Ireland’s famously lush landscapes may be due in part to its unpredictable weather, but don’t let rain ruin your trip to this stunning island nation.
No matter when you visit, there’s plenty to do: hike through stunning scenery, mingle with locals in cozy pubs, enjoy great food, and join in the celebrations at one of the many festivals. there is. Irish calendar.
Although temperatures are at their highest during the summer months, Ireland’s year-round mild climate means you rarely experience freezing in the winter or blistering in the summer, so you can enjoy outdoor activities at any time.
The end of October is a time when the long days give way to dark nights. This adaptation to the changing seasons is deeply rooted in the Irish DNA. Things slow down at this time of year as ferries to the island reduce their services and smaller restaurants and hotels close for the off-season. However, the off-season isn’t the worst time to visit Ireland. There’s plenty to see and do even during the winter months.
The best time to visit Ireland depends on what type of trip you want to do. Here’s everything you need to know to make that decision.
Avoid the peak season crowds and head to the Ring of Kerry in September or October © benedek / Getty Images
September and October are the best months for festivals and autumn leaves
Along with spring, September and October are the best times to visit Ireland to avoid the crowds and save money, as prices drop from their summer peak. Expect days of mild temperatures and plenty of dry spells to explore the explosion of color throughout the island’s national parks and forests. Even the famous Ring of Kerry, with its dramatic mountains set against a vibrant sea backdrop, is accessible by convoys of tour buses.
Many of Ireland’s best festivals are in full swing at this time of year: September’s Armagh Food and Cider Weekend and Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival will have you chomping at the hoots. County Cork hits the ground running in October with the Kinsale Gourmet Festival and Guinness Jazz Festival, before taking a spooky turn and ending the month with the Galway Abu Halloween Festival’s spectacular parade. If you’re in Dublin, home of the author of Dracula, keep an eye out for the Bram Stoker Festival.
November to February is the best time for travelers on a budget
For some, the ultimate romantic getaway is a night in a cozy pub, followed by a night in a thatched cottage with a gale of Atlantic winds blowing through. For others, the lantern-lit cobblestone streets of Kilkenny, Limerick and Galway are the perfect winter getaway. It has all the benefits of convenient transportation to scenic locations and a wide range of restaurants and hotels that allow you to travel at off-peak rates. long night.
However, because of the short days and occasional storms and icy road conditions, solo road trips must take main roads and highways. Apart from popular attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, Bunratty Castle and City Museum, many interpretive centers are closed for the season, transport services are reduced and remote hospitality goes into hibernation. enter.
The holiday season is celebrated throughout December in Ireland, so expect to see plenty of Christmas markets, including Galway’s Eyre Square and Limerick’s Milk Market. January is a little quieter as the country recovers from endless festive activities, but towards the end of the month everyone gets back in the party mood when his Tradfest takes place. To celebrate the Dublin International Film Festival at the end of February, Hollywood magic descends on the capital as the national rugby team gets excited for the (literal) kick-off of the Six Nations tournament.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day across Ireland on March 17th © Aitormmfoto / Shutterstock
Tourist prices are higher in March due to St. Patrick’s Day
Let’s be honest, the whole of March is taken up by St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. It’s also when tourism and transport sectors bounce back after the winter break. Weather conditions remain unsettled, but the thermometer rises to 10°C (50°F) and the days become much brighter.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades take center stage in towns and cities across the country as they celebrate sentimental pranks and antics with floats, jigs, reels and pints of creamy Guinness. And, of course, be prepared for hotel prices to go up during the week. Unsurprisingly, Dublin hosts the biggest parade that takes up the streets of the capital. But country parades such as Doolin’s County Clare Procession, a satirical depiction of large-scale events, are just as rewarding.
The worldwide phenomenon of lighting up grounds green is predictably prevalent in Ireland, where it can create an atmospheric glow against the limestone rendering of medieval buildings. Top tip for visitors: Today is Paddy Day, not Patty Day. The only thing in the hamburger is the patty.
April to June is the best time for golf, flowers, and coastal drives
With average highs of 18°C (64°F) and prices not yet at their peak, this is the perfect time to take a road trip along Ireland’s majestic Wild Atlantic Way. This is a 2600 km (1600 mile) marked west coast route from West Cork in the south to Donegal in the north. It’s also the perfect time to visit Ireland and play 10 rounds of golf. Play on the links near charming villages, white sandy beaches, coves, cliff-top castles and vibrant towns such as Westport and Sligo.
In April, flowers bloom across the country. Visit the garden county of Wicklow for bluebell season in Powerscourt and Glendalough. County Clare’s Burren in Bloom Festival, held in May, is the perfect way to see rare species in a spectacular moonscape.
June is also a great time to visit Dublin, kicking off with a flower, food and family festival just before Bloomsday on June 16th celebrates the blooming of different natures of author James Joyce. A few weeks after the festivities, the country’s largest LGBTIQ+ Pride festival will take place, followed by a sea of rainbow flags.
Avoid the summer crowds by moving away from major tourist hubs © Lukasz Pajor / Shutterstock
The best time for sunny days and crowds is July and August
First, the bad news. With all schools and universities in Ireland currently closed for the summer, we are competing with the domestic market in terms of accommodation, food, car hire and tourist attractions. That means prices are high and the beaches are crowded (when the sun is out). Last-minute reservations for hotels and restaurants in popular areas can be risky and are not recommended. The Galway International Arts Festival in July attracts tourists from all over the world, and Galway is booked up. Meanwhile, during Willie Clancy’s Summer School term, the streets of Miltown and Mulvey are filled with music and dancing.
However, it’s a great time to be on islands like the Aran Islands and Inishbofin, where bikes are the best mode of transportation. Ireland’s less-visited Midlands is also uncrowded and full of medieval forts, blue riverside lanes, quaint villages, and more. To explore the area, hire a boat and cruise along the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, and explore the beautiful town of Killaloe, Clonmacnoise’s High His Cross, and the oldest pub, Sean’s Bar There is no better way than to visit places that are below the radar. In Ireland. Renting a boat means setting your own itinerary, and considering you sleep on board, it’s great value for money.
Galway also has little time to recover from the arts festival before race week begins, which lasts from late July to early August. You can expect gorgeous costumes and a sense of excitement. In the south, the town of Tralee warmly welcomes visitors from all over the world at the annual Rose of Tralee Festival. The entire area has an atmosphere that cannot be conveyed by the words “beauty contest.”
This article was first published on February 10, 2021 and updated on March 13, 2024.
