Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
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Taking in panoramic views from the Cliffs of Moher, sampling stout at the Guinness Storehouse, and playing rounds of golf on the legendary links courses are all among the top things to do in Ireland. If you’re thinking about heading to the Emerald Isle for vacation, though, you’re probably curious: When is the best time of year to visit Ireland?
Ahead, Ireland travel experts share some of the top things to do in the country throughout the year and weigh in on the best time of year to visit Ireland whether you’re looking to avoid crowds, enjoy the best weather or take part in festive celebrations.
When is the Best Time To Visit Ireland?
Old Head of Kinsale in Ireland. Travel experts say spring is the best time of year to visit Ireland.
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Late spring is the best time of year to visit Ireland, according to several travel experts who specialize in Ireland travel itineraries.
“There is nowhere else I’d rather be than frolicking around Ireland in the month of May,” says Fora travel advisor Nancy Deane. “The rolling hills and craggy cliffs are a vibrant shade of green and fields are dappled with the most spectacular array of the candy-colored wildflowers you can imagine.”
Not only does May offer lovely weather (expect temps in the 50s to 60s) and gorgeous landscapes, but it lacks in the crowds of tourists looking to get in on the sightseeing action and there’s not as many cruise ships pulling into ports in places like Belfast, Dublin and Cobh.
When it comes to weather, though, June, July and August are popular for a reason — temperatures are in the mid-60s temperatures and the days are longer. Because of its high latitude, Ireland gets 16 to 18 hours of daylight during the summer months, and, in June, it remains light out until 10 p.m.
“The weather never gets really hot in Ireland, but the summer months tend to be mild and less rainy,” says Megan Mack of Heirloom Adventures, who specializes in family travel to Europe.
Fall is Also a Great Time To Visit Ireland
Costumes on Halloween as a tradition are believed to originate from the Samhain Festival, when Celts wore masks and dressed in disguise to hide from evil spirits.
Courtesy Failte Ireland
Fall is also a spectacular time to visit Ireland. You’ll still enjoy good weather in September (temperatures are in the low 60s), with fewer crowds and decent prices, says Paul Holinaty, Goway’s product manager for Central and Northern Europe.
While Ireland is of course synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day in March, a lot of people are surprised that the country is also the birthplace of Halloween. Halloween in Derry is Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, Holinaty says.
When is the Rainy Season in Ireland?
Double rainbow on the Dingle Peninsula.
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You can go ahead and thank the rain for the lush green landscape through Ireland. While travelers should be braced for rainfall just about any time of the year, and there’s no dry season per se, some months historically get the most precipitation. October through January are the rainiest months, while April and May are considered the driest months.
What are the Top Things to Do in Ireland in the Spring?
Saint Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland.
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No surprise here: St. Patrick’s Day is the biggest party of the year, and visitors flocking to Ireland to get in on the celebration can immerse in local celebrations that range from street theater, circus acts and a parade in Dublin to concerts and the Limerick International Band Championship in Limerick.
Holinaty also recommends visiting the Dingle Peninsula to take in the famed coastal views before summer crowds descend.
What are the Top Things to Do in Ireland in the Summer?
View of the championship Royal Portrush golf course at White Rocks Beach on the County Antrim North Coast in Northern Ireland.
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WIth more than 400 golf courses, including a third of the world’s natural links courses, Ireland is a bucket list international destination, drawing 240,000 golfers from around the world to the island each year. While many golf courses are open year round, the best time to hit the courses is April through October.
Other excursions to add to the itinerary include scenic road trips along the Wild Atlantic Way or the Causeway Coastal Route Road Trips, watching a sunset at the Cliffs of Moher or attending a festival like Dublin Pride in June or the Galway Arts Festival in July, Holinaty says.
What are the Top Things to Do in Ireland in the Fall?
Dublin doors are surrounded by ivies in autumn.
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Halloween celebrations throughout Ireland are also a fun way to learn about Celtic culture. The holiday dates back 2,000 years to pagan Ireland when the ancient festival of Samhain was celebrated on the island. According to tourism officials, the festival marked the end of the harvest and marked the start of winter when Celts believed they were “closest to the underworld.”
Some other ways to spend fall in Ireland include hiking among the fall colors in Wicklow Mountains National Park and visiting a few of the 50 plus whiskey distilleries throughout the island, suggests Holinaty.
What are the Top Things to Do in Ireland in the Winter?
People strolling at the Christmas market in downtown Galway, a city in the West of Ireland.
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Winter is probably the least popular time to visit Ireland, but those who come during this slower season will find lower rates on hotels. Some of the top things to do include visiting the Christmas markets in Dublin or in Eyre Square in Galway, whiskey tastings, and, on rainy days, ducking down into Doolin Caves of Aillwee Cave, says Holinaty.
What are Some Tips for Avoiding Crowds While Visiting Ireland?
A sheep at the Slieve League cliffs in Ireland.
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Like most destinations, you’ll beat the crowds by traveling during the shoulder seasons and visiting popular spots midweek, Holinaty says.
You can also explore some of the less touristy alternatives. For example, he says, skip the Cliffs of Moher and try Slieve League in Donegal instead. “There’s higher and wilder cliffs with a fraction of the people,” he says.
He also recommends exploring some lesser-known spots like the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, Achill Island in Mayo, and Sheep’s Head Peninsula in Cork, which all offer stunning views without large crowds. If you can, go hiking instead of driving. Many road trip spots get quite busy, so the hiking trails offer a quieter alternative.
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