My husband and I have the opportunity to go to Ireland in March or September, and I was wondering what the weather was like at those times? We went in March of 2001, so I have an idea of what to expect in the early Spring, but have no idea what September's weather will bring. Thank you.

The weather in Ireland, as I'm sure you already know, is quite unpredictable. I've been in both March ('00) and September ('96). The first time I ever went was in September and I nearly froze to death. However, upon subsequent trips I now realize that that September, while crisp, was not all that cold for Ireland. On both trips is was the wind that "got" to you. I think September will have the warmer weather but, either way, make sure you have a good wind breaking layer on! It will make all the difference. Oh, and we had less rain in September, too. More Spring flowers in March/April though...

Have a great trip either way!

Wendy
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Wendy has got it right. It can be cold anytime and the wind can really cut through you. Rain is always a threat in Ireland regardless of the time of year. Bring layers and good rain gear. One of those umbrellas that allows the wind through would be nice. I need to get one sometime.

Bill

I haven't visited Ireland in March yet: I usually go in May and Sep.

I did visit in Sep '01 and Sep '02 and both times the weather was Great!
Sep'02 was very warm when I played golf at Carne (Belmullet, County Mayo). It was 21 Celsius (70F). I wished I had brought shorts. I went back in May'03 (same course): it was cold & raining with Gale force winds - rain Wed. just wind Thurs.

I vote for September!
P.S.
We will be going for the last weekend of Feb. '04 (26 Feb - 02 Mar) just to take advantage of AerLingus promotional fares.

September would definitely be the better choice. March is generally still very cold, in fact it can stay cold right into April. September is our 'Indian Summer' month and the weather can be very good - bear in mind though that what is termed hot in Ireland 68-70F (if you're lucky!) might not be considered hot elsewhere. Good weather means no rain! And waffle18 is right - it's the wind that gets you!

Spent two weeks in Ireland this past September and the weather was superb overall. Somedays just wore shorts and shirt and others just a light jacket or sweater. Temps were in mid 60s to low 70s. Locals said weather was unusually warm for Sept but most welcomed. Ireland is nice anytime of the year!