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Best Time to Visit Ireland

One can visit Ireland throughout the year because of its temperate climate. However, the best time to visit Ireland for a memorable vacation are June to August, March to May and September to November.

One unique component of Ireland's climate is that it can rain at any time of the day here all year round. You need to know the best season to visit this European country when there’s less rain and slightly warmer temperatures. Now, go enjoy a pint of Guinness in the lush meadows of Ireland!

Seasons to Visit Ireland

Below we have discussed in detail the best seasons to travel to Ireland from India:

Summer Season

  • Time Period: June to August
  • Average Temperature: 16 to 22 degrees Celsius
  • Annual Rainfall: 80 to 100 mm

This season is the peak season for tourism, and it’s because the weather is warm, and tourists can comfortably explore all the tourist locations in Ireland. Moreover, numerous festivals and events also occur during Ireland's summer season.

Overall, if you plan your trip during this season, you will not be bored. You will have plenty of places to visit and events to attend. Here are some of the best things you can do on your trip to Ireland:

Places to Visit in Ireland during Summer Season

1. Attend the Galway International Arts Festival

2. Watch rowers navigate their way to win the race at Dingle Regatta

3. Spend a night under the skies at Ring Fort

4. Try night kayaking at Lough Hyne

5. Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck

6. Take a boat from Kilmore Quay to visit the largest bird sanctuary at Saltee Islands

7. Be a part of the Dublin Pride Parade

8. Take a seaweed bath at the Sligo County

9. Admire the scenic views from the Cliffs of Moher

10. Ring the Shannon Bells at the bell tower in County Cork

Best Seasons to Visit Ireland

Spring Season

  • Time Period: March to May
  • Average Temperature: 8 to 12 degrees Celsius
  • Annual Rainfall: Around 80 mm

The spring season is one of the favourite times for tourism in Ireland as rainfall is at its lowest during this season, and temperatures are warmer than in winter. People slowly start participating in outdoor activities from March to May. It's also quite breezy and chilly as well during this time.

The following are some of the best things to do in Ireland during the spring season:

Places to Visit in Ireland during Spring Season

1. Enjoy the delicious food at the Wexford Food & Wine Festival

2. Watch a movie at the Dingle International Film Festival

3. Enjoy traditional Irish music at the Clifden Traditional Music Festival

4. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the locals and admire the week-long parades.

5. Visit a sheep farm and play with the fluffy little lambs

6. Take a trip to the beautifully blooming gardens in Ireland during spring

7. Go island walking at the Ardara Walking Festival

8. Admire the beautiful views from Donegal’s Slieve League Cliffs

Best Time to Visit Ireland

Autumn Season

  • Time Period: September to November 
  • Average Temperature: 14 to 18 degrees Celsius 
  • Annual Rainfall: 100 to 130 mm 

Since autumn is closer to the winter season, the daylight starts decreasing slowly in Ireland from this season. Tourism is also considered a shoulder season because not many people visit this country during this time. The weather is not as harsh as the winters but not as pleasant as summer. 

However, there are still many fun activities for people to do. Some of the best places to visit in Ireland and things to do during autumn are:

Places to Visit in Ireland during Autumn Season

1. Eating delectable oysters at the Oyster Festival

2. Get entertained by the local talent at Dublin Fringe Festival

3. Warm yourself with an Irish coffee from one of the many cosy cafes in Ireland

4. Rent a boat and go whale watching along the Wild Atlantic Way

5. Spend a night at Dromoland Castle

6. Celebrate Halloween at the Derry Halloween festival in Derry, Londonderry

7. Have a drink at one of the traditional Irish pubs

8. Go for fall walking at the Wee Binnian Walking Festival

9: Watch the amazing shades of autumn leaves at the Killarney National Park

10. Go hiking at Errisbeg Hill, Connemara

When to Avoid Visiting Ireland?

Winter Season

  • Time Period: December to February
  • Temperature Range: 4 to 10 degrees Celsius 
  • Average Rainfall: 130 to 350 mm 

It rains a lot during this season, and the temperatures are usually quite low. As a result, most days in Ireland are quite gloomy and wet throughout the three months of winter. As a result, visitors will not be able to enjoy outdoor activities. 

Visitors who travel to Ireland during this time tend to carry umbrellas and raincoats with warm trench coats and jackets. Furthermore, only a few high-altitude areas in Ireland get the chance to witness snowfall. 

This is also the low season in Ireland. As a result, fewer international travellers come to this country to spend their vacation. This is also the reason why the accommodations are the cheapest.

When is it the Cheapest to Travel to Ireland?

Winter is the best season for you if you wish to travel to Ireland from India with budget-friendly travel packages. Even though the temperature and daily weather are quite harsh in Ireland during the winters, you will easily find great accommodations at low prices. 

Furthermore, if you desire to stay at a castle, you can enter luxury castles at prices lower than usual by 200 euros. Ireland's best places to visit during winters are its Christmas night markets and museums.

You may not be able to experience Ireland's natural beauty and wildlife during winter, but you will have a lot of options for indoor activities. You can visit a cosy pub, have a few beers, and chat with locals. We also suggest you spend your Christmas in Dublin if you visit Ireland around that time as you will not want to miss the celebrations.

What Are the Things to Know Before Visiting Ireland?

Below are certain things that you must know before visiting Ireland. These will come in handy while you are on vacation in this European country:

  • Big cities like Belfast and Dublin will have a lot to offer you in terms of visiting museums and pubs. However, Ireland's small towns and villages have a charm of their own. So, make sure to include the villages and towns in your travel plan.
  • In Ireland, restaurants and pubs do not serve food all day long. For instance, a restaurant is open after lunch but will only serve you drinks and no food during this time. So plan your meals beforehand and then plan your travel for the day. 
  • There is no tipping system at restaurants in Ireland. So make sure you do not tip the servers. 
  • Consider renting a car if you want to explore the country via road. 
  • Northern Ireland and Ireland are very different from each in terms of geography and currency. You must always remember that Northern Ireland is still a part of the United Kingdom and Ireland is an independent country.

What Are the Tips for Travelling in Ireland?

Here we have curated a list of tips that you might find useful when you travel to Ireland:

  • Avoid making offensive jokes that are stereotypical and outright rude. Some of these jokes may include the topics of Potato Famine and leprechauns, so do not joke about such issues. 
  • It rains a lot in Ireland, so bring your umbrella with you.
  • Most stores are not open on Sundays, so do not plan for a shopping trip on Sundays. 
  • Do take a guided tour if you are visiting touristy places. This way, you will be able to learn more about the culture.
  • Weather in Ireland is unpredictable throughout the year, so be prepared to get wet at any time of the day if you are exploring outside.

What Phrases Should You Know Before Travelling to Ireland?

People in Ireland speak in English, but some phrases are only used in Ireland. Knowing such phrases will only help you to bond better with the locals. Here are such words:

  • The toilet - The jacks
  • An idiot - Eejit
  • How are you? - How’s she ‘cuttin’?
  • We’re making progress - We’re suckin’ diesel
  • The police - The guard
  • Soft drinks - Minerals
  • Fries  - Chips
  • Fun - Craic
  • Incorrect - Arseways
  • Messing - Acting the maggot

If you are wondering when the best time to visit Ireland is, you must remember that the rain and sun will be a constant fixture in Ireland's weather. Ireland has unique weather conditions because it is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, and strong winds from the Gulf Stream always pass through this country.

Furthermore, it would be best if you took travel and health insurance before starting your trip to Ireland. This is because the weather is unpredictable, and you might fall sick. Having such insurance will protect you from such unanticipated expenses overseas.