Ireland is most popular in the summer and it occurred to all of us here at Overland Ireland that we’ve never written a guide dedicated specifically to our beautiful Emerald Isle during its warmest, busiest month. We’ll hopefully help you learn more about Ireland and perhaps inspire a few readers to start planning their next Ireland trip.
If anything we say actually inspires you and you’d like to learn more, check out our small group tours of Ireland and our more personalized private guided tours of Ireland.
The Temperature in Ireland During Summer
Although we are famed for experiencing all four seasons in one day, we experience the best weather in summer. Our temperate climate will ensure you are always comfortable while exploring the length and breadth of Ireland. We can have temperatures rising to 25 degrees celsius but, on average, during the summer it sits at a comfortable 20 degrees. We encourage our guests to pack for all eventualities…. Suncream, sunglasses and a raincoat ☺.
The sea temperature also rises during the summer months, encouraging people to jump right into the Atlantic ocean for a refreshing experience. This craze has grown legs over the past year, with lunatics going for their daily dip in the sea right through December and January! I am not sure if they are adding or subtracting from their life expectancy!
The Atmosphere in Ireland During Summer
The atmosphere in Ireland during the summer months is electric! Towns and villages open up all their freshly painted shops and pubs and are ready to welcome guests from Ireland and further afield with their classic ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’. Street performers line the streets entertaining the masses, which means that you can’t walk 10 meters in Galway city without hearing some talented soul dancing, singing or putting on a show for passersby.
Revelers are drawn to the ‘Craic’ (fun) in the pubs during the summer, with nightly traditional Irish music sessions and good banter from friendly locals looking to share their stories. But be warned: we like to embellish a little when telling tales! I think we get it from kissing the Blarney Stone!
Green Fields & Fauna During Ireland’s Summer
Famed for our 40 shades of green, the summer months are the best time to see the country in all its verdant glory. Our fields, coastlines and farms will be at their best – lush, green and inviting. You will be spoiled for choice taking magnificent photos of our glorious countryside!
Our little winged friends like to greet our guests too! If you are lucky enough to visit Skellig Michael during the season (perhaps on our Ireland to Island 7-day Tour), you will be spoiled with the sight of hundreds of cute puffins. Baby lambs are plentiful coming up to summer and you can even give one a cuddle on the Slea Head drive! They are adorable and would melt your heart! #Instaready!
Long Summer Evenings in Ireland
At its peak on the 21st June there will be daylight right up until 11pm. The long days means you will fit more into your tour of Ireland. You won’t want to go to bed and can explore our exciting towns and villages into the late evening. We expect you will stumble upon great music sessions, interesting shops, and friendly characters.
Dining Al-Fresco in Ireland
Although it has become the new-normal to eat outside, we have always favoured a bag of fish and chips by the sea or at the harbour’s edge on a beautiful summer’s evening. One of the best places to do this is in Dingle Bay. Forget fine dining. Throw down your jacket and enjoy watching the boats from the harbour while tucking into your delicious feast.
Food trucks have also taken off in a big way in Ireland. Over the past few months we have stumbled upon the most delicious eateries on the roadside. We have made a list and given them to our guides. They will be sure to stop during your tour of Ireland so you can pick up delicious coffee, sweet treats and awesome sandwiches.
Summer Festivals in Ireland
Everyone loves a good festival and the Irish are brilliant at putting on a good show. We use any excuse for a party! We have a festival to suit everyone. Our favourites are The Oyster Festival, The Galway Arts Festival, The Festival of the Hookers (Sailing Boats!), The Dingle Food Festival, Music Festivals and hilarious Comedy Festivals. Small boutique music and arts festivals spring up all over Ireland during the summer season with local and international acts. Some are more unusual than others. A great example is the Puck Fair in Kerry where they crown the goat as king! This oldest fair in Ireland sees the town celebrate the goat for three days with music and dance before returning him to the wild!
In summary, summertime is a perfect time to visit Ireland. There is so much to see and do! We guarantee you will have the trip of a lifetime. If you have any questions for the Overland team, please feel free to get in touch. We’re a friendly bunch and we’re always happy to help.
