Christie

I'm making plans to go on a weeklong horseback riding tour of the County Galway and Clare area of western Ireland next year. The tour runs April-October, and I am wondering when the best time to go, weatherwise, will be? Since I'll be outside on a horse, I'd prefer a bit of warmish weather and less rain, if possible. Thanks for your help!

Kathleen

Personally, I'll take any time of year in Ireland! However, for riding, your best bet is June, July or August. Just remember there are no guarantees for Irish weather! But at least the rain will be 'soft' and come and go...

Brenda

No one should ever go to Ireland counting on good weather. You take your chances whenever you go. Invest in good rain gear and pick the date that best suits your schedule. Ireland is wonderful anytime of the year as long as you dress properly. I've been there for fourteen days in September when it rained once and a week in May when it rained every day. You just can't predict.

Lisa B

Hi Christie,

Kathleen and Brenda are right on - the weather is so unpredictable, it is the one thing you can ALWAYS count on in Ireland, literally one minute it can be sunny and dry, and five minutes later, it rains and gets chilly. That being said, I believe Kathleen is right in that the "average" rainfall is less in the summer months, and the days are long and lovely - so even if it does rain, you don't necesssrily lose a whole day, cause it can dry up and you still have plenty of sunlight left. The riding tour you are referring to surely must account for the Irish weather, and have some sort of plans on what you will do if it rains.

I think a horseback trip will be so lovely - what a fabulous way to see the gorgeous Irish countryside!!

Enjoy!!

Bob

You may wish to avoid the peak months of
July & August since you can't avoid rain you may try to avoid crowds.

shannon

Christie,
I agree with Bob. I would try to avoid the peak months during the summer. I went in May last year and wore short sleeves one day and a winter jacket the next. Just have rain gear. Your trip sounds awesome! Would love to hear about it.

Christie

Wow, you guys are quick!

Bob, I like your suggestion about the crowds. I hadn't really thought about that but it certainly makes sense.

Don't worry, I've been well-informed about "soft" weather and I have plenty of rain gear all ready to go! I'll just hope that my ancestors who are there waiting to see me can convince the good Lord to give me clear weather while I'm riding around our homeland.

john

Although it's statstically warmer in July/August for the last few years we have actrually had the best weather in May. That isn't a guarantee that we'll have a repeat of it this year. Visiting Ireland for the sun is always a gamble.

Rex

I thought that the best time in Ireland was any time before "closing time"!

mary

I've been to Ireland twice in late August/September and once in the spring (May). What I missed in the spring was the heather and fuschia in bloom. "Soft weather" is part of Ireland, so whenever you go, you're likely to encounter some of it. I think the suggestion of avoiding the high tourist months is a good one. Hope something here is helpful.

Kym

The best months are May and September. You have a better chance of hitting a good stretch of weather in those two months than in June, July & August.

hello

I believe that the best time to visit Ireland would be between 6pm September 3rd and 8pm September 4th. For the past few years I have visited Ireland during these times and found that the weather was absolutely excellent, the beer tasted great and the grass was always green.