Best time of year to go to Ireland

trolltania · Member

Best time of year to go to Ireland

Michele Erdvig · Host

trolltania,

Take a look at my FAQs page as I discluss it there. I prefer spring and autumn as it avoids the peak tourist season yet is very pleasant. Winter can be cold and rainy plus not all sightseeing is open then.

Michele

youngka · Guru

Hi trolltania, I loved being there in May this year. Flowers were starting to flood the hills---lots of Scotch Broom, and lots of houses were in color. We have gone in March, May, October & June. We love cold weather, but the hills and towns are not in much color. It rains, but clears by the time you drive to the next town---most of the time. Picture taking is much better between May and September. To tell you the truth, we will go any time we get a low fare on any airline. Michele's site is loaded with lots of things to know, very helpful. You will get a lot of excellent answers to your questions on this forum, also. Good luck, once you start going you won't be able to quit!!!! smile

youngka

Green Dragon · Guru

I've traveled in April, June and August. It was delightful in April! Sure, it was misty every morning, and one day it out and out rained all day. But the rest of the week was cool and delightful... maybe 65 during the day, 45/50 at night. We were mostly in the Kilkenny area. The broom is EVERYWHERE, yellow on everything.

jsarcher · Member

My father and I spent three weeks in Ireland in September 2008... weather was perfect, tourist rush was down a bit, and there was plenty of color amongst the hills and towns. I've heard April and May are great times to go as well. Next time I go, it'll likely be in September. The nights and early mornings were briskly chilly, but the days got just warm enough for the touring to be pleasant.

alex2213 · Member

I just love Septembers in Dublin. To me it's the best time as most of the tourists are gone so you get to see the city at its best but without freezing

stannseniors · Veteran Member

We went in October - NO ONE was in my pictures....yes, it was cooler but everything was so available...not many tourists. Loved it!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Looks like we all agree that traveling to Ireland in the "shoulder season" is best. One plus for spring over the autumn is in spring the days are longer. But each season has its own splendor.

Michele

youngka · Guru

Dave and I have gone different times and loved each trip. Anytime you can go to Ireland, regardless of which month --- GO! We have gone in March, May & October

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Been in April of '99, June of '00, April '01, Feb of '02, April of '03, June of '04, June of '05, April of '06, June of '07, June of '08, June of '09 and am currently planning 21 days in July of 2010.

A bad day in Ireland is better than a REALLY good day at work. biggrin

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Thursday 7th of January 2010 07:05:02 PM

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Thursday 7th of January 2010 07:10:11 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

Lovely colors! You will have to try the autumn some time. Maybe when you retire.

Michele

Buckeyeknitter · Member

We went last two weeks in October- in fifteen days only had two days that were mostly rain and at least six or seven days of mostly sun and decent temps. Rates in BB's were low - I would definitely go that time of year again

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Michele --

Can't wait to try the rest of the months.

Wish I had been as many times as YOU, cause then I could have used 40 shades of GREEN ! ! ! biggrin

Bob

Michele Erdvig · Host

Bob,

You never cease to make me smile. This is a question asked by a tourist of a B&B owner where I stay frequently: "If we only do half the Ring of Kerry, will we see all 40 shades of green?" confuse

Her answer: "No. You will only see 20 shades of green". biggrin

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

Ha! I love that answer, Michele :)

It looks like my planned trip to the Northwest of Ireland in June 2010 has been postponed a year, due to finances of all travelers involved. It will allow me to save more towards my new house, and let me catch my breath, financially. So, I have a whole year more to plan!!! :) AND I should be able to swing three weeks instead of two if I go in 2011. Surely another week is worth waiting a year?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Christy,

The Irish are witty and quick with their comeback answers to ridiculous questions!

Sorry your trip has to be put off. But think of the benefit of that extra week. It will all work out for the best I think. When I go to Ireland I like to spend at least a month. I figure if I am going all that way, I may as well make the best of the money I'm spending on airfare, etc.

With three weeks in 2011 you will be able to fit in so much more. Let us know how the trip planning progresses.

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

Thanks! Since I now work for a company that gives me (gasp!) four weeks of vacation, I'm psyched and happy to use it in Ireland!

Michele Erdvig · Host

Christy,

A new house and a new job. How wonderful. And four weeks vacation. Sounds great.

Michele

Maggie117 · Guru

I went for 16 days in October of 2008. Two days were rainy, and the other fourteen days were perfect! I love traveling during non-tourist times...

Maggie