold or as wet as during winter. Ireland boasts a mild and temperate climate throughout the year, although rainfall is to be expected year-round – there’s a reason it’s so green after all! 

However, If you prefer warm weather and vibrant landscapes, summer – June, July, and August is the best season to visit. At this time, the days are very long, and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Having said that summer tends to be crowded, especially on popular driving routes and in rural areas

Once into October some sites outside major towns – especially on the coast, can start to close for winter and temperatures gradually drop. Nevertheless, even during winter, the average temperatures remain above freezing, but it can get very wet and windy. Winter can however offer a unique opportunity to experience the serene side of Ireland’s beauty and those famous Irish pubs will feel even more cozy. 

The Irish have a saying – ‘You don’t like the weather? Wait 5 minutes!’ And this can be very accurate, so come prepared for anything at any time of the year!

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Hailing from America with Irish roots, I’ve spent the majority of my life exploring and embracing Ireland. Naturally, at UTC, I’m the expert on Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Switzerland.

Chelsea

Europe Specialist

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Best time to go to Ireland

Here is a summary of some of the best times to visit Ireland, depending on what you want to do there

 
St Patrick’s cathedral, Ireland

Spring

Ireland’s bucolic countryside of undulating hills and ancient rocky cliffs and beaches is perhaps at its best in Spring when the countryside is at its most beautiful. Travel between April and May to find a landscape awash with colorful spring blooms and verdant foliage, a photographer’s dream, and a beguilingly picturesque destination for walks across the hilltops of County Mayo and treks along Ireland’s cinematic coast — taking in the Cliffs of Moher and dreamy beaches such as Curracloe Strand. The temperatures are mild, with average highs ranging from 54°F to 59°F, making those post-walk dinners in a fire-lit coastal cottage all the cozier. 

Renvylle, along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Summer

Summers across Ireland are beautiful, with long breezy days characterized by blue skies and late sunsets. Travelers hoping to experience the best of them should visit Ireland during the summer months of June, July, and August. During this time, the days are long and the temperatures are warm, with average highs ranging from 64°F to 70°F. Of course, summer is the peak tourist season in Ireland, so expect larger crowds and higher prices but the trade-off is in ambiance, with days as well-suited to city exploration as they are for countryside pursuits and tanning on a wild Irish beach.

Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

Fall

Travelers with an interest in traditional Irish culture and festivals are well served during the fall months of September and October. Across Ireland, the harvest season is in full swing, with traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the Emerald Isle, such as the Galway Oyster Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival, and Dublin Fringe. Those traveling around Halloween should pay a visit to the Bram Stoker Festival, which honors Dublin-born Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, with three nights of literary events, walks, screenings, and a Gothic ball. The temperatures at this time of year can be mild, with average highs ranging from 57°F to 63°F, making fall less attractive for anyone hoping to hit the beaches.

Cottage in Winter, Ireland

Winter

Those Ireland bound in the winter months will find quieter city streets, empty stretches of coastline, and more affordable prices across the country’s hotels. While the weather can be chilly and wet, with short days and long nights, there are plenty of indoor activities to partake in, such as exploring both Dublin’s and Belfast’s many museums and galleries, indulging in a cozy pub meal — reinforced by Irish Whiskey and Guinness, or attending traditional music or dancing events. The prices are generally lower during this time, and there are fewer travelers, but the winter markets tend to pull in the crowds and introduce a delightful Christmastime ambiance in late December. 

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