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    Why Visit Ireland in August?

    Author: Sheilagh Larkin, Marketing & PR Assistant
    More by Sheilagh

    An Irish Summer

    Ireland is an idyllic place to visit any time of the year; it’s easy to travel around, the people are friendly, the Guinness is creamy, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it be a relaxing, adventurous or educational vacation you’re after, Ireland has options to suit all tastes year-round.

    However, visiting Ireland in August is something tremendous altogether. Between the glorious weather, the culturally rich festivals, the dramatic landscapes, a plethora of outdoor activities to revel in, and the palpable atmosphere, I’m willing to bet nowhere is better on this planet than Ireland in August.

    Continue reading to discover why Ireland in August is an incredible place to be.

    Take Me Straight To:

     

    Long, Fun Filled Days

    The Burren in August

    Ireland is a country that has everything you could want from a holiday location, including but in no way limited to; historical museums, Medieval castles, as well as plenty of adventure activities to sink your teeth into. In August, you get 15 hours of daylight on average a day. If you’re only staying for a short break, visiting in August ensures you get the most out of your time here.

    Spend the mornings up a mountain or exploring a unique landscape like the Burren, and spend the rest of your day soaking in the culture and ambience of the local area. As August is within the peak tourist season in Ireland, museums and historic monuments usually have longer opening hours, making it even easier to squeeze more into your vacation.

    Summer Festivals in Full Swing

    A visit to Ireland in August means you will ramble into a village, town, or city with some event or festival happening. The most well-known of these is the Rose of Tralee International Festival. It shows how many people identify as Irish, or at least partly so, no matter where they were born. This festival takes place in Tralee in Co. Kerry every August and truly celebrates what it means to be Irish. Visiting Tralee at this time of year also offers a great base to discover the Ring of Kerry and a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way.

    Another excellent festival in August is the Fleadh Cheoil, a traditional Irish music competition that moves location every couple of years. Whatever town the festival is in will feel alive with the best talents in traditional Irish music. The competition events are on during the day, but in the evening, the pubs and streets become animated with musicians playing various instruments and folk songs.

    Attending these events gives visitors a truly authentic Irish experience – fully immersing into Ireland’s traditions, music, arts and culture.

    Sunny Weather

    Although Ireland does have a reputation for having unpredictable weather no matter the season, the summer months, for the most part, tend to be dry and warm. In August, the average temperature is between 15 and 16 °C (59 – 61 °F), which makes it the perfect time for adventure. Starting your day before sunrise ensures you enjoy the most spectacular dawn views. One spot to savour the sunrise is the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim, a famed natural wonder in Northern Ireland. Watch the sunrise over the ocean, beams glistening in the water. The bonus is that you beat the crowds there and have an exclusive experience for yourself. After soaking up the breathtaking scenery, wander along the Causeway Route, leading you to even more splendid views along its path.

    If you’re exhausted from exploring, you can relax with a pint in a quaint pub, wherever you may be staying! After a long day of rambling, is there anything better than a nice, chilled pint of Guinness outside while the sun beats down on you? Or if Guinness isn’t to your taste, Ireland’s craft breweries and gin distilleries have been going from strength to strength for the past number of years, and there are many local options available in most pubs that you won’t get in many more places.

    Look at our guide to Irish gin to help you choose which gins to try while in Ireland.

    hikers on mount brandon

    Accessibility to Outdoor Attractions

    Wild Atlantic Way cycling header

    Visiting Ireland in August makes visits to outdoor attractions and natural sites even more accessible than usual. Many hiking trails, national parks, and outdoor recreational areas that may be restricted during winter are fully operational in August. As well as that, many historical and cultural sites will have longer opening hours during the summer.

    Because of the better weather that visitors in August experience, they can engage in more outdoor activities that may not be available to them at other times of the year. Activities such as hiking, biking, surfing, golfing, and many more are open to visitors nationwide. Visitors in August can fully relish the stunning landscapes surrounding them in Ireland, such as the Wicklow Mountains and Killarney National Park.

    Scenic Beauty

    August showcases the country at its greenest. The countryside has rolling hills, picturesque coastal areas, and vibrant vegetation. It’s a chance for nature lovers to explore Ireland’s captivating surroundings, including the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Giant’s Causeway. Visiting these idyllic locations in August almost guarantees you gorgeous views sprawling across the Atlantic Ocean. Ireland in August is a fantastic time to drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to enjoy shoreline strolls and soak in the panoramic views.

    Furthermore, August is an incredible time to see the wildflowers in bloom. The Irish countryside comes alive with colourful flora set against lush greenery. The landscape is dotted with bursts of colour, creating a stunning environment that nature enthusiasts will adore. If you’re hiking along coastal trails such as the Cliffs of Moher, the sea campion is a particular wildflower to look out for in August. As the name suggests, it grows most commonly near the seaside and is a native species to Ireland. Wildflowers such as bell heathers, honeysuckle and mayweed are also in full bloom in August. A great place to view them in all their glory is on the breathtaking mountains and hillsides, which are blanketed in these eye-catching wildflowers.

    Whether driving through the countryside, hiking along coastal paths, or exploring the lakes and mountains, Ireland’s scenic beauty in August is a feast for the eyes.

    Summer in Ireland

    Learn about visiting Ireland in August and the Irish summer climate in our guide to Irish summer.

    Read More

    Visit Ireland in August With Us

    Meet the Author: Sheilagh Larkin

    Growing up in a beautiful corner of Ireland meant my younger years were spent along stunning beaches, karst landscapes, and craggy hills. This deepened my appreciation of the outdoors and being in nature in any capacity.

    View profile More by Sheilagh

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