Summer in Ireland runs from June through August, and these three months offer the longest days, the mildest weather, and the greenest scenery the country has to offer. With up to 17 hours of daylight during the summer solstice, you get plenty of time to visit coastal cliffs, ancient castles, and lively towns without rushing through your day.
This guide covers the weather during summer in Ireland, top activities, seasonal events, packing tips, and travel tips for summer in Ireland so you can plan a trip that makes the most of every hour.
Weather in Ireland in Summer
Summer in Ireland brings mild and pleasant conditions, with average daytime temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. July and August tend to be the warmest months, though temperatures can occasionally climb above 25°C during warm spells.
Summer 2025 was recorded as the warmest on record by Met Éireann, with the highest temperature of the year reaching 32.2°C at Connemara National Park in July.
|
Month |
Avg. High (°C) |
Avg. Low (°C) |
Humidity (%) |
Rainfall (mm) |
|
June |
17 – 18 |
10 – 11 |
65 – 85 |
79.6 – 85 |
|
July |
19 – 20 |
11 – 12 |
Around 80 |
80 – 99 |
|
August |
18 – 19 |
11 – 13 |
65 – 85 |
103 – 107.8 |
Rain is always a possibility in Ireland, even during summer. The east coast tends to be drier, while the west and southwest get more showers. Average summer rainfall sits around 60 – 80 mm per month in drier regions, and the showers are usually brief and pass quickly.
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Why Visit Ireland in Summer?
Affordable Summer Stays
Hotel prices during summer are higher than off-season, but early booking can help. Many places to stay in Ireland during the summer offer early-bird rates if you book three to four months ahead. Guesthouses and B&Bs in smaller towns like Dingle, Kenmare, and Doolin are often more affordable than hotels in Dublin or Galway and offer a more local experience.
Budget tips for traveling to summer in Ireland include booking mid-week stays, which are cheaper than weekends, and looking into hostels or self-catering cottages for longer trips.
Longer Days, More Time to Explore
During summer, Ireland gets up to 17 hours of daylight. The sun rises before 5 AM and sets well after 9:30 PM in June. This gives you a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed. You can fit in a morning hike, an afternoon castle visit, and still catch a sunset over the Atlantic.
Seasonal Food at Its Best
Summer is harvest time in Ireland. Seasonal foods in Ireland during summer include fresh strawberries, raspberries, new potatoes, broad beans, and peas. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh crab, lobster, mackerel, and Dublin Bay prawns. Cork’s English Market and Galway’s farmers’ markets are great places to try local produce straight from the source.
A Great Season for Outdoor Activities
Is summer a good time to visit Ireland? Without a doubt. The mild weather opens up hiking trails, coastal walks, cycling routes, and water sports across the country. Outdoor adventures in summer in Ireland range from surfing on the west coast to kayaking through Killarney’s lakes, making it the most activity-friendly time of year.
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Top Things You Can Do in Ireland in Summer
Walk the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare rise 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for 8 kilometers along the coast. The visitor center is open from 8 AM to 9 PM during the summer (May to August), and booking tickets online in advance saves money and wait time.
Peak hours are between 11 AM and 4 PM, so arriving early morning or after 6 PM gives you a quieter experience with better light for photos. This is one of the top photography spots in Ireland during summer.
Drive the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometer circular route through County Kerry that passes mountains, lakes, beaches, and colorful villages. You can drive it in a day, but spending two to three days lets you stop at Muckross House, Ladies View, Derrynane Beach, and the Kerry Cliffs.
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in summer in Ireland, so starting early helps you stay ahead of the tour buses, which travel counterclockwise.
Visit the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands sit off the coast of Galway and offer a step back in time. Inis Mór, the largest island, is home to Dún Aonghasa, a stone fort perched on a 100-meter cliff edge.
You can rent a bike to get around the island, and the quiet beaches at Kilmurvey are a great place to relax. Ferries run regularly from Rossaveal during summer, with the crossing taking about 40 minutes.
Hike in Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park covers over 10,000 hectares and includes lakes, waterfalls, ancient oak woodlands, and red deer herds. The Torc Waterfall trail is a short and easy walk, while the climb to Torc Mountain gives wider views over the lakes.
Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle are also within the park. These are some of the best activities to do in Ireland during summer for anyone who enjoys being outdoors.
Explore Galway City
Galway is one of Ireland’s liveliest cities in summer. Quay Street buzzes with street performers, traditional music pours out of every pub, and the seafood is as fresh as it gets.
Pick up fish and chips from a local spot, stroll along the Long Walk, and time your visit to catch the Galway International Arts Festival in July. How to enjoy summer in Ireland on a budget? Galway’s free street performances and public events make it easy.
Take a Boat to Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 12 kilometers off the Kerry coast. The island is home to a 6th-century monastic settlement perched at the top of over 600 stone steps.
Boats depart from Portmagee between May and October, and landing tours sell out fast, so book weeks ahead. Puffins nest on the island between April and July, making it a rare wildlife experience.
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Festivals & Events in Ireland in Summer
Galway International Arts Festival
The Galway International Arts Festival runs for two weeks in July and fills the city with theater, music, visual art, and street performances. The 2025 edition took place from July 14 to 27.
Many events are free, and the Festival Garden on Eyre Square hosts live performances every evening. This is one of the biggest festivals in Ireland during summer and draws visitors from all over the world.
Electric Picnic
Electric Picnic is Ireland’s largest music and arts festival, held annually at Stradbally Hall in County Laois over the last weekend of August. The 2025 lineup featured Kings of Leon, Hozier, Sam Fender, and Chappell Roan.
Beyond music, the festival includes comedy, theater, food markets, and art installations spread across multiple stages and woodland areas.
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What You Can Wear in Ireland in Summer?
What to wear in Ireland during summer depends on the weather that day, and Irish weather can shift quickly. Light layers are the safest approach, and you should always carry something waterproof.
Packing tips for summer in Ireland:
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts
- A waterproof jacket or rain shell (this is non-negotiable)
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- A light fleece or sweater for cool evenings
- Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen
- A small daypack for carrying layers on hikes
- A reusable water bottle
Ireland does not have a strict dress code, but you should dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Swimwear is fine at beaches but not appropriate elsewhere. Things to avoid during summer in Ireland include packing only summer clothes, evenings can drop to 10°C even in July, so a warm layer is always worth carrying.
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FAQs
How hot can it get in Ireland in summer?
During the summer, temperatures can reach 30°C or above during occasional warm spells. The highest recorded temperature during summer 2025 in Ireland was 32.2°C at Connemara National Park in July. These hot days are rare, and most summer days stay between 15°C and 22°C.
Can you swim in Ireland during the summer?
Yes, you can. Sea water temperatures around Ireland in summer range from 14°C to 18°C. Beaches like Brittas Bay in Wicklow, Derrynane in Kerry, and Salthill in Galway are popular with swimmers. Many people use wetsuits, especially earlier in June when the water is still cool.
What is the average temperature in Ireland in summer?
The average daytime temperature between June and August ranges from 15°C to 21°C. Nighttime temperatures usually sit between 10°C and 13°C. The southeast coast tends to be slightly warmer than the northwest.
Is it sunny in Ireland during summer?
Ireland gets the most sunshine during June and July, with an average of 5 to 7 hours of sun per day. The southeast, including counties Wexford and Waterford, tends to be the sunniest region. Cloud cover can appear quickly, though, so sunshine is rarely guaranteed for a full day.
Is it windy in Ireland during summer?
Winds are generally lighter during summer than in other seasons. Coastal areas, particularly on the west coast, can still experience steady breezes. This makes it a good season for sailing and surfing, but means you should secure loose items when visiting exposed cliffs or beaches.
Is Ireland cheaper in summer?
No, summer is peak tourist season, and prices for flights, hotels, and tours are at their highest. Budget tips for traveling to summer in Ireland include booking flights and stays well in advance, choosing smaller towns over cities, and using public transport instead of rental cars where possible.
What can I see in Ireland in summer?
There is plenty to see. Tourist attractions in summer in Ireland include the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, Skellig Michael, Newgrange, the Aran Islands, and the Giant’s Causeway. Cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork are also full of life during this season.
What adventure activities can I do in Ireland in Summer?
Outdoor adventures in summer in Ireland include hiking in the Wicklow Mountains, surfing at Bundoran in Donegal, kayaking through Killarney’s lakes, cycling the Wild Atlantic Way, and rock climbing in the Burren. The longer daylight hours give you plenty of time for multi-activity days.
What are the free things to do in Ireland in Summer?
You can walk along the Bray to Greystones cliff path in Wicklow for free any day. Dublin’s Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe, is free to enter. Street performances in Galway, free museum entry at the National Gallery and the National Museum in Dublin, and self-guided walks along the Wild Atlantic Way are all great ways to enjoy summer in Ireland without spending.
