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    Why Visit Ireland in Summer?

    By Dawn Rainbolt, Marketing Executive
    More by Dawn

    There’s a reason they call it a summer vacation. But just in case you’re still on the fence, here’s why visit Ireland in summer!

    Whether you’re a family or retired, travelling solo or with friends, looking for a cultural or nature-based trip, find out why should you decide to visit Ireland in summer. 

    Visit Ireland in summer

    Enjoy the bright colours when you visit Ireland in summer!

    1. School's out!

    family travel great western greenway

    Cyclists exploring the Great Western Greenway

    So, let’s start with the easy one – school’s out for the summer! Ireland is the ideal family destination – wild and rugged, it is also a safe way to let your kids explore the Great Outdoors.

    As any parent knows, the best time to travel with kids is during the summer, when you have multiple travel dates to choose from (instead of being consigned to one week at Christmas or Thanksgiving), and you don’t have to worry about homework or kids missing school. Let the family adventure begin!

    And because of the increased travelling due to school being out, pretty much every attraction, accommodation, restaurant, castle and activity will be open, letting you make the best of your travel adventure in Ireland.

    2. Summer is Ireland’s Time to Shine

    visit Ireland in Summer

    Hanging out with the locals in the Irish summer!

    Well – sort of. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle for good reason – and with all that greenery comes a bit of rain (though that’s not to say you won’t need a waterproof jacket, as you will get some rain while in Ireland – see what to wear while hiking in Ireland). But the months with the most sun (and the least amount of days with any precipitation – roughly half the days of the month) tend to be the summer months: May, June and July. August can be a bit rainy but at least the days are long. In fact, the longest day of the year is June 21, with nearly 20 hours of sunshine.

    3. Festivals & Markets are in Full Swing

    visit Ireland in Summer

    Find fresh local produce at outdoor markets while exploring Ireland

    Since summer is the time for fun, there are festivals, concerts and events all over Ireland in both big and small. From nature activities to local crafts to traditional Irish music to literary festivals, there’s a little bit of everything during Irish summer days. Food and crafts markets pop up in every village across Ireland over summer weekends – perfect for tasting local cuisine or finding intriguing handmade gifts.

    4. Plenty of Ways to Get Here

    Exploring downtown Galway.

    Whether you’re looking for international flights,  short haul local flights from the UK and Europe, or prefer a good old-fashioned ferry, you’ll have far more choice when it comes to travel. You’ll also have the choice of connecting to certain local airports, like Cork, Kerry or Knock (in northwest Ireland). Tip: Set up an alert to know when you can get the best deals to and from your local airport and favourite destinations!

    Find out more about travelling to and from Ireland here.

    5. The Summer Solstice Means Long Days

    Carrowkeel tombs on the summer solstice, built 5,000 years ago to align with the sunset.

    June 21st is the longest day of the year – and long important to the ancient Celtic peoples who inhabited this island. The days are long, with up to 18-20 hours of sunshine around Midsummer, meaning you’ll get a lot of daylight to enjoy! Also, many of the ancient Neolithic monuments are actually aligned with the summer solstice, which is pretty neat. One such monument is the tombs of Carrowkeel in Co Sligo in Ireland’s northwest. And because they are little-known, you won’t be overwhelmed with other visitors!

    • Bike through Sligo on a relaxing Biking & Yoga Escape – choose the option to Make it Private to align it with the summer solstice in Sligo!

    6. Enjoy the Summer Outdoors!

    Hiking in Ireland in summer

    Hiking through the Burren – the perfect way to spend a summer’s day!

    Ireland is an outdoor lover’s paradise. With hiking paths ranging from coastal or gentle hills to challenging peaks and long distance trails, as well as rambling countryside roads perfect for biking and plenty of gorgeous shoreline simply waiting to be explored by sea kayak, Ireland is just right for being outside. While you’re at it, why not try sea stack climbing, stand-up-paddling, open canoeing or horseback riding?!

    Ready for a summer break? Check out what trips are available to visit Ireland in summer!

    TripDatePriceAvailabilityBook
    Hiking - Dingle Way25th Mar - 31st Mar 2023€2,3404 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal6th May - 12th May 2023€2,4301 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way6th May - 12th May 2023€2,3403 place(s) leftBook Now
    Bike Tour - Ireland's West Coast13th May - 19th May 2023€2,8304 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo27th May - 2nd Jun 2023€2,0705 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking and Island Hopping - Cork and Kerry10th Jun - 16th Jun 2023€2,3701 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Bike Tour - The Kerry Peninsulas24th Jun - 30th Jun 2023€3,1202 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo24th Jun - 30th Jun 2023€2,0708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains1st Jul - 7th Jul 2023€2,5306 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way8th Jul - 14th Jul 2023€2,3405 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal8th Jul - 14th Jul 2023€2,4303 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking and Island Hopping - Cork and Kerry15th Jul - 21st Jul 2023€2,3705 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal22nd Jul - 28th Jul 2023€2,4304 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo29th Jul - 4th Aug 2023€2,0708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Bike Tour - Wild Atlantic Way29th Jul - 11th Aug 2023€5,2808 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal5th Aug - 11th Aug 2023€2,4304 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way19th Aug - 25th Aug 2023€2,3403 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains19th Aug - 25th Aug 2023€2,5308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo26th Aug - 1st Sep 2023€2,0708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal26th Aug - 1st Sep 2023€2,4307 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Bike Tour - The Kerry Peninsulas26th Aug - 1st Sep 2023€3,1203 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains2nd Sep - 8th Sep 2023€2,5307 place(s) leftBook Now
    Bike Tour - Ireland's West Coast9th Sep - 15th Sep 2023€2,8307 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo23rd Sep - 29th Sep 2023€2,0707 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains30th Sep - 6th Oct 2023€2,5306 place(s) leftBook Now

    Meet the Author: Dawn Rainbolt

    “American by birth but European in spirit, Dawn has called the US, Costa Rica, Spain, England, Poland, France and now Ireland home over the years. While she has travelled to more than 30 countries, she has fallen in love with the rich Irish culture and sweeping landscapes of Ireland. Armed with a Masters Degree in Tourism Marketing and a love of writing and photography, she is Wilderness Ireland's Marketing Executive since 2017.”

    View profileMore by Dawn

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