So when is the best time to travel Ireland?
 

In the spring? I'll probably want to travel from March-June if possible again this coming spring and have been obsessed with Ireland lately. Also it's about the only country in Europe I haven't been to so I better hit that next =)

Is it too rainy/cold in the spring? Is Ireland better left for the summer months? Just curious what you Fodorites have to say! You are always the best source of knowledge I've found on the net.

Thanks!

Tyler

Rain is always a possibility in Ireland, but it is not often very heavy or prolonged. Accept it and pack waterproofs.

Too cold is a subjective judgement. Mean winter temperatures are about 40F and summer temperatures about 60F.

I like May. The light has a special quality.

Hmm, wow that's not very warm is it. So you wouldn't hesitate to go to Ireland in March or April?

I don't hesitate to visit in April or May; I live in Ireland.

While you comment that it is not very warm, neither is it very cold. But people don't come here for sunshine holidays. The interests are scenery, wildlife (i.e. meeting the indigenous population), sport (such as golf or fishing), historic buildings, roots.

I'm not an Ireland resident like Padraig but I have visited quite often and at varying times of year: for Golf, September is ideal. Late May to early June I like to be in Ennis for Fleadh Nua (Spring Music Festival). The whole Country seems to spring to life around the last week of May.

March is probably a bit early for nice weather.

Unlike what you might expect for a small island country, Ireland's weather varies quite a bit from West to East.

Just returned from 10 days in Ireland and could not believe our luck with the weather. Sunny skies and it must have been in the 70s everyday except the last 2--then just partly cloudy. We actually got sunburned. Who would have thought we would have needed sunscreen?

Will post my trip report.

It is lovely in Autumn, mid-september to early october. cooler (but not so much rain as in spring i think), gets darker early evenings, really ambient.
It's the best time for warm pubs and the countryside.

I was there end of August and we were lucky with the weather. There were days that were warm.

Everyone who has more experience with Irelands says it is busy in August due to tourists. We did see a lot of tourists but it never affected our plans or ever felt like there were too many of them. Of course that was just us.

We were in the west and southwest of Ireland this past May 18-June 3. Except for the last day in Killarney, we had very little rain and mostly beautiful, sunny days. And it stayed light from about 5am until 10pm, which was great for us.

Okay, I am so jealous of you guys. We were in Ireland August 4-25 and got mostly rain and only a few sunny days. You just never know. I also felt that there weren't too many tourists in August, in fact if you go too far in the off season a lot of stuff is closed. But if I had it to do again I'd go in the Spring when our weather in California isn't as good anyway and then I wouldn't be so sour about the rain. We left beautiful skies and temps in the 80s for rain and temps in the mid to low 60s.

If there is a bad time to visit Ireland, I have yet to find it.

That being said, The time frame of May to early June is truly magical. There are new lambs, calves, colts and fillies in the paddocks, the gardens, hills, valleys and roadsides are in full bloom. The roads are less crowded for travel and the attractions seem to be shinier and cleaner.

The weather can be difficult to pin down in any given month. However, May and June seem to be, with the exception of this past summer, the most consistent months for pleasant days.

Most of your sites will not open until just after Easter, which is another reason for the May/June time frame. If you are looking to experience the cities moreover the countryside and the villages and towns, then March is a good month for exploring the major cities, Dublin, Galway and Cork.

Slan Beo,

Bit

The only months I haven't been are Dec., Jan., Feb., and March. I think I like April the best. I live in the Northwest and the climate reminds me of Ireland. But the rains here come and stay awhile, the rains in Ireland for the most part would blow over. At least thats what my memory says.

I live in the Northwest too and I was kind of wondering if it wouldn' be similar. Of course I live in Central Oregon and it never rains here.

Thanks so much for all the replies!

I'm not nearly as worried about going in spring now. Of course it sounds like April-June might be the best time and maybe I'll just do March somewhere else.

My one and only trip to Ireland was in mid may of this this. It was high 50's. low 60's, some rain, not much. To me, it was absolutely perfect!!! I'm an odd one, I like rain, and I prefer cooler temps. The weather was perfect for exploring. I'm not a fan of heat, even though I live in North Carolina, where it has been in the 90's and 100's all summer. I miss Ireland. I'm beginning to think God dropped me off in the wrong place.

So, to answer your question, what type of weather do you prefer, then choose accordingly. May was perfect for me.

I am in the process of planning a trip to Italy for the end of next year, but my heart keeps going back to Ireland. :(

Hi Tyler Traveler:

I have been to Ireland a couple of times in April as it is the only "spring" traveling my hubby and I can do. We are on school vacation then. We are from New England, very north in the mountains and April can still be quite chilly and rainy. April in Ireland was warmer than home. As far as rain, we did encounter rain, but soft and gentle. We also got some lovely weather too. We expected rain, beautiful places, and friendly, charming people. That is what we got. Enjoy your trip whenever you go.

Emeraldeyes

I've been to Ireland 3 of the last 4 years in the last 2 weeks of September and found the timing ideal. Still plenty of sunshine and daylight , but less crowds.

We like September.

I think the best time in spring is mid-April through May. Weather is a gamble. You can not count on it any time of year in Ireland. You go and take your chances.

I went to Ireland (Laois County)a few years ago, in April. I went for the people and the music. I packed a rain suit and boots. I loved every second of it, even the rain. I a 63 year old man and I am taking my 67 year old brother to Ireland. We will doing the exact same thing as I did before, in April and the same rain suit and boots, let it rain, the pubs are dry and very friendly.