THE SEASON AHEAD
Ireland’s blissfully long summer days are upon us, and there is so much to enjoy. Most journeys begin in Dublin, which is lively at any time of year but in the summer you’ll see outdoor dining and entertainment at its very best. Beyond the capital, summer gives the countryside real depth and colour. In County Wicklow, lakes glitter in the sunshine and the roadsides are full of foxgloves. With one of our superb private guides, a simple walk becomes a story of monks, landowners, rebels, and local legends. County Wicklow is an easy escape from the capital, but it feels like a different Ireland almost immediately.
The west coast of Ireland is also glorious during the summer months. I love planning gently paced itineraries which allow you to fully appreciate the landscapes of Connemara and Galway Bay. There are also countless coastal adventures to be enjoyed along the Wild Atlantic Way. You should always leave time for a seafood lunch that runs longer than planned!
Culturally, June to August is one of the richest periods in the Irish calendar. You have the Galway International Arts Festival in July and the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August, but smaller events take place across the country. Even when autumn arrives, you’ll find lots going on. Ireland’s charms are not just limited to the summer months because there’s so much to see and do here. One day can be all cliffs, islands and salt air. The next can be galleries, gardens, castles, and whiskey tasting. The weather still has its moods, and that is part of the appeal. Sunshine, cloud, and sea mist can pass across the same view within an hour, so be prepared to take lots of photos – whatever the weather!
Camilla – June 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Ireland?
Spring, from March to May, is a beautiful season for a luxury Ireland vacation. The country looks green throughout much of the year, but Ireland’s ‘forty shades of green’ are most vivid in spring. Rainfall does contribute to this natural beauty, but there is always a welcoming tearoom or pub to take shelter in. Spring is also a good time to enjoy Ireland with fewer visitors. As the season progresses, the days get longer and milder and the gardens of country estates fill with colour. Bluebells appear in the woodlands, and lambs and nesting birds bring life to rural landscapes. Average temperatures in Ireland in spring range from 7C – 15C (44F – 59F). St Patrick’s Day also takes place in spring. Marked across the country on 17th March, this is Ireland’s biggest celebration. You can participate in festivities large and small. These range from street parades in Dublin to live music in pubs and local celebrations across many small towns and villages.
Summer, from June to August, is one of the best times of year to visit Ireland. With long days and the best chances of warm sunshine, you can enjoy Ireland’s natural beauty in all of its glory. You can also spend lots of time outdoors. Average summer temperatures range from 16C – 21C (61F – 70F), though it can sometimes feel warmer. A Wild Atlantic Way luxury tour is particularly enjoyable in summer. You can take boat trips to marvel at the Cliffs of Moher in gentler weather, and absorb the glorious scenery of Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and Connemara. Summer is also a great season for an Ireland golf vacation, or to experience cultural events such as Taste of Dublin in June and the Galway International Arts Festival in July.
Autumn, from September to late October, in another wonderful time of year to visit Ireland. The weather is often calm and mild, particularly early in the season, but the country feels quieter than the peak summer months. Temperatures at the start of autumn can still reach around 17C (63F), cooling to around 8C (46F) by late October. Walking and cycling in national parks and forests is very rewarding as the fall leaves start to turn. Hills and valleys come alive in shades of amber, red, and gold. There is still plenty to enjoy along the coast, and in towns and cities too. Fall in Ireland is a season of food and festivals. The native oyster season begins in September and runs to April. Galway celebrates the start of the season at the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival in late September. Music lovers, meanwhile, can take in the Cork jazz festival in October. Early booking is essential to secure the best accommodation.
Winter, from late November to February, is a good time of year for an Ireland cultural tour. The weather can be unpredictable, but there are plenty of ways to keep warm and dry. You can explore castles, visit fabulous museums, shop for artisan products, or visit whiskey and gin distilleries. Fireside dining and cosy pubs can be enjoyed across the country, and the live music scene is still thriving over winter. If you are drawn to Ireland’s wild landscapes during the winter months, the scenes can be captivating. Witness the raw power of nature as waves crash against the cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way, or see places like Connemara and the Burren in atmospheric winter mists. Typical winter temperatures in Ireland sit between 4C – 10C (39F – 50F).
Where are the best places to visit in Ireland?
From Dublin’s literary streets to Connemara’s Atlantic landscapes, Ireland delivers enormous diversity in a relatively small space. Travel times are modest across the country, and there are always interesting places to stop along the way. Here we highlight just some the best places to visit on an Ireland private tour:
- Dublin – Far more than just the starting point for luxury Ireland vacations, Dublin is one of Europe’s great capital cities. The city pairs Georgian elegance with literary depth, fine restaurants, museums, and great shopping. Spend the morning with a private guide at Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Then explore the National Gallery, Merrion Square, St Stephen’s Green, and the Liberties through the stories of the city’s writers, rebels, and architects. Dublin is lively by day and night, and our Ireland specialists can make recommendations for the best places to sample the legendary nightlife. Contrast your time in the city with the nearby coastline in Co. Dublin to discover pretty harbour towns, glorious scenery, and fabulous seafood.
- County Wicklow – Around 30 miles south of Dublin, County Wicklow feels like a different world entirely. The city gives way to serene, wooded valleys, mirror-dark lakes, and estates wrapped in immaculate gardens. The Wicklow Mountains create a wilder backdrop of open moorland, waterfalls, and heathered slopes. At Glendalough, ancient monastic ruins sit between steep hills and two glacial lakes, giving the landscape a haunting sense of history.
- Tipperary – In Ireland’s south-central interior, Tipperary is a region of castles, abbeys, gentle landscapes, and some of the country’s most evocative historic sites. The Rock of Cashel rises above the plains with cathedral ruins, towers, and sweeping views that give an immediate sense of Ireland’s medieval past. Nearby Cahir Castle and the Glen of Aherlow might also beckon, while the Galtee Mountains create a beautiful backdrop for walking, cycling, and scenic drives.
