To announce the start of the summer high season, June has something going on almost every day in every region of the country. A lively atmosphere pervades in the villages, towns, and cities, and out in the countryside, be that up in the hills or along the coast, it is getting crowded. Some of the sunniest weather of the year makes June even easier to enjoy.
The Dingle Way is a village-to-village hiking trail tracing more than 100 miles around the Dingle Peninsula, a wildly remote section of western Ireland. With enchanting coastal and mountain scenery, not to mention a glut of archaeological sites, the trail takes you along some of Ireland's best stretches of shoreline to the westernmost point in mainland Ireland.
One of the best ways to experience Ireland's remote corners is with a multi-day walk through the heather-covered hills, stretches of unspoiled coast, and sheer cliffs that the Emerald Isle is famous for. Many routes are suitable for novices, and walkers spend their evenings getting a dose of culture (and a good night's sleep) in countryside towns and villages. Learn about the ten best multi-day walks in Ireland with this comprehensive guide.
With a continuation of—and occasional improvement on—the weather of the summer high season, September overall could offer the perfect vacation in Ireland. Air and water temperatures are still some of the year's best, and yet crowds are minimal now as kids are back in school and families have returned home from their summer vacation.
July is a sunny and comparatively dry month to visit Ireland. Water temperatures reach their annual maximum, increasing the temptation of activities like kayaking, while the warmest weather of the year makes hiking and cycling very popular now. This is the month when there are school holidays, and is accordingly one of Ireland's busiest periods.
Ireland has mild temperatures and plenty of rain, no matter when you choose to visit. Summer is warmest, with long days perfect for road trips and village-to-village walks. Spring wildflowers burst through cracks in glacial limestone and fall bedecks the national parks in dazzling foliage. Chilly, quiet winters offer fewer options, though travelers will love the cheerful holiday festivities in Dublin. Read on and choose the season that's right for you.
December is all about Christmas in Ireland, with the bigger towns and cities particularly erupting in festive events, markets, and elaborate decorations. The Christmas build-up is special, although the day itself is more of a family celebration. Things get going again for New Year, with Dublin throwing the biggest party of all. The bright lights and events compensate for the weather: it is some of the coldest and wettest weather of the entire year, in fact, and no time to be out exploring the countryside.
Spring may take a while to come to Ireland, as chilly, rainy weather is as slow to clear as the country is in coming back into action after a winter's break that has seen many hotels, restaurants, and attractions outside the big cities close completely. But two big festivities toward the end of the month, St Patrick's Day and Easter bring Ireland back into life with a bang, while the increasing appearance of the sun means visitors can enjoy at least a little of the outdoor activities now on offer.
The heavens open this month, as the highest rainfall of the year hits Ireland—but fall colors brighten the moors, hills, and forests and the sun still shines some of the time. When it does, the weather can be the most beautiful of any time of year, particularly with hardly any other travelers around. Beware of long hikes in the increasing mud, and be sure to have a 'plan B' available for the likely damp days: great music and arts festivals in Cork and Dublin this month are helpful options.
Ireland's great winter hibernation begins this month, as attractions and many hotels and restaurants close down from now until next Easter, temperatures drop back into the single digits and average daily hours of sunshine dwindle. The positives? The Irish combat the winter blues with some great art festivals, and you will have many parts of the country almost to yourself as you explore.