Typically, July and August offer the warmest weather to travel throughout Ireland, but the shoulder seasons see less tourist crowds and cheaper prices.
Ireland Travel Information
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Best Time to Visit
Experience Ireland's charm through its ever-changing climate and landscapes.
With its vibrant cities, dramatic coastlines, lush countryside, and abundance of history, Ireland is truly a year-round destination. The long, warm days of summer (June to August) are perfect for sightseeing in cities like Dublin and Cork or driving along the Wild Atlantic Way, while the cool nights of winter (December to February) are best spent with a drink in a traditional Irish pub or bedding down in a luxurious country hotel.
In the fall (September to November), harvest festivals are enjoyed throughout the island, while spring (March to May) sees the landscape erupt with greenery. No matter when you visit, the Emerald Isle is sure to enchant. Speak to one of our Destination Specialists about the best time to go based on your interests.
Planning Travel Around Ireland’s Seasons
As the temperature begins to rise and the island awakens from its winter slumber, spring (March to May) is the perfect time to indulge in scenic country drives or enjoy a pint of Guinness during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin.
The summer months (June to August) see hotter weather and longer days, making them the perfect time to engage in all types outdoor of adventures, whether it’s visiting some of Ireland’s many historical sites, hiking along the Cliffs of Moher, or playing a round of golf at one of its famous courses.
As summer drifts into autumn (September to November), national parks and forests explode with colour. Many of the tourist crowds fade away and travellers can take advantage of lower prices and shorter queues at popular sites. Festivals also abound at this time of year, including the Kinsale Gourmet Festival in County Cork and Galway’s International Oyster and Seafood Festival.
During winter (December to February), cozy pubs are the places to be, with a roaring fire and a glass of whiskey. Prices and crowds during this time reach their lowest level and vacationers can enjoy Ireland’s winter wonders at their leisure. December ushers in the Christmas season and across the island Christmas markets abound in both cities and small towns alike.
For the ideal season to make your visit, consult with one of our Destination Specialists today.
The Best Times to Visit Ireland According to Your Interests
Although it’s a year-round destination, many of Ireland’s sights and attractions are best experienced at different times throughout the year. Culinary buffs will find that the fall may be the best time to indulge their passion for food and drink at one of the myriad harvest festivals that dot the country, while the shoulder seasons of fall and spring offer history and culture aficionados the chance to enjoy such sites as the Rock of Cashel or Bunratty Castle without the long lineups and tourist crowds.
Visitors who wish to take in the Irish countryside or wander the rugged coasts can be assured of a perfect experience from May to September. Scenic drives along the Ring of Kerry or bicycle adventures around the Aran Islands are guaranteed to wow at this time of year.
Whatever your travelling passion, Ireland has the perfect season for you. Visit our full list of destinations and packages for more inspiration.
Regional Highlights to Plan Your Ireland Trip Around
Ireland’s diverse regions offer a wealth of unique experiences, with each one taking on a distinct personality during the varying seasons.
The country’s historic capital, Dublin, offers a year-round array of sights and attractions, from quaint shops, bustling bars, and traditional pubs to grand public buildings and literary landmarks.
In bohemian Galway, summer brings a multitude of festivals and events, although its cobblestone streets are charming on even a crisp day.
Drives around the Ring of Kerry showcase nature’s majesty irrespective of the season, while spring often beckons to golfers and garden lovers.
To glean the most from your Irish getaway, talk to a Destination Specialist today for expert advice.
Let the Seasons Shape Your Ireland Journey
The best way to explore Ireland is on a tailor-made vacation determined by season and interests. Whether your agenda includes cultural excursions, scenery gazing, long hikes, or food tours, an experienced travel pro can help you get the most out of your Ireland trip, including when to go. Consult our Insider Tips for more information and speak to one of our Destination Specialists for the best seasonal advice.
Featured Ireland Trip Ideas
Ireland Travel PackagesUnforgettable Ireland
Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, and Ring of KerryDiscover Ireland’s lush countryside and rugged coasts on this great value small group coach tour, staying in 4-star hotels with expert guides throughout.
8 days
From US$2,171/p.p.
Request a Quote
British Isles Sampler: Dublin, Edinburgh & London
London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Scottish Lowlands, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, and DublinVenture through the enchanting landscapes of the British Isles, where Dublin’s warm hospitality meets Edinburgh’s historic charm, culminating in London’s pulse.
9 days
From US$3,128/p.p.
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Royal Atlantic Ireland by Rail & Coach
Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Dingle PeninsulaExperience a adventure across Ireland, starting in Dublin and journeying through Cork, Blarney, the scenic Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and ending in the bohemian Galway.
5 days
From US$2,185/p.p.
Request a Quote
Unforgettable Ireland
Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, and Ring of KerryDiscover Ireland’s lush countryside and rugged coasts on this great value small group coach tour, staying in 4-star hotels with expert guides throughout.
8 days
From US$2,171/p.p.
Request a Quote
British Isles Sampler: Dublin, Edinburgh & London
London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Scottish Lowlands, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, and DublinVenture through the enchanting landscapes of the British Isles, where Dublin’s warm hospitality meets Edinburgh’s historic charm, culminating in London’s pulse.
9 days
From US$3,128/p.p.
Request a Quote
Royal Atlantic Ireland by Rail & Coach
Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Dingle PeninsulaExperience a adventure across Ireland, starting in Dublin and journeying through Cork, Blarney, the scenic Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and ending in the bohemian Galway.
5 days
From US$2,185/p.p.
Request a Quote
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
CorkMostly Cloudy
23°C / 73°F
14mm / 0.6"
DublinOccasional Showers
24°C / 75°F
38mm / 1.5"
GalwayMostly Cloudy
23°C / 73°F
14mm / 0.6"
KillarneyMostly Cloudy
23°C / 73°F
14mm / 0.6"
LimerickMostly Cloudy
23°C / 73°F
14mm / 0.6"
WaterfordMostly Cloudy
23°C / 73°F
14mm / 0.6"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best month to go to Ireland?
What is the most beautiful time of year in Ireland?
Ireland offers travellers year-round beauty, with each season displaying its own distinct charm.
What is the driest month to visit Ireland?
The driest months in Ireland tend to be the summer months.
Can you see the northern lights in Ireland?
Although rare, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the northern lights during the winter months in the northern parts of the country.
Which month is the warmest in Ireland?
As in much of the Northern Hemisphere, the warmest month in Ireland tends to be July.
What month has the worst weather in Ireland?
December is typically Ireland's wettest month, with the highest average rainfall. January and February can also be rainy and cold.
What is the coldest month in Ireland?
January tends to be the coldest month in Ireland, although temperatures do not often drop below freezing.
What to wear in Ireland in September?
September in Ireland is still fairly warm and typically dry, although it’s always wise to have an umbrella or rainproof outer layer on hand, as the weather can turn quickly at this time of year.
What is the peak season in Ireland?
Peak season in Ireland runs through the summer months. The weather is warm and comfortable for travelling, with higher prices and bigger tourist crowds as a result.
Ireland Travel Information
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ExcellentBased on 5,189 ReviewsWe used Goway on our 32 day vacation to New Zealand and Australia. The person I worked with on planning the vacation was really helpful. The way they let you plan a vacation allows for lots of flexibility. You don't have to go with one tour the whole time. We saw a lot and they tailored it to what we were interested in. All the hotels were great and in good locations. Most of the tours were good but we would have preferred to spend a little more time exploring on our own in Sydney. The only thing we were not happy with is the customer service while we were there. Hard to get a hold of and some of the instructions were not clear/ accurate. That was a little stressful. Good value for the money. Dawn Krafft HawkinsWe travelled to Morocco for 10 days, 9 nights, booked through GoWay- they used an excellent local tour company- Cynab. GoWay booked our flights with a stopover Paris, so we did a weekend on our own with family, then transfer to Morocco. Because dates of small group tours didn't work, we booked a private tour for 2, and it wasn't much different in price from small group. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. We were picked up in Casablanca and dropped at Marrakech airport 10 days later with the same driver the whole way. He was a very good driver, always told us what time to expect him next morning and was there like clockwork. Local guides were met along the way for tours of Medinas of Fes, Marrakech and Essouria. The trip was spectacular. Saw many beautiful sites. All the hotels were great- first night at Villa Mandarine in Rabat, with orange trees in the garden, the Oz Palace in Ouarzazate and the Merzouga luxury desert camp were paticularly special. The Jaal Riad in Marrakech was a beautiful hotel and a good one to relax by the pool our last day after our busy travel days. In Fes, the Merides up on a hill was a great respite from the intensity of a day walking through the Fes Medina. NIce to sit on the terrace and watch the sun go down and the lights come up. Although the days were packed, the hotels were always an oases of calm at end of day, and because we didn't need to do any navigating, it was very relaxing. Be prepared to be shown alot of artisan shops- its interesting to see and important to contribute somewhat to the economy, but I sometimes felt a bit pressured to buy, but we ended up with a reasonable amount of souvenirs and not a big cost compared to the trip. Overall a highly memorable trip, we felt very welcome in Morocco, people are very warm and hotel staff treated us royally. We felt very safe and comfortable the whole time. As someone with IBD, I was impressed I had no tummy troubles the whole time. The driver stopped at great places for lunch, and with the private tours in the city we could tell the guide when we wanted to stop and they always suggested a great place. Food was excellent throughout. A tour arranged dinner on a roof top restaurant in Marrakech was particularly special, with a gorgeous sunset and the waiters sang! The meal in the Sahara desert camp was also particularly special. Highly recommend this tripTWHello and Happy Travels.
I have been working with Isabella Luu for
two separate trips, one has traveled. They absolutely loved everything put together by Isabella.
She has been knowledgeable and helpful answering all questions I and clients have had. The work she put into these trips has shown by the ease of the clients travel.
Nothing says more than a Happy Client with smiles and a desire to rebook. THANK YOU Isabella. 04Dawn White Dream VacationsGreat Support throughout the process. Booking travel is a team sport these days and Allan was a supportive teammate in arranging a wonderful holiday for my clients!DellaAllan from Goway is fantastic to work with. He is always quick to respond, highly professional, and very friendly. I know I can count on him for excellent service every time.
He has helped us with multiple Europe travel trips for our clients, and every one of them has gone smoothly. I truly appreciate the reliability, communication, and care Allan provides, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.AphroditeExcellent service! Farnaz did a wonderful job of coordinating detail. She had spot on recommendations and applied our wants and desires into a fantastic tripTommy ThompsonMichael did a great job arranging all our transfers, hotels, trains and tours for our trip to Iceland and Andalucia, Spain. No blips or missed connections and accommodations were easy walking to central cities. Would use Goway again and recommend to our friends.David StoneOur trip to South Africa was a dream come true thanks to Gina our travel consultant.
Right from our first meeting almost two years ago the planning and execution were beyond perfect. The itinerary was carefully chosen and provided us with a full range of experiences that were incredible .
Logistically everything worked like clockwork( flights and ground transportation ) and even with the storm and the re routing the local company , Thompson travel , Mike, did an excellent job and did disappoint We had quite the adventure. The accommodation chosen for us by Gina were all different and very unique ! A new adventure every night
Both safaris were excellent yet so different. We have to say we will hold a special place in our hearts for our last stay at the Garonga , the staff were incredible and it felt like a family.
We saw is all, smelled it all , ate and drank it ( we both gained 5 lbs ) all and learned so much. South Africa is an amazing country with beautiful souls.
Every penny spent and every mile travelled was well worth every penny.We will be talking about this for years.
Thank you Gina and your colleagues behind the scenes at Goway travel for making our dreams come true!
Deirdre KeaneI found this agency when trying to find a trip to New Zealand and Australia. I never heard of them before, so I had to do some research to make sure they were legit. This trip was going to be seemingly more in cost, so I needed to feel everything was going to go as planned and I was not going to be scammed. I had Natasa Jaric as my Specialist. Her and I worked on an itinerary that suited my needs. She is very friendly and knowledgeable.
I had back to back tours for three weeks straight, as well as transfers and hopper flights. This was what I wanted, as this was my " One and Done" for this region. My transportation, hotels, tours and flights went as planned. Of course, Mother Nature dictates some plans and one activity was cancelled. I am getting a refund through the agency. Please book with confidence! This company is reputable and delivers on the itinerary. I had the opportunity to review each part of my itinerary with Natasa prior to leaving to make sure all looked correct. My trip was unforgettable!!! Thank you Goway Travel for making this trip so effortless and smooth.ConsumerGoway gave us a magical holiday in Southeast Asia. From the organization of the transportation, guides and drivers, hotels and tours, everything ran like clockwork with quality accommodations, experienced guides and drivers and amazing excursions. We had a wedding in Bali Indonesia that was the stimulus for visiting 7 countries Cebu Philippines, Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An Vietnam, Siem Reap Cambodia, Bangkok Thailand, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Bali, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan.
We had marvelous tour guides and drivers. All of them spoke excellent English, had years of experience, were very knowledgeable and passionate about their country and its heritage, very friendly, funny, patient , flexible and accommodating. In Bali we were able to add another tour when we changed hotels and the guide was able to accommodate our friends from Canada to go with us. The drivers were excellent considering the traffic volumes and what we would consider complex driving movements by cars, trucks, bicycles, vespas, tuk tuks and motorcycles.
The hotels we were placed in were five stars, with exceptional breakfast which showcased the country's food. We were always able to find ethnic food from that area that we could try. I would highly recommend the Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi. The hotel even has a bunker from the Vietnam War that you can tour if you are staying there. Also the Komaneka at Bisma in Ubud Indonesia was a beautiful property and we were treated like royalty by being placed in a villa with our own swimming pool. All the hotels except one had universal outlets.
For any of the Temples whether Buddha or Hindu, churches or Mosques, you need covered shoulders, covered knees and covered toes. Some like Indonesia provide sarongs as part of the entrance fee.
For tours the I highly recommend the following:
The overnight Ginger Cruise of Halong Bay. The suites were like what you see in the movies of Chinese junket's. You visit a secluded fishing village, the scenery is amazing, the food was excellent and we were taught how to make spring rolls and went squid fishing.
The half day cooking class in Cambodia was an amazing experience. We were taken out to a village farm with a multi-generational Cambodian family. The farm had power but no running water. Water was gathered from the river or rainfall. We went to other farms around the village to look at the crops of herbs and vegetables, including rice that were used in the dinner. Also visited the village market for fruits, meats and fish. You were taught how to prepare the foods with the women of the farm while the men set up tables, chairs and lighting for the evening meal. The whole family plus our guide and driver ate the prepared meal under the stars. It was totally awesome.
Also don't miss the cooking class at the Blue Elephant in Bangkok. This was a class of 12 students, again with a market tour to select ingredients for what we would be cooking. We prepared four courses which were first demonstrated then we went into a kitchen with stations where each of us prepared that course. Afterwards we sat down to eat the meal that we had prepared.
For a different authentic experience The Dark Foodie Tour in Siem Reap by Vespa was one of the highlights of the tour. This tour you spend time with the Cambodian people in the night market, bars and restaurants and even a local fair. You are driven around the city like the locals on Vespa's.
You will see lots of temples but two you don't want to miss is Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Wat Suthat in Thailand. Both are astounding and if you get a chance circle back to view the Wat Suthat at night where the lights on the temple show off its beauty.
Chris Lawson
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