Why Visit Ireland in July?

With the summer solstice on June 21st, July in Ireland is synonymous with extended daylight hours and pleasant weather.

It’s little wonder the ancient people of Ireland were so fascinated with the sun’s cycles that they built entire structures and belief structures around the sun. In July, the sun casts a magical spell over the lush greenery. Visitors can expect over 16 hours of sunlight every day, with lazy, golden evenings as the sun slips slowly over the horizon.

This abundance of daylight allows for more exploration, from scenic hikes to leisurely strolls through picturesque villages, ensuring you make the most of your Irish adventure.

Nature takes centre stage in July as wildflowers paint the countryside in a riot of colours. One of the most spectacular places to experience nature’s natural bouquet is in the Burren National Park.

Home to Ireland’s most biodiverse natural flower habitats, a short hike in this otherwise barren landscape introduces you to dozens of orchid species and flowers from the Arctic to the Mediterranean and everything in between. Learn more about the Burren National Park in our guide here.

Explore Ireland’s enchanting gardens, such as Powerscourt Gardens in Wicklow, Glenveagh Castle Gardens in Donegal, or Kylemore Abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden in Connemara, where the cultivated gardens dazzle visitors with stunning summer blooms. A perfect place for a quiet stroll or a tranquil moment of reflection.

Early July is your last chance to spot the adorable puffins that grace the cliffs and islands. As wild animals, these birds don’t run on specific schedules. But these clownish birds generally arrive on Ireland’s islands and coasts in April or May and leave in early or mid-July.

While a visit to Ireland in July won’t guarantee a chance to spot puffins, July is the last month of the year during which you’ll get a chance to hang out with puffins.

Where can you find these funny little birds? The famous locales for puffin spotting are the Skellig Islands in Kerry and Rathlin Island in the north.

Read our guide to spotting puffins in Ireland to find out more.

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July is a feast for the senses, especially for food enthusiasts. Indulge in the bountiful harvest of fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal delights at farmers’ markets and food festivals nationwide.

From delectable seafood in Galway to savoury cheeses in Cork, Irish cuisine shines in the summer months. (For cheese lovers – check out our guide to Irish cheeses here).

En route from one adventure to another, pick up a box of fresh Wexford strawberries, a well-known variety that grows in Ireland’s sunny southeast. Indulge in freshly fried beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips on the beach with the sound of crashing waves as your only background noise. Sit on an outdoor terrace with a crisp Irish craft IPA and the catch of the day. So many options, so little stomach space!

Enjoy live music, savour local brews, and engage in the camaraderie that makes Irish pubs a quintessential part of the summer experience. As midsummer unfolds, everything is open and buzzing with activity, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of the Emerald Isle.

Too hard to choose your new Irish craft beer? Why not get a little bit of help from our beer tool – just add your beer preferences and let us suggest your next favourite brew. If beer isn’t your potion, check out our guide to Irish gin, perfect for sunny summer evenings.

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