A road trip around Ireland offers an exciting and unique way to explore the country. From the rolling hills of the Glens of Antrim to the bustling city of Dublin, there is something for everyone on the island of Ireland. But when is the best time to go? Let’s take a look at some of the factors you should consider when planning your Irish road trip.
Burren national park
weather considerations
For most people, the weather is the primary consideration when choosing when to visit Ireland. But Ireland has a temperate climate, so visitors can expect mild weather year-round.
The best time to visit is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when it’s not as crowded as it is in summer or as cold as it is in winter. That said, Ireland has a mild, temperate climate and although it’s rainy at times, you can visit all year round and have an amazing time.
Summer (June to August) is the warmest time of year, when Ireland’s landscapes are at their most vibrant, temperatures are at their warmest, and the days are at their longest. However, it’s also busier. Visitors to Ireland should really expect rain at any time of year.
seasonal events
Depending on when you plan your trip, you may be able to take in some of Ireland’s fascinating festivals and events. Ireland entertains all year round, from the preeminent St. Patrick’s Festival to the famous Cork Jazz Festival, but the main festival season runs from May through October.
There is a great diversity in festivals, from the Irish Derby in June, the Galway International Arts Festival in July, Ireland’s oldest Puck Fair in August, and the Dublin Fringe Festival in September.
We really love the Cork Jazz Festival in October. Schools break for the summer in July, and July and August are the busiest months of the year to travel.
These are peak times, so prices are generally higher and accommodation more difficult to find. We recommend booking early if you want to travel during one of the key festivals.
accommodation availability
Finally, take into account accommodation options before booking your trip. Hotel prices tend to peak during summer months and/or switch to minimum stays of 2 or more nights. So if you want to save money on accommodation or move around a lot, it might be worth considering travelling during off-peak periods such as late autumn or early spring.
And whilst Ireland doesn’t generally suffer from the same problems as Scotland in terms of staffing in the hospitality sector, it does also have seasonal closures in the coastal and more remote areas with sites closing from a few weeks to a few months at the start of the year.
At Celtic Routes, we are planning a year in advance, and we recommend you do too.
summary
Any time is a great time to visit Ireland but if you want to ensure good weather to explore the natural landscapes and outdoor activities, we recommend visiting between March and October. Our favourite times are in May and September when it’s quieter but drier.
Now you know when to visit, why not get some route inspiration?
