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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 - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo23rd Sep - 29th Sep 2023€2,0705 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains30th Sep - 6th Oct 2023€2,5304 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal23rd Mar - 29th Mar 2024€2,4308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way30th Mar - 5th Apr 2024€2,34010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains6th Apr - 12th Apr 2024€2,5308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal13th Apr - 19th Apr 2024€2,4308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Bike Tour - Donegal From Cliffs to Coast20th Apr - 26th Apr 2024€3,1409 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way20th Apr - 26th Apr 2024€2,3409 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal27th Apr - 3rd May 2024€2,4301 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way4th May - 10th May 2024€2,3405 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Bike Tour - The Kerry Peninsulas11th May - 17th May 2024€3,12010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains18th May - 24th May 2024€2,5307 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking and Island Hopping - Cork and Kerry18th May - 24th May 2024€2,3705 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo25th May - 31st May 2024€2,0706 place(s) leftBook Now
    Bike Tour - Wild Atlantic Way1st Jun - 14th Jun 2024€5,2805 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking and Island Hopping - Cork and Kerry8th Jun - 14th Jun 2024€2,3708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo22nd Jun - 28th Jun 2024€2,0708 place(s) leftBook Now
    E-bike - Ireland's West Coast22nd Jun - 28th Jun 2024€2,83010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal22nd Jun - 28th Jun 2024€2,4301 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains29th Jun - 5th Jul 2024€2,5308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal6th Jul - 12th Jul 2024€2,4308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way6th Jul - 12th Jul 2024€2,34010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Bike Tour - Donegal From Cliffs to Coast6th Jul - 12th Jul 2024€3,14010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking and Island Hopping - Cork and Kerry13th Jul - 19th Jul 2024€2,3708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Bike Tour - The Kerry Peninsulas20th Jul - 26th Jul 2024€3,12010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal20th Jul - 26th Jul 2024€2,4308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo27th Jul - 2nd Aug 2024€2,0708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal3rd Aug - 9th Aug 2024€2,4308 place(s) leftBook Now
    E-bike - Ireland's West Coast10th Aug - 16th Aug 2024€2,83010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking and Island Hopping - Cork and Kerry10th Aug - 16th Aug 2024€2,3708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way17th Aug - 23rd Aug 2024€2,34010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains17th Aug - 23rd Aug 2024€2,5308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal24th Aug - 30th Aug 2024€2,4304 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo24th Aug - 30th Aug 2024€2,0708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Bike Tour - Donegal From Cliffs to Coast24th Aug - 30th Aug 2024€3,14010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking and Island Hopping - Cork and Kerry31st Aug - 6th Sep 2024€2,3704 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains31st Aug - 6th Sep 2024€2,5308 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Bike Tour - The Kerry Peninsulas14th Sep - 20th Sep 2024€3,12010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal14th Sep - 20th Sep 2024€2,4303 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - The Mountains of Connemara and Mayo21st Sep - 27th Sep 2024€2,0708 place(s) leftBook Now
    Hiking - Dingle Way21st Sep - 27th Sep 2024€2,34010 place(s) leftBook Now
    Deluxe Hiking - The Kerry Mountains28th Sep - 4th Oct 2024€2,5308 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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