We went in late june, early july and it rained almost every day after the first four, which were sunny and very warm (70s). but it only rained lightly and sporadically. We didn't even bring umbrellas, although we did bring our waterproof jackets everywhere. I loved it there, and I loved the climate.

I like cool weather and don't mind clouds. Some people I know hate that type of weather, and I wouldn't recommend Ireland to people who want sunshine and heat every day on their vactions.

As you can see, the weather is going to vary no matter what time of year.

We went for 12 days at the end of June last year, and it only rained 2 of those days - but it wasn't full days of rain. Even when it did rain, it wasn't pouring. Take everyone's advice above - pack for it, dress for it, and just hope you get good weather! You might look at your itinerary to see how you can adjust things on the fly in case of big rains, but I don't think it'll ruin your trip.
Good luck!

We were in Ireland last fall around the same time as edhodge and it rained buckets, nearly everyday. We had a wonderful time and did everything we'd planned. The only real casualties: driving Connor Pass when it was so stormy we couldn't enjoy (or even see) the view and it was very windy and wet when we visited the Cliffs of Moher (while it was dramatic, it made for a short - 5 minute - visit). As most have said, be prepared for the rain and enjoy your trip whatever the weather.

We were in Ireland in 1986 in what Radio Eirann was calling the worst rainstorm in Irish history -- or at least the worst since they'd started keeping records. My faithful traveling companion still calls it the best vacation we ever had.
No matter where we go, we tell ourselves we're going to Ireland. That way, all sunny days are bonuses.

We were in Ireland last year for a hiking tour and we were blessed with gorgeous weather the first few days. The second half of the trip the wind howled and blew rain. There was mud, my socks were wet, but I loved every minute of it! Just make sure you have rain gear and waterproof shoes or boots.

The rain didn't ruin my entire trip, only parts of it (namely, the Ring of Kerry). And even then, I can't say it completely ruined that day or two...it's only that it wasn't what I'd hoped, at least in terms of taking photos. You could barely see a few feet in front of the car in some places. Oh well. I still have great memories. My best advice is to adjust your expectations. Hope for the best, and expect the worst, at least in terms of the weather. Be prepared for anything, and you won't be disappointed.

Did the rain ruin your trip to Ireland?

The title of your post should be: "Don't let the rain spoil my trip to Ireland!" You might get some good tips. For example, I have two nylon rain jackets: one long and one short. I usually leave one to dry out at my B&B and carry the other.

The waterproof shoes advice is good! I wear waterproof Nike hikers. If you're not planning to walk thru the fields you may not even need them.

In May-early June, in the southwest it rains a little almost every day. If it's sunny at 8:00AM, expect rain by noon. This might highlight another Irish treasure: From the Limerick-Tralee bus, I have seen more rainbows than anywhere else. And we all know what's at the end of the rainbow ...

The last week of May is when the Ennis Spring music festival happens. During that time you can duck into any pub and enjoy.

If we worried about the rain we would never get to Ireland: relax and enjoy!

I know many people saying their trip to Ireland has been ruined because of the bad weather. Some of them even came home early because it rained every day. We went in July and it rained 10 days out of 12. But we didn´t mind. Don´t go to Ireland if you don´t like the rain!!

my family and I were in Ireland for ten days mid-May,2004- we had about 20 minutes of rain the whole time!!

I was in Ireland from July 24th to August 3rd of this year and never was there a day where it rained so much that we did'nt have fun. It was actually quite sunny for the first five days. The second five days it rained more often but never more than 2-3 hours a day. Rain or shine you will have a blast!