When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
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The best time to visit Ireland—to see green countrysides and impressive castles, to learn about Celtic history, to rub elbows with friendly and funny Irish folks—is any time of year. Whether you want to visit for the breathtaking beauty of Ireland’s rock formations or medieval architecture, or just to drink a whole lot of Guinness, the key to a good visit to Ireland is to time it just right.
It’s common knowledge these days that shoulder-season travel can offer the savvy traveler a lot of advantage no matter their destination. But to get an expert opinion on the ins and outs of it, I spoke to Siobhan Byrne, the Dublin-based founder and CEO of luxury travel company Adams & Butler, for her insight on the best time to visit Ireland. Read on to learn how to schedule your visit, what to know before you go, and why you might be better off visiting Ireland than Los Angeles for Thanksgiving.
What is the best time to visit Ireland?
The best time to visit Ireland are the months of May, June, and September, according to Byrne. These are the months that touch the peak season of summer, so the weather is warm but most of the crowds have yet to arrive or have already gone. That said, even the months of March, April, and October offer pleasant weather.
“I joke—but it's actually true—that, in Ireland, the winter is a cooler version of the summer, and the summer is a warmer version of the winter,” Byrne says. “On any given day in the year, it can be 17°C (62°F). I often do hand-washing on Christmas Day because it can be a wonderful dry sunny day!”
Byrne also notes that the travel time to Ireland from the East Coast of the US is just five and a half hours, so technically it takes less time to get to Dublin than to the West Coast: “So do consider Ireland for a long weekend break during those winter months, that's what people in the know do!
What is the cheapest time to visit Ireland?
During the shoulder season and winter months, Byrne says travelers can get many transatlantic rates for as little as $300 each way, and that business airfares can be cheaper during these times.
As for the facts and figures: November is statistically the cheapest month to fly to Ireland, according to Laura Lindsay, the destination and travel trends expert at Skyscanner. At this time, in 2023, roundtrip fares cost an average of $404 per person. “It’s one of the quieter months for tourists, with short days and colder weather without the twinkling lights and fairground feel of Christmas markets,” Lindsay says.
Heads up that December is the most expensive time to travel to Ireland, according to Skyscanner data; data says that roundtrip flights in December 2023 had an average cost of $963 per person. “December is a real draw for American tourists who want to spend the festive period in Ireland, and it’s also a key time for the large diaspora of Irish Americans to go home to visit family.”
When is peak season in Ireland?
Byrne suggests that travelers avoid visiting Ireland in July and August because this is also the time for peak domestic travel. As such, prices at hotels increase for the high season and there are more people traveling generally.
“Irish people love traveling in Ireland, and that’s when the school holidays happen, meaning these are the busiest periods,” Byrne says. “The hotels are jam packed, yet there is still only the same amount of staff to service all of these clients. You’ll still get that wonderful sunny Irish disposition, but you’ll be sharing it with more people.”
How many days do I need in Ireland if I am visiting for the first time?
For a first-time visit to Ireland, Byrne recommends a minimum of 7 nights; ideally, 10. This should give you enough time to visit both the cities of Dublin and Galway without feeling rushed, and to spend some time in the countryside.
“If you want to really get to know Ireland I would suggest 12 to 14 nights, and include Northern Ireland as well,” Byrne says. “If you’re coming for a short break, do four nights. Base yourself in Dublin for it, or do two nights in Dublin and two in Galway—or in Wicklow, outside of Dublin, known as ‘the garden of Ireland.’ There, visit Powerscourt House and Gardens; and the absolutely majestic Glendalough lakes, which are surrounded by mountains, wild goats, and round towers.”
What is the tipping culture in Ireland?
People tip for good service in Ireland, but Byrne says that if a service charge is already included in the bill, you don’t need to tip extra unless you really want to. “We don’t usually tip taxi drivers unless we love them. The same applies to getting drinks at a bar,” she says. “However, if a young lady or gentleman is serving you at a table in a bar, it’s always nice to give them a euro or so to make them happy.”
That said, travelers should definitely tip drivers who do transfers (say, to the airport) or act as guides. Byrne recommends: “A tip for a transfer could be €10; and for driver-guides €100, on average for a full day. Walking guides would really appreciate €10.”
What else should I know before visiting Ireland?
It might be a surprise to some travelers to learn that the food in Ireland is very good, much of it fresh farm-to-table. Byrne says, “The most common feedback we get from clients as they were blown away with the quality of the food.” She also touts the Irish sense of humor and the friendliness of people in Ireland—even that of strangers who travelers meet on the street.
And as a reminder: Ireland has a United States border pre-clearance facility for flights to the US, so don’t be surprised when you arrive home and just saunter out of the airport as you would as if you were on a domestic flight. Ireland is the only country outside of North America that has United States immigration on their own soil.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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