Planning a Trip to Ireland
I’m frequently asked by clients planning a trip to Ireland, when is the best time to travel?
While many people opt for the warm, sunny days of summer for an Irish vacation, fall, spring and winter have their own magical charms and are the bargain times to travel. The landscape in varying shades of emerald green, rust and mustard is still stunning; the people are still friendly (and possibly more so, because the urgency of the tourist deluge is over); and few things are more rewarding than the camaraderie found in a welcoming Irish pub, especially to chase away the chill of a winter’s night.
The “high” season in Ireland, from mid-June through mid-September, is the most hectic time for travel. Temperatures are warm without being miserably sticky and hot, skies are sunny and visitors flock to the small country from the US, mainland Europe and afar. Pricing is at its highest, both for accommodations and airfare. As the weather begins to change, with cooler temperatures and more overcast days, many vacationers return to their homes and the prices go down.
The “shoulder season” for Ireland vacations is mid-September through October, April, May and early June. “Low season,” when the temperature has a distinct chill and some small hotels, guest houses, shops and cafes are closed, is the winter months from November through March.
Planning a trip to Ireland in fall or winter will give you fantastic views of emerald green, rusts and mustard-colored scenery.
Ireland’s winter weather is much more temperate than in the northern regions of the United States, and even more temperate than in much of continental Europe. The average winter temperature in Ireland rarely decreases to freezing and typically stays around a relatively mild 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the winter’s wind often can be quite strong, and rainfall - a must for keeping the Emerald Island a stunning and vibrant green - is more frequent in winter and fall.
Pricing and throngs of tourists proportionally decrease the farther you travel from the warmest summer months. Savings on airfares can be 50 percent or more in low season; hotels and guest houses offer reduced cost packages to help keep your costs down. In addition to the potential savings, however, the best reasons to travel to Ireland in the “shoulder” or “low” seasons are the fantastic experiences. It is so much easier to wander through historic ruins, contemplate the mystical landscapes, stroll through formal gardens - and find a seat in the local pub! - when there are no crowds of tourists and long lines. You may even find yourself dawdling longer in pubs, shops and guest houses as people will be more relaxed and have more time.
Grab an assortment of layers for traveling in the Fall and Winter - be sure to include a waterproof jacket, heavy Irish sweater, cap, gloves and a bit of thermal underwear to chase away the chill - and start planning your trip to Ireland by calling us at 1-888-825-4529.
Welcome back! Contact Ireland Travel Deals to book your vacation packages to the Celtic countries - find out more about who we are through our Pub Crawls.
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