Let’s face it: when you think of a holiday in Ireland, you think of green landscapes, sheep and especially a lot of rain. Ireland’s weather is not known for an abundance of sunshine and tropical temperatures. Admittedly, there is always a chance of rain in Ireland, but learning the best time to visit Ireland can avoid a lot of frustration (and rain)! Read all about the best time to travel to Ireland in this post.
Best time to visit Ireland
The best time to visit Ireland depends of course on what you are looking for. The warmest temperatures generally fall in the months of July and August. This is the best time for those who want to visit beaches or attempt getting a tan. The driest months, on the other hand, are April, May and June – not unimportant for those who go on an Ireland hiking holiday. In April and May, you can also admire a wide variety of flowers in the Irish countryside.
During September and October the weather in Ireland is still quite warm and dry. These months are especially attractive because of the decrease in tourists and the many artistic and culinary festivals that still take place in larger cities. However, it can be more difficult to find accommodation during this time. Therefore, the best time to go to Ireland may be better determined by looking at individual regions.
Weather in Ireland, by region
Are you going to Dublin for a weekend, camping in Connemara or on an adventure along the Kerry Way? The difference in weather conditions between these areas can be surprisingly large. In the west of Ireland it is generally rainy compared to the weather in Dublin. However, the southwestern county of Kerry has a particularly mild and warm climate compared to other areas of the island due to the warm North Atlantic Ocean Current. So what’s the weather in Ireland like by region?
Western Ireland
The mountainous West of Ireland undoubtedly receives more rainfall than in the flat interior or on the west coast. There can also be strong winds in this part of the island. Yet millions of people visit the breathtaking landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way every year.
In Connemara, Dingle and the Burren, mean temperatures are higher than the inland, north and east coast of Ireland. There is a relatively large amount of rain in Western Ireland, especially in the mountainous areas.
Curious about the rugged west of Ireland? Visit the relatively warm Dingle Peninsula or the lakes of Connemara.
Northern Ireland
This is without a doubt the coldest region on the island. Yet County Antrim is one of the driest and sunniest places in all of Ireland – perfect conditions for a multi-day hike! Antrim has sprung to fame recently with the filming of the popular TV show Game of Thrones there but has been well know for many years due to attractions like the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giant’s Causeway.
Be inspired by our hiking tours through sunny Antrim!
Eastern Ireland
Ireland’s east coast is remarkably sunny and dry compared to the rest of the island. On the coast it is quite warm in the summer months, but inland the temperature decreases slightly.
The weather in Dublin is very dry by Irish standards. Slightly more rainfall around the mountains and lakes of Wicklow, but much less than similar areas in Western Ireland.
Visit the mountains and lakes of Wicklow to experience Ireland’s beautiful nature with less chance of rain!
Southern Ireland
In the south of the emerald island, it is the best time to go to Ireland almost all year round. Thanks to the North Atlantic Ocean Current, this part of Ireland is particularly mild, both in the summer months and beyond. Summers are wonderfully warm and it is often still possible to walk around without a jacket in September.
There is also nothing wrong with the hours of sunshine in this heavenly Irish region. Tropical plants even grow wild along the Kerry Way, the Sheep’s Head Way and the Beara Way!
Admire the tropical vegetation in the pleasant south of Ireland, for example along the Kerry Way and the Sheep’s Head Way!
