bighil

Neither my husband or I have ever been to Ireland, but we are looking to plan a trip for our first anniversary (or sometime next year!) and Ireland is on our list of considerations.

What is the best time of year to travel to Ireland for nice weather without a lot of crowds? Are there any times of year to avoid. For example, we had friends who visited Italy in August of this year while we had gone in June. They had a completely different experience then us, even though we went to the same places, because a lot of Italy shuts down in August.

Thanks so much!
Hilary

IrishEyes

Nice weather in Ireland is NEVER a sure thing. You go, take your rain gear and hope for the best. I have had success in April/May and Sept/Oct. Both are considered the shoulder season with less tourists. If you plan properly any rainy days won't put a dent in your enjoyment of Ireland.

kahern

in april we got scattered light rain & pleasant temperatures. for someone from seattle it was very comfortable. and in ireland you can get away with wearing a parka and sneakers without feeling like a dolt. the wild flowers in the burren were beautiful, but i was told they were early that year, and usually may is better. if you'll be in the west, that's something to consider.

bighil

Thanks for your advice! I am not as worried about rain as just cold or extremely hot weather!

beach_dweller

bighil,

we visited in October (2004) and August (2005). Day time temps were high 40s and low to mid 50s in October, with scattered showers. At night, I don't think it got below the high 30s. In August, day time temps were between 60 and low 70s, while at night it got down to the low 50s--and, you guessed it, scattered showers.

Ireland is wonderful!

nancyn

I visited Ireland in August 2004 had had great weather! Warmish (upper 60s and 70s) every day. Didnt need a coat or jacket and only one day of rain! It is a wonderful place, I cannot wait to go back!

bighil

Thanks everyone for your great advice! I am sure I will have a ton more questions as we are planning.

Shadow

I"ve enjoyed the middle of June...good weather (always expect rain) and tourist are not as plentiful.....also, the airfares are still lower than the end of June when the fares go up. Mid summer is also nice but busier and pricier. I just got back and the weather was good in October...we had one day of mostly rain and several days of showers off/on and several days of no rain at all.
The only time I personally would not go is Jan/Feb or even March (unless I have to-my mom lives there). Its just too cold for me then. I've been there in March and I will try to not do that again. This year I also went at the end of April to the first week of May and I had more rain than I usually have but you just expect it to rain so it did not stop me. But, because I get cold very easily I *live* in my coat on all trips-no matter what month!
Shadow

Joe18

I've been to Ireland once, in Thanksgviving 1995. The weather varied from bright and sunny to bright (a little rain) to heavy rain. But never very cold. As long as you dress for it, the weather is great whenever you go.

Itallian_Chauffer

We have been seven times in the past six years -- twice in early June, once in late June/early July, once in Feb and three times in April. Am currently planning a return in April of 2006. Only the Feb trip involved really bad weather, and that mostly over a 3-5 day span while in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim -- all in the NorthWest. We ended the trip with two good days in Dublin, rain wise. April is a favorite time for me, paticularly when you factor in prices (generally lower than June or July), lack of crowds and generally cool, but mostly clear days. June IS generally warmer, but not an lot more than in April. We have either been very fortunate relative to the weather, or April is a pretty good month, weather wise.
Bob

NEDSIRELAND

I have visited Ireland in late May and mid September, twice for both, in late Feb to early Mar, and in November. The weather in November was very wet and windy. May was showery. September was best! Air fares start coming down - to shoulder season, at least about that time.

In August, a lot of those Italians and other Europeans vacation in Ireland. It tends to be cooler than Italy or Spain; and not everyone heads for the overpriced beach resorts in July & August.

From the perspective of one who likes to get a round of golf in, September is also best.