Thanks for the reply. I do understand the change of weather in Ireland. lol. I spent two weeks there 10 years ago. (It was late April.) It was an absolutely phenom time. From what I remember about the weather it was cloudy, sunny, dry, rainy, cool and just perfect!
I'm more interested in things that will be open or still available to tourists more than the weather. We don't plan on going it the dead of winter or the middle of summer. As for whether this year or next - not sure. If this year it would have to be late October/early November. We are already taking 2 weeks at the beach the beginning of Sept. If next year we would like to shoot for early in the beginning of the year. Maybe the end of March/early April.
Just looking for suggestions. We are fairly flexible and really wouldn't be that concerned about when we could go if we hadn't already planned the beach thing with friends.
***Also, on a different note. I need a suggestion for an appropriate gift. My mother's cousin and his wife live in Co. Monaghan. We visited with them the last trip and plan on spending a day with them on this trip, as well. They are delightful and welcomed us "home." I'd like to take them a nice gift from the United States but I'm not sure what would be appropriate. For our wedding they gave me a stunning table cloth with Carrickmacross lace (which I still have but have never used because I'm afraid I'll stain it. lol) I want something that says U.S. but is very tasteful. They are in their late 70s. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Camchase
-- Edited by Camchase on Saturday 28th of April 2012 06:17:25 PM
We love traveling on the "shoulder." What is the best time to travel to Ireland to keep from dealing with the tourists but things are still open to enjoy (Bunratty Castle festivities, etc.)
How early or how late in the year without getting into severe weather? Thanks so much.
Welcome! Take a look at myFAQs section. It should answer your questions about when to travel. Are you looking at this year or next? Much as we would like to think we can predict the weather, the weather always surprises us. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee in Ireland - or anywhere else either.
I think ideal months to travel in Ireland are April, May, September & October. Once you get into November the days are extremely short with the sun setting around 4 or 5. Things start closing up in mid-October and beyond. In the spring most everything is open after Easter. Yeah, all four seasons in one day is pretty common in Ireland.
It is extremely hard to find quality Made in the USA products. I know because I've looked. Maybe do a search for that on Google. The first thing that came to mind is Fenton Art Glass. They make all sorts of gift items.
A Fenton piece might be just the right thing. Perhaps a Fenton brides basket. They are always so pretty. Thanks Michele for the suggestion. I also think we are looking at early April 2013. You've been a big help. I'll keep in touch with our itinerary suggestions and such as the year progresses.
We have made several trips to Ireland. We always traveled in May until 2011 when we spent most of September in the West. It seemed to both of us that May was better. The weather was not all that different but it just seemed that things were livelier in the Spring somehow.