If you are planning a trip to Ireland for 2024 or beyond, you may be wondering to yourself 'when should I go?'. Well, the best time to visit Ireland largely depends on what you want from your trip.
Here's a seasonal guide to help you plan:
Spring (March to May):
Spring is a lovely time to visit Ireland. The weather begins to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F). The countryside starts to bloom, creating picturesque landscapes with an array of colorful flowers. This season also sees fewer tourists, which can make for a more leisurely exploration of Ireland's attractions. March is also when St. Patrick's Day celebrations occur, a festive time full of parades and festivities.
If you're hoping to see some castles on your trip, make sure to check out our guide to the 23 best castles in Ireland!
Summer (June to August):
Summer is the peak tourist season in Ireland, with the warmest weather and longest days. Average temperatures typically range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), although it can sometimes get hotter. During this season, you'll have more daylight hours to explore, and all tourist sites and attractions will be open. However, popular sites can be crowded, and prices for accommodation may be higher.
While the main attractions tend to get very busy in the Summer, there is no shortage of off-the-beaten track hidden gems to find in Ireland too. To help you find them, we put together a list of our top 5 hidden gems.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn can be a wonderful time to visit Ireland, with fall foliage providing beautiful scenic views, especially in the countryside. The weather can be quite mild early in the season, though it gets cooler and wetter as winter approaches. Autumn also sees fewer tourists compared to the summer, making popular sites less crowded.
Autumn makes a great time to visit Ireland, especially if you're the outdoorsy kind who doesn't mind the changeable weather (top tip: Bring waterproof everything!). The top heritage sites in Ireland do require plenty of outdoor time however you'll also find the chance to shelter from the elements and grab a 'cuppa' in those with visitor centres.
Winter (December to February):
Winter in Ireland is the low tourist season, with colder temperatures (ranging from 4°C to 8°C, or 39°F to 46°F) and shorter days. While some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed, especially in rural areas, others, like museums and indoor sites, remain open. Christmas in Ireland can be quite charming, with festive decorations and markets. Also, accommodation and flight prices can be much cheaper during this time.
Overall, the best time to visit Ireland is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September and October). These periods offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices while still allowing you to fully enjoy all that Ireland has to offer.
Regardless of when you decide to visit, there a few of certainties:
1: It will rain!
2: You'll be welcomed warmly
3: You'll pass by hundreds upon hundreds of ancient historical sites without even knowing!
Make sure you download our app for your iPhone, which shows you all of the ancient Irish historical sites around you while you're on the ground in Ireland. It's the perfect way to learn about and soak up true Irish heritage while on the move. Search 'Vestego' on the Apple app store or click on the image below to download:
