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Best time to visit

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There are about ten words in Irish to describe the weather, and they are all about rain. The only difference is temperature and wind direction. January–February are the chilliest and wettest months, and lots of rural sights and accommodation facilities are closed, but it's when the prices are lowest, and no crowds should bother you. March is the greenest month, but not in the countryside—it's all about St. Patrick's Day, so prepare for the joy and the crowds! April to May and September to October are the best time to visit Ireland; the weather is nice, and prices are moderate. Spring is a perfect time to watch puffins and cute lambs. The days are sunnier, warmer and less crowded with relatively low rates. Warm yet rainy summer is adorable for the trip, when unforgettable Irish landscapes, covered with Sea Pinks, are at their best; but dizzying prices from June to August are unavoidable. September through October crowds thin out, and it is a great time to hike the Burren or Connemara.

56 things to do in Ireland

Ballinasloe Horse Fair & Festival

September 29-October 6, 2024 Event

One of the largest and oldest horse festivals in Europe

Gaelic Football

February–September Activity

Play football in Gaelic way—try the same game but with far different system of rules

Blackberries

August–September Food

Get a taste of Ireland's most favourite blackberries and seasonal desserts with them

Laytown Beach Races

September 16, 2024 Event

Check out the only officially approved beach horse race in Europe!

Irish Bog Snorkelling Championship

August 27, 2023 Event

Dive into childhood with the muddiest race on Earth

Loughcrew Equinox

March 20–March 21 | September 21–September 22 Event

The ancient tombs of Loughcrew are aligned perfectly with equinox sunrise​ and have been a sacred place for Gaelic culture, especially during this occasion

Hurling Season

January-March | June-July | best July 23, 2024 Event

Check out traditional Gaelic ball-sport at the football pitch but with a hockey stick in hands

Watching Puffins

April–early August Nature

Set off for your birdwatching journey across Ireland to spot puffins on the coast

Autumn

September, October, November Weather

A great time to be outdoors despite of some rainfall

Winter

December–February Weather

Humid and cold season with possibly negative temperatures but without much snow

Connemara Region at Best

March–May | September–November Nature

Spend your spring & autumn days close to ​nature at Connemara's spectacular landscapes

Surfing the Perfect Wave

September–October Activity

Unwrap your sense of adventure in Ireland's surfing destinations

Vee Pass Rhododendrons

mid-May–mid-June Nature

The Vee is famous all over Ireland for its panoramic views, particularly thanks to blooming rhododendrons

Primrose Blooming Season

February–March Nature

Meet the begining of spring with hundreds of tiny primroses

St. Patrick's Day

March 15–18, 2024 Event

Explore the top five Irish cities to celebrate St. Paddy's

Lambing Season

February–April Nature

Head to Ireland for the cutest experience of seeing woolly sheep babies

Loganberries

July Activity

Another sweet reason to visit Ireland are loganberries at the end of summer

Risso's Dolphins

March–May Nature

Get off the shore to observe one of the largest deep-water dolphins in the world

Fuchsia Flower

late May–early August Nature

Tiny red and purple flowers that cover the island's valleys throughout summer months

Common Dolphin

August–December Nature

Enjoy adorable, playfull dolphins on your sea journey

Summer

June–August Weather

The sunniest time in Ireland is still marked by occasional rains

Sea Pinks Blooming Season

May–September Nature

Visit the Dingle Peninsula when Sea Pinks flower and it might become your most colourful Ireland's experience

Hiking the Burren

April–October Activity

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Burren's most spectacular places and take on Ireland's hiking challenge

Sea Kayaking

June–August Activity

If you long for a relax​ed and sightful sea kayaking experience without rapid current and swells, enjoy it during summertime!

Spring

March, April, May Weather

The weather is unstable and can change considerably during one day

Bloomsday Festival

June 11–16, 2024 Event

All Ulysses fans should at least once spend June 16th in Dublin

Electric Picnic

August 16-18, 2024 Event

One of the best medium-sized music festivals in Europe

Longitude Festival

June 29-30, 2024 Event

Dublin's biggest outdoor music event with hip-hop and R&B vibes

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival

September 1-30, 2024 Event

Fed up with Tinder? Try Europe’s biggest singles festival with lots of country music and booze

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

August 4-11, 2024 Event

The competition celebrating traditional Irish music and culture

Malahide Castle Concerts

June 21-26, 2024 Event

Great lineups in a spectacular location

Forbidden Fruit Festival

June 1-2, 2024 Event

Music, art, fashion and good vibes in the center of Dublin

The Church Bar

all year round Activity

The most unusual bar in the Irish capital

Dublin Horse Show

August 14-18, 2024 Event

A prestigious equestrian competition with some of the richest prizes in the world

Six Nations

February 11, 2023 | March 18, 2023 Event

Watch legendary Six Nation rugby matches at the Dublin's Aviva Stadium

Hiking

April–October Activity

From coast to mountains, Dublin area has some impressive trails

Kayaking

April–October Activity

One of the most pleasant activities in the Irish capital

Wakedock

April–October Activity

Wakeboarding in Grand Canal Dock is one of the best sports that Dublin's summer has to offer!

Guinness Storehouse

all year round Activity

Explore the secrets of the most famous Irish beer

Cliffs of Moher

April–September Nature

Enjoy the height from the most scenic point of Ireland

KBC Dublin Marathon

October 27, 2024 Event

Feel high with the views of the ancient city while participating in this amazing running event

Christmas Markets

mid-November–early January Event

Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere and check out traditional Irish gifts

Northern Lights in Ireland

September–March Nature

Ireland has a good geographical position to view aurora borealis

Sea Sessions

June 21–23, 2024 Event

Ireland's premier music, surfing, and camping gathering

Conor Pass

all year round Activity

Buckle up for Ireland's highest mountain pass with breathtaking views

Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival

September 27-29, 2024 Event

See some Irish craic while indulging in famous Galway Bay oysters

Whale Watching

March–January Nature

A top experience for nature enthusiasts in Ireland

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

April–October Activity

Pack the thickest wetsuit and discover cold-water Ireland

Halloween (Samhain)

October 23–November 3, 2024 Event

Why Ireland is the best place to celebrate Halloween

Emery Celtic Cross

October Nature

A giant Celtic cross of trees can be spotted from the sky above an Irish forest

Dublin New Year's Eve

December 31–January 1 Event

Get to the streets with thousands of Dubliners to celebrate the New Year with music and fireworks

Cherry Blossoms in Dublin

late April–early May Nature

Take a delightful stroll around the city when its cherry trees are in full bloom

Wild Lights Dublin Zoo

mid-November 2024–early January 2025 Event

Embark on a magical worldwide adventure in the Dublin Zoo

Belfast Christmas Market

November 18–December 23 Event

Get the ultimate Christmas experience at this Christmas market

Mount Stewart Festival of Lights

November 2023 Event

Meet a fascinating display based on the Son et Lumiere show in France

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

October 24–28, 2024 Event

The best jazz festival in Ireland!

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