12 Months of Ireland: What To Expect From Your Irish Trip Depending On When You Travel

Are you looking for the perfect destination for your post-pandemic travel plans? Perhaps visiting Ireland is worth considering. 

Wherever you are in Ireland, we’re sure you won’t run out of things to do and picturesque places to see. The Emerald Isle is full of breathtaking natural sceneries, historic castles and heritage sites, vibrant cityscapes, and rich culture to discover. However, you need to time your visit wisely to make the most out of your Irish trip. 

Wanna know what it’s like to visit Ireland from January to December? Here’s a gist of what you can expect from your trip depending on the month you visit. 

January

If you want a chilly travel experience to start the year right, you should visit the country in January. It’s the coldest month in Ireland, with average temperatures hovering between 3 and 8°C. It’s also an off-peak season but that doesn’t mean there won’t be enough things to do. 

• Events & Holidays: The Temple Bar Tradfest (towards the end of the month), Chinese New Year.

February

February is late winter. Don’t disregard your warm layers and mittens yet: it’s still as cold but you can expect fewer rainfall days. Enjoy Ireland’s winter before it’s over by hiking up snowy mountains and feasting your eyes on its lush green scapes.  

February is also among the off-peak seasons where you can score great deals on hotel accommodation options and tours and expect fewer tourists. 

• Events & Holidays: St. Brigid’s Day (February 1), St. Valentine’s Day, Jameson Dublin Film Festival.

March

If you don’t mind the crowd, March is the best time to visit to get a nice slice of Irish culture. Winter is over, flowers are blooming, and days are longer so you’ll have more reasons to explore the lively cities and lush countryside. 

March is also the month of St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s biggest and most spectacular holiday. It’s celebrated everywhere. Expect bars, pubs, nightclubs, and streets to be filled with fun-loving people.

• Events & Holidays: St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)

April

In April, days are warmer and longer and there’ll be fewer rainy days to ruin your plans. The sky is finally blue and bright so don’t hesitate to pack lighter layers. And thanks to former months’ rainfalls, April is in full bloom, with the countryside areas flaunting their lush green and picture-worthy landscapes. 

• Events & Holidays: April Fools’ Day, One City One Book festival in Dublin

May

May marks the peak of spring. It’s one of the best months to be in Ireland so make sure to fill your list with lots of fun activities. There are fewer chances of rain too, so make the most out of your stay by embarking on outdoor activities like biking, hiking, sightseeing, and road trips to see Ireland’s best attractions. 

• Events & Holidays: Fleadh Nua musical festival in Ennis, County Clare, Bealtaine (an ancient holiday celebrated by Neo-Pagans), International Workers Day, and Spring Bank Holiday.

June

June is the start of the summer season. The weather is drier and better and more attractions are open. 

• Events & Holidays: June Bank Holiday, Ennis street festival (lively festival in County Clare with locally-prepared food and live entertainment), Carlow Arts Festival, and Immrama (travel writing event in Lismore, County Waterford).

July

July marks the peak of summer. Expect sunny skies and longer daylight hours, which are perfect for seeing the country’s best sights. But be warned: it’s also a peak tourist season, so be prepared to encounter massive crowds, longer wait times, and higher hotel accommodation and tour rates. 

• Events & holidays: Galway Arts Festival.

August

August is Ireland’s last summer month so expect the crowds to keep coming. Irish weather becomes unpredictable, so make sure to bring layers and umbrellas. Days will also start to become shorter as fall approaches. 

• Events & holidays: Summer Bank Holiday, Dublin Horse Show, the Rose of Tralee Beauty Pageant, and the Puck Fair in County Kerry.

September

September marks the beginning of autumn. When it comes to temperate weather, it is one of the best times to visit Ireland. Rainfalls will be a bit lower and the temperature settling around 14°C will be comfortable. You also can expect fewer crowds. 

• Events & holidays: Galway Oyster Festival.

October

If you want to witness how the Emerald Isle turns into the lovely hues of autumn, you should visit in October. You’ll also witness lots of events that’ll make you appreciate the Irish culture even more. 

• Events & holidays: Moira Model Show, Cork Folk Festival, Wexford Festival Opera, Virginia Pumpkin Festival, The Dublin Marathon, Samhain (Pagan ancestor of Halloween), and Thanksgiving (Harvest Festivals) of all of the main churches in Ireland.

November

November marks the last month of the autumn months in Ireland. We can feel the colder weather signaling the first whispers of winter, so don’t forget to pack your warmer gear. If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience, you can make your way to Donegal or Northern Ireland to have the best views of the Northern Lights. They’re visible between November and February. 

• Events & holidays: Guy Fawkes Day, Thanksgiving Day.

December

December marks the beginning of winter in Ireland, with an average temperature of 7°C, with a low of 4°C and a high of 9°C. December also means bigger crowds since a lot will head into town for holiday shopping. 

• Events & holidays: Christmas Day, Saint Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day, Winter Solstice, Wren Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a savvy travel and lifestyle writer for Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny, a four-star boutique hotel in Kilkenny, offering exceptional accommodation and dining experiences in Ireland’s historic marble city. When she’s not taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle.