Summer in Ireland is pretty epic – if we do say so ourselves!
Long days, vibrant landscapes, lively festivals, and charming towns make it the perfect season for exploring, hiking, road-tripping, and enjoying local food and music.
As two locals who know a thing or two about the best spots, we’ll take you through what to see, do, and experience to make the most of your Irish summer adventure.
A Quick Heads-Up About Summer in Ireland
Let’s get this out of the way: Ireland isn’t cheap, and summer is peak season. Schools are on holiday, tour buses are running, and accommodation prices can soar. But don’t let that put you off! Plan ahead, book early, and embrace the buzz — you’ll be grand!
However, when the sun comes out (even briefly!), we Irish become even lovelier and even more up for the craic, so trust us, that will make up for everything else!
Summer in Ireland at a Glance
| Category | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Months | June, July, August |
| Temperatures | 15–20°C (59–68°F) |
| Daylight | Up to 17 hours in June |
| Best For | Festivals, hiking, road trips |
| Downsides | Crowds, higher prices |
What Summer Weather in Ireland Is Really Like
Look, you might be reading the word “Summer”, but just remember – this is still Ireland!
Typical summer conditions include:
- Mild temperatures rather than intense heat
- Occasional light rain or drizzle
- Coastal breezes, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way
- Dramatic, rapidly changing skies that create stunning photo opportunities
One of the biggest surprises for visitors is how changeable Irish summer weather can be. You might start the day in sunshine, experience a brief rain shower in the afternoon, and finish with a calm golden sunset…..or snow storm – only joking about the snow, sort of!
Month-by-Month Snapshot:
- June: Longest daylight hours, mostly mild with sunny spells. Perfect for hiking, coastal walks, and early summer festivals. Occasional brief showers.
- July: Warmest month, ideal for road trips, festivals, and outdoor dining. Coastal areas can be breezy.
- August: Similar to July, but with slightly more rain. Excellent for city exploration, late evening walks, and summer events.
A Local’s Tip: Just embrace the Irish weather, pack plenty of layers, and you’ll be grand!
Major Summer Festivals in Ireland
We hope you are ready because Summer in Ireland is festival season — from arts and music to food and culture, something is happening every month.
- Cork Midsummer Festival – Mid‑June, Cork
Theatre, dance, installation art, and street performances. Ideal for city wanderers and culture fans. - Galway International Arts Festival – Mid‑July, Galway
Theatre, visual arts, street performers, and live music. Perfect for arts lovers and culture seekers. Read the Full Guide Here. - Galway Races – Summer Festival – Late July to Early August, Galway
Horse racing, fashion, social events. Great for experiencing Ireland’s iconic race culture. Read the Full Guide Here. - All Together Now Festival – Late July to Early August, Curraghmore Estate, Waterford
Multi‑day music, arts, comedy, food, and wellness festival. Great for immersive summer social experiences. - Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – Early August, rotating locations
Traditional Irish music competitions, ceili dances, street music. A must for trad music enthusiasts. Read the Full Guide Here. - Spraoi Festival – Early August, Waterford
Street theatre, parades, and circus performances. Perfect for families and street arts lovers. - Electric Picnic – Late August, Stradbally, Co. Laois
Multi‑day music, arts, comedy, food, and wellness festival. One of Ireland’s largest music events. - Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival – All September, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
Live music, dancing, and matchmaking traditions. A unique taste of Irish culture and rural festivity. Read the Full Guide Here. - Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival – Late September, Galway
Seafood tastings, local food, live music, and street events. Ideal for foodies and cultural experiences. Read the Full Guide Here.
👉 Not finished with the Irish festivities yet? Read our guide to the best festivals in Ireland – we have a lot to offer!
Best Hikes in Ireland in Summer
Summer in Ireland is the perfect season for hiking — long daylight hours, mild weather, and vibrant landscapes make every trail more enjoyable. Whether you want coastal cliffs, mountain panoramas, or quiet forest paths, Ireland has a hike for every type of traveller.
👉 We love hiking on our travels – just take a look at some of the most unique hikes we’ve tackled around the world.
Top Hikes to Consider:
- Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park (Galway) – Moderate trail with sweeping views of mountains and the Atlantic coastline. Ideal for sunrise or sunset photography.
- Slieve League Cliffs (Donegal) – Challenging but rewarding; Europe’s highest sea cliffs offer dramatic views and fewer crowds than the Cliffs of Moher. Plus, these Cliffs are higher than the famous Cliffs of Moher, so that’s bound to guarantee some pretty epic views!
- Wicklow Way (Wicklow Mountains) – Long-distance trail through lush valleys, glacial lakes, and historic monastic ruins at Glendalough.
- The Burren, Co. Clare – Unique limestone terrain dotted with wildflowers and ancient ruins. Gentle walks and panoramic vistas make it perfect for Ireland in Summer. Given that Kate is from County Clare, we regularly take day trip hikes through the Burren – every Burren hike offers something new to discover.
- Doolin to Cliffs of Moher (Co. Clare) – Scenic coastal walk from the village of Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher, with wildflowers, dramatic cliff views, and plenty of photo opportunities along the Atlantic coastline – Our Full Guide.
If you want a laugh, you can watch us take on this Doolin Hike – we make the mistakes so you don’t have to!
- Mount Brandon, Dingle Peninsula (Kerry) – Tougher climb with exceptional coastal panoramas. Summer offers clearer skies and longer hiking windows.
- Croagh Patrick (Mayo) – Ireland’s holy mountain with panoramic views over Clew Bay. A steep but rewarding hike for summer walkers; enjoy the summit shrine and stunning coastal scenery. Our Full Guide.
- Tom Crean Endurance Walk, Annascaul (Kerry) – Trace the footsteps of legendary Antarctic explorer Tom Crean on this organised June hike, honouring his feats while enjoying the rugged and scenic Kerry landscape. Our Full Guide.
👉 If, like us, this is your travel style, discover the Best Hikes in Ireland linked to Irish Mythology.
Best Road Trips in Ireland in Summer
Ireland in Summer is the best time for road trips — long daylight hours and clear weather make every drive a chance to stop, explore, and take photos. These are the road trips that give you the best mix of scenery, culture, and adventure:
⭐ Free Gift: Kick off your Irish road trip with the ultimate soundtrack! Explore our handpicked list of favourite Irish folk songs — your perfect Irish travel playlist awaits.
Recommended Summer Road Trips in Ireland:
- Wild Atlantic Way – Stretching along the west coast, expect dramatic cliffs, turquoise beaches, and charming towns like Clifden, Doolin, and Kinsale. Perfect for short loops or longer multi-day adventures.
- Ring of Kerry – Classic lakes, mountains, and village stops. Spring offers fresh greenery, wildflowers along the roadside, and still-calm lakeside reflections. Ideal for scenic drives, traditional pubs, and historic estates.
- Slea Head Drive (Dingle Peninsula) – Coastal route with rugged cliffs, sandy coves, and traditional music towns like Dingle and Ballyferriter.
- Loop Head Drive (Clare) – Less crowded than the Burren, with lighthouse stops, coastal cliffs, and Atlantic sunsets.
- Copper Coast (Waterford) – Dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and quiet walks. Great for photography, storm-watching, and relaxed summer drives.
👉 Ireland has endless amazing things to do and see. For even more options, check out the best Irish road trips to discover which routes suit you best. Even better, check out our ultimate 2-week road trip itinerary around Ireland.
Wildlife and Nature Spotting in Summer in Ireland
Ireland’s landscapes are teeming with life during the summer months. Long days and mild weather make it easier to spot wildlife and enjoy nature.
Highlights:
- Seals and Puffins: Best seen along the west coast, particularly around the Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Islands, and Dingle Peninsula.
- Dolphins and Whales: Sighting tours operate from Galway, Dingle, and Cork. Summer months increase the chance of sightings.
- Wildflowers: The Burren and coastal meadows bloom with rare flowers in June and July — perfect for photography and scenic hikes.
- Birdwatching: Ireland’s seabird colonies are active during summer, including gannets, guillemots, and puffins.
Insider Tip: Short on time? Take a quick day trip from Dublin to Ireland’s Eye Island — it’s one of the easiest ways to experience rugged cliffs, wildlife (yes, puffins!), coastal views, and that wild Irish island feel.
Family-Friendly Summer Activities in Ireland
Ireland in summer offers plenty of fun for all ages. From adventure parks to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Top Picks:
- Dublin Zoo: One of Europe’s oldest zoos and a fantastic summer day out for families in Dublin.
- Fota Wildlife Park (Cork): A conservation-focused sanctuary where many animals roam freely in large open habitats. Visitors can see giraffes, lemurs, zebras, and exotic birds up close, making it one of Ireland’s best family attractions — and a great ethical wildlife experience. Given that Kevin is from Cobh, only a 10-minute drive away, we visit Fota Wildlife Park quite a lot!
- For an extra treat, stay at the 5 Star Fota Island Resort to add some extra luxury to your summer trip to Ireland.
- Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre: Much more than just viewpoints — the award-winning interactive centre has engaging exhibits about geology, wildlife, and local history that make the visit fun and educational for kids as well as adults.
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (Co. Clare): Step back in time with medieval banquets, interactive exhibits, and costumed performers — a hit with kids and adults alike. Seeing as Kate lives close by, Bunratty was a go-to for many a school tour growing up and is still a must-see when we have visitors!
- Centre Parcs (Longford): Indoor and outdoor family adventures, from swimming villages to treetop rope courses — perfect for rainy and sunny summer days.
- Emerald Park (Meath): Thrilling theme park rides, a small zoo with wildlife habitats, and one of Ireland’s best family day-out experiences. Just keep in mind it is also school holidays, so plan well in advance.
- Sea kayaking & boat tours: Boat cruises and tours are in full swing in summer. Check out the best Irish boat tours to explore coastal caves, cliffs, and wildlife along the Wild Atlantic Way. Looking for something different? Witness the famous bioluminescence in West Cork.
- Local festivals: Many summer festivals include kids’ activities, parades, and live performances. Be sure to check each town’s local council or tourism websites for the latest schedules, timings, and family-friendly highlights to plan your visit.
Planning to spend a longer time in Ireland? Check out our helpful guides:
Food, Drink, and Summer Markets in Ireland
Summer in Ireland is also the best time to experience our vibrant food scene and outdoor markets.
Summer Food Highlights:
- Seafood hotspots: Head to Kinsale, Galway, and Dingle for peak-season seafood — think just-caught fish, native oysters, mussels, and creamy chowder served harbour-side.
- Farmers’ markets: Summer brings Ireland’s best local produce — juicy berries, artisan cheeses, homemade breads, and organic farm goods in towns and villages nationwide.
- Craft breweries & distillery tours: Enjoy popular Irish Whiskey Tastings and behind-the-scenes experiences at places like Jameson Distillery Midleton, Teeling Distillery, and independent microbreweries across the country. We always bring visitors to the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, which is only 30-minutes drive from Cobh, and they absolutely love it – too much!
- Summer food & street festivals: Many music and arts festivals in Galway, Cork, and Waterford feature pop-up food villages, gourmet trucks, and outdoor dining events.
- Check local websites and tourism boards to find out what’s happening in these smaller Irish towns.
No matter which month you’re visiting, we’ve got all the inspiration you need for an incredible summer in Ireland.
Sample 7-Day Ireland Summer Itinerary
To tie festivals, hikes, and road trips together, here’s a sample week-long itinerary for summer in Ireland covering iconic highlights without exhausting daily drives:
Day 1 – Dublin: Explore St Stephen’s Green, Trinity College & the Book of Kells. Walk along the River Liffey and enjoy live music in a local pub. Local’s Tip: Venture away from the touristy Temple Bar area at some stage and warm up in a cosy pub like The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub. With traditional Irish music every night, we love grabbing a pint here, and the Irish stew here is like no other (except our Mammies stews of course!)
👉 Check out the best pubs in Ireland with traditional Irish music and fit in like a local with some classic Irish banter.
Day 2 – Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough: Drive time: ~1–1.5 hrs each way from Dublin. Take a refreshing summer day trip from Dublin into the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland’s lush “Garden of Ireland.” Hike scenic trails around Glendalough’s monastic ruins and sparkling lakes, explore the beautifully landscaped Powerscourt Gardens, and marvel at the dramatic Powerscourt Waterfall. Stop at Avoca Handweavers for snacks, coffee, Irish knitwear and unique Irish souvenirs. Summer brings longer days and vibrant greenery, making it perfect for photos and lingering at viewpoints like Sally Gap or Lough Tay for incredible panoramic views.
⭐ Don’t fancy self-driving in Ireland? Book your day trip from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour here
Day 3 – Galway & Connemara: Drive west to Galway (~2.5–3 hrs). Explore Galway city streets, markets, and local music. Optional hike in Connemara National Park or along Diamond Hill. If your trip coincides with summer festivals, consider attending the Galway International Arts Festival, or stop in Lisdoonvarna for the Matchmaking Festival. No matter what is on, you will always have a great time in Galway – Galway is where we go for a weekend away in Ireland, and it has never failed us!
⭐ Keep it stress-free on this top-rated day trip from Galway: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Full-Day Guided Tour
Day 4 – Clare Coast & Departure: Seeing as the other half of Happy Irish Wanderers hails from the beautiful County Clare, we highly recommend driving along the Loop Head Peninsula and visiting the iconic Cliffs of Moher. For the best experience, consider staying overnight in the colourful coastal village of Doolin – 10 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. After arriving, stop for lunch at Gus O’Connor’s Pub, a local favourite serving hearty, traditional Irish dishes — their seafood chowder is a must-try. If you didn’t already explore it from Galway, make optional stops in the Burren.
Day 5 – Clare → Dingle Peninsula: Drive time: ~3–3.5 hrs from Doolin to Dingle (via Limerick/Killarney route). Optional stop at Bunratty Castle in Limerick if you have more time. After your morning in Doolin (Cliffs of Moher, Burren), head southwest to the Dingle Peninsula, one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. The Slea Head Drive is our favourite road trip in Ireland — coastal cliffs, colourful villages, and beaches make for endless photo stops. Visit towns like Dingle, Ventry, and Ballyferriter. Evening: If you are flexible with time, stay overnight in Dingle. Otherwise, we suggest staying overnight in Killarney, for a more central base, and it makes the Ring of Kerry easier the next day.
Optional adventure: Take the 3-hour Mount Eagle hike for sweeping views across Dingle Bay and the Blasket Islands – ideally, if you have more than 7 days!
Day 6 – Killarney & Ring of Kerry: Drive time: ~1–1.5 hrs to Killarney (if not already there), then scenic Ring of Kerry loop (~3–4 hrs including stops). Explore Killarney National Park and surrounding highlights: Muckross House & Abbey – note Muckross Abbey is different from Muckross House (visit both!), Torc Waterfall – a short, beautiful hike, Ross Castle – lakeside castle with great photo opportunities. Then drive scenic portions of the Ring of Kerry, stopping in picturesque villages like Kenmare and Sneem.
⭐ Book this popular Ring of Kerry Guided Day Tour for a hassle-free exploration.
Day 7 – Killarney → Cork & Surrounds: Drive to Cork (~1.5–2 hrs). Explore Cork City, Blarney Castle, Fota Wildlife Park, or Cobh – Kevin’s hometown! If timing works, catch the Cork Midsummer Festival or other summer events. Evening: sample craft beer at Franciscan Well Brewery, one of Ireland’s oldest microbreweries, or choose from the many cosy cafes and pubs in Cork city. If flying out of Cork Airport, you’re just minutes from your flight. ✈️ Flight from Dublin Airport (~3–3.5 hrs drive from Cork) Check for Best Flights Today!
⭐ For the best of Cork, we recommend joining this Top Cork Tour, which includes a visit to Blarney Castle & Gardens, Charles Fort, Kinsale, and Cobh with its Titanic Museum. Shop, sample Stout and seafood, and explore winding streets with painted shops, pubs, and cafes.
Disclaimer: Okay, yes — technically, this is doable in 7 days, but we just couldn’t help throwing in all the best things to do (and honestly, we even tamed it down a bit!). Ideally, this itinerary shines if you have a little extra time to relax and unwind — to have a pint and chat with locals, explore hidden corners of villages, or just wander down random roads in random places. That’s really when Ireland’s magic comes alive.
Mix up your trip with the following unique Irish adventures off the tourist path:
- Stargazing in Ireland: Ultimate Guide to Irish Dark Skies
- Surfing and Seaweed Baths Along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
- Visiting Hook Lighthouse – & Unique Lighthouse Stays in Ireland
- Hidden Irish Islands – Away from the obvious
Tips for Visiting Ireland in Summer
- Plan Ahead: Summer in Ireland is peak season — schools are on holiday, festivals are in full swing, and crowds grow. Popular towns and festival hubs fill quickly, so make sure to book hotels, B&Bs, and camping early.
- Expect Higher Prices: Accommodation, tours, and attractions can be more expensive during summer, so budget accordingly.
- Prepare for All Weather: Ireland’s weather is famously changeable. This can mean packing sunscreen and an umbrella for the same day!
- Getting Around: Car rental is ideal for exploring rural Ireland and hidden gems, but the country also has reliable public transport, including Bus Éireann and Irish Rail.
- Extras: Keep a few indoor options for sudden rain, and don’t miss seasonal markets, gardens, and traditional Irish food.
👉 Haven’t yet decided on visiting Ireland in Summer? Check out our guide to Visiting Ireland in Spring and discover all the Best Things to do in Ireland in Winter.
Ireland Travel Tools
If you are planning a trip to Ireland in Summer, these top-recommended links below feature some of the best deals and trusted options out there – from transportation to hotels and more.
Let’s be honest, Ireland is expensive enough (have you seen the price of a pint?), so let’s save where we can and spend more on the fun stuff!
- Flights to Ireland: Compare on Trip.com
- Hotels in Ireland: Book on Trip.com
- Car Rentals: Search deals on DiscoverCars for the best way to explore Ireland
- eSIM for Ireland: Buy with Drimsim – a virtual eSIM delivered within minutes
- Travel Insurance for Ireland: Get the best cover with World Nomads
- Discover affordable Irish tours: some are a LOT more affordable than others, so choose wisely.
Enjoy Summer in Ireland!
Summer in Ireland offers a unique balance of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and long daylight hours that make exploring our Emerald Isle especially enjoyable.
Hanging around longer? Discover what Autumn in Ireland has to offer!
While the weather may be unpredictable, it rarely stops travel plans and often enhances the scenery in ways visitors don’t expect.
For many travellers, the combination of lively festivals, scenic drives, and relaxed outdoor experiences makes summer the most rewarding time to discover Ireland.
We would absolutely love to hear how you get on visiting Ireland in Summer and what you get up to.
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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