19849

Considering a trip to Ireland in November but my spouse thinks it would be better weather in April. What do you think?

latedaytraveler

Of course, one can never predict the weather in Ireland. I have been there several times in the summer and have never had REALLY bad weather. Lucky, I guess.

But if you look at averages on sites like weather.com, you will see that April is the month when there is less rainfall. I mentioned this to an Irish friend once and upon reflections, he agreed, "That's probably right." You will definitely see many new lambs in spring too!

Check it out.

nytraveler

And in April the days will be longer, giving you more time to enjoy the sights.

tekwriter

I know this is not the norm, but when we went to Ireland (west coast) for six days during April a few years ago, we had a total of 10 minutes of rain the entire trip! I am dead serious. We got sunburned in Inishmore riding in a jaunty cart! The locals were marveling over the glorious weather, that spring had really arrived. The temperature was usually moderate, in the 50s and 60s, perfect for a light Irish sweater. Your mileage may vary, of course!

justshootme

A few years ago, I had the oppourtunity to go to Ireland in November. Yes, the days were short and it did get dark early, but I only had one day of rain when I was there. Really, if given the choice, I'd go in April there will be more sunlight, some of the sites are outdoors, and do need to be seen during daylight.

janisj

No guarantees - but April will probably be warmer, and drier. And there IS a guarantee that the days will be longer. It could be a fluke and Nov might be warmer/drier - but the days are shorter no matter what.

At the end of Nov Dublin has about 8 hours of daylight
At the end of April it is about 15 hours

19849

Thanks - that is just what I needed to hear.

a1139a

We went in November a few years ago and loved the fact that there weren't many tourists. It did rain, but we expected it. It didn't keep us from doing anything we wanted to do.

www.hereinfranklin.wordpress.com

CAPH52

I was there in late March of '06 and late March/early April of '07. It rained in Galway the first two days we were there in '06. In '07 the weather was absolutely glorious the entire time I was there. And, as others have pointed out, the days are longer in April.

janisj

a1139a: I notice you always close w/ a link to the same website even when there is no apparent connection to the topic (I assume it is your own site - but I won't click on it so not sure)

Advertising isn't allowed on here . . . . . .

Foley

April is usually much better than November. In fact in 2007 April was probably the best month of the year.

artgirl1998

I took my husband on a surprise trip to Dublin for his 40th birthday last November. We had a great time. Locals said it was a real cold spell but it was not a cold as the northeast in the US, where we are from. One of the unexpected and greatest parts was that we saw the arrival of the Christmas season! Great window displays of Grafton, Gaelic seasonal wishes in lights, and local choirs performing at a tree lighting. It was the best Thanksgiving of my life!!!

gruezi

We visited Ireland in August and after the 12th straight day of rain my cheap husband paid the fee to change our airline tickets so we could go home early. He couldn't take it anymore.

Irish friends do tell me April can often be good weather... but no guarantees of course.

I loved Ireland even in the rain....

gruezi

jefe

Well, we've been in mid-May several times, and think the weather is great then (at least it has been when we were there).

But then looking at Weather.com, I'd have to say that temperature-wise, there is really only several degree difference between the 2 months.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/trave...omnav_business

I'd be more inclined toward April. But since it's the weather, and you never quite know what you are going to get, you have to take into account other things, like artgirl1998 mentions. Close to holidays or birthdays can make the trip mean more then what the weather was like, as long as you make the choice with some knowledge of what you might be in for.

Holldoll

I've been in mid-November and early March. I'd definitely take early March (which is not even as nice as April) over November. November days are much shorter and weather is drearier. At least from my experience. March was colder, but clearer and less damp. Just my pesonal experience. Of course, weather is certainly not predictable. Early March was great as far as no tourism--we were the only people at Giant's Causeway!!

greenie_by_nature

I'm thinking about an April '09 trip.

My main must-sees are Slieve League Cliffs and some Donegal genealogy sites. I'm thinking it might be nice to take a day class at Belle Isle School of Cookery.

I don't want to see the whole country in a week... not a fan of the green blur trip... I just want some nice countryside stops.

Do you think we should fly into Dublin or Shannon? It's about 3.5 hours to Donegal either way...

--Stephanie

Padraig

It depends on whether or not you are in a hurry. If you simply want to get to your target area, it's a great deal easier to drive from Dublin; but it's not a very interesting route.

You can construct a very scenic drive from Shannon to SW Donegal, especially if you build in an overnight stop on the way.

I'd give it more than 3.5 hours for either route.

mari5

We drove around Ireland for 9 days one year, the first to middle of APRIL, and had 8 straight days of sunshine. Glorious, green and beautiful. West and SW areas.

Then the 9th and last day it poured in Dublin, but by then it didn't matter. We just stayed on the hop on hop off bus and made the "circle",, and the rain softened enough for us to walk some areas of downtown Dublin.
November is another of our favorite months to travel,,,but I would go for April in Ireland if you can.

jamaicancutie02

I was actually thinking of going in mid february next year. Any thoughts on if thats a good choice? Im not sure what the weather would be that time of year...

janisj

jamaicancutie02: '<i>I was actually thinking of going in mid february next year. Any thoughts on if thats a good choice? Im not sure what the weather would be that time of year...</i>&quot;

Jan/Feb are usually pretty cold and very wet. Not that you couldn't have a nice trip -- But most <u>definitely</u> don't go in Feb for the weather . . .