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When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

In 2018 alone, more than 11 million people chose to vacation in beautiful Ireland. Are you planning to do the same this year?

There are plenty of factors you need to consider before booking your trip. But, before you make any other plans, you’ll need to decide when to go to Ireland.

So, when is the best time to visit Ireland? You’ve come to the right place.

Keep reading for a guide to the best times to go to Ireland, so you can plan the trip of your dreams.

Key Factors to Consider

There are three key factors to consider when planning your trip. By considering these factors, it will be much easier to make a decision on when to book your trip.

Budget

Unless you’re one of the lucky few where money is no object, setting a budget for your vacation is crucial. Different times of year are more expensive to visit Ireland than others, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.

If your budget offers no room for flexibility, you’ll have to decide what’s most important to you: visiting during a specific time of year or having money to spend on activities while you’re there.

Weather

One of the things that draws so many people to Ireland every year is its stunning beauty. So, in order to maximize the time you get to spend out in nature on your trip, you’ll need to consider weather patterns.

Fortunately, the temperature in Ireland is moderate year-round. During the summer months, the average temperature is in the high 60s (F). During the winter, the average is in the low to mid-40s (F).

However, you will need to factor rainfall into your plans. Rain is common year-round in the country, but the wettest months tend to be during December and January. If you want to avoid walking around in the rain, keep that in mind.

Crowds

There’s nothing worse than spending time and money planning the perfect trip, only to find all the best spots overwhelmed by crowds, to the point that you can’t do what you planned to do.

Of course, there will always be other visitors no matter what time you go, but certain times, like the summer months, tend to be more crowded than others.

So, determine how important it is to you to avoid crowds when planning your trip.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland? Seasonal Breakdown

Now that you know the most important factors to consider when planning when to take your trip, let’s explore some of the pros and cons of visiting Ireland during each season.

By knowing the ins and outs of each timeframe, you’ll have more confidence in choosing a time that works best for you.

Spring

Springtime is considered a “shoulder season” in Ireland. This means that it’s between both the low and high times for visitors.

This makes it an ideal time to visit, as it’s much less crowded during these months. And, because it’s not a peak travel time, it’s often cheaper than visiting during other parts of the year.

If you’re worried about the rain, then you’ll love visiting Ireland in April, which tends to be the driest month of the year.

One downside to visiting in the spring is that the breathtaking Irish landscapes aren’t as vibrant as they would be in the summertime. However, it is peak time for blooming flowers, and you’ll enjoy seeing bright fuschias at their peak if you visit in April or May.

Summer

Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Ireland, and with good reason. This is the best time of year to see the rich, green landscapes for which Ireland is known.

As the warmest time of year, summer is great for getting out and exploring. If you dream of hitting the golf course on your trip, summeris a great time to do so. Click here to view more about the best courses in the country.

Of course, because it’s such a popular time, that means everything is more crowded with visitors during the summer months.

And, that influx of travelers means that everything is a bit more expensive. It’ll also be harder to find accommodations, especially if you book a trip last minute.

However, if cultural festivals appeal to you, there’s no better time to visit than the summer. A trip in mid-June means you can enjoy the annual Bloomsday festival. Or, you might want to visit Galway in late July for its International Arts Festival.

Fall

Considered another “shoulder season” fall is another ideal time to plan your Irish getaway. By traveling in September specifically, you’ll enjoy lower fall rates (and smaller crowds) but you’ll still be able to visit the Skellig Islands.

Between October and April, the weather is considered too unpredictable to allow a visit to the islands, and boat tours are also shut down during this time.

But, the changing leaves during October have their own appeal, so it’s still a lovely time to visit. October also boasts Cork’s International Jazz Festival, which you’ll love if you’re a fan of live music.

Winter

Winter is the season with the least amount of tourist activity, which can work in your favor. Prices are much cheaper than they are during more popular seasons and crowds will be minimal.

If you visit in December, you can enjoy beautiful Christmas landscapes and festivities the whole family will enjoy. If you plan to stick to bigger cities, you can also visit in January or February for the best rates.

However, keep in mind that many rural areas don’t operate as much during the winter months, so you’ll miss out on those unique village experiences.

There’s Never a Bad Time to Visit Ireland

Now, when faced with the question, “When is the best time to visit Ireland?” you know that it all depends on what is most important to you. By doing a little planning, you’ll have a great time no matter when you decide to set foot on the Emerald Isle.

Looking for more advice as you plan your next trip? Check out our other articles for more helpful tips like this!

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