early March in Ireland
 

I have an opporunity to take a short trip to Ireland the beginning of March. I'm concerned about what kind of weather to expect. I'm not sure I want to take the trip if it will still be winter conditions, but this is a place I've always wanted to go to. I'm looking for some advice or opinions regarding this. What would you do in my place? What is the weather usually like that time of year?

We went a few years back mid-March to Dublin. It was chilly, but coming from New England it was certainly bearable. Be prepared for rain, wind, sun, etc. I enjoyed it because it was less crowded (right after St. Patrick's and everyone had gone home).

Thanks for the response. I'm looking into the first week of March. I realize that time of year can go either way. I guess I'm wondering, if it ends up on the colder side, just how cold that might be? I don't expect to see the vibrant greens of the hillsides that time of year, but what am I likely to expect. No matter what, I know I'll be returning......

The weather is never guaranteed in Ireland, no matter when you go. It will be quite chilly and probably rain, but if you really want to go to Ireland I wouldn't let that stop you! I'd go if i were you. If its sunshine you're after then Ireland is not the place to find it!

It was very green everywhere in the countryside. It got cold at night (high 30's low 40's), but we had a great time. We went for a quick trip; 3 nights, 4 days. We were based in Dublin. We rented a car and had no problem managing traffic. We went south into wicklow one day, west into Kildare to Curragh racecourse another day and even managed to go to a Van Morrison concert in Dublin at night. We are heading back in October to the West Coast for 4 nights, basing ourselves in Galway.

Aside from the past couple of months, it's always cold and rainy here. But Ireland's a great place to visit any time of year.

Thanks for all the input. I feel much more comfortable about booking the trip, and I really looking forward to it.

Expect it to be cold (40's to mid 50's) and wet (rain every day). It's the kind of cold that gets to your bones. Lent begins the first Wednesday of March so that might dampen Pub life some.

As long as you expect the worst, you won't be disappointed. One bright note: I saw more rainbows from the Limerick Tralee bus than I have ever seen before.

Go for it. I went in late February and it wasn't as cold as i thought it would be... and I'm from Miami. If I can stand it, you can! I found out Ireland is in the gulf stream, so it doesn't get as freezingly cold as other places (we flew thru NY and it was MUCH colder there). Temp was in the low 50s during the day, less at nite. I was fine with a sweater & a jacket. It rained a couple of times, but never long enough to keep us from touring. Take the trip. You'll be amazed at how green everything is.

We went in March last year and it rained at least a portion of every day. But, we expected it so were prepared with umbella's and rainwear. Take layers and you will be fine. We loved Ireland, the weather did not put a damper on our trip.