How to Beat the Weather in Ireland!

Nobody, or at least nobody sane, comes on vacation to Ireland to sunbathe! On the other hand the climate is generally mild and you are unlikely to experience extreme weather conditions.

In Ireland the weather is a favourite topic of conversation and is often, quite accurately, described as ‘changeable’.

It is quite possible that a day that dawns wet and cloudy will end in bright sunshine and vice versa. It’s even possible for the sun to still shine while rain pours down.

Just because Irish people are walking about in light summer clothes does not mean they haven’t prepared themselves for rain – they seem to be able to magic up umbrellas or rain coats from nowhere when the sun suddenly disappears!

The price we pay for our lush green countryside is this propensity for sudden, short showers even on the sunniest days. On the upside, the distinctive light that many visitors, especially artists and photographers, love is down to the amount of moisture in the air.

Tips for Beating the Irish Weather

These guidelines will help you to deal with whatever the weather in Ireland throws at you!

• Bring rain wear:
  No matter what time of year you travel bring rain wear (light in summer, more substantial in winter) and at least one warm sweater.
• Wear Layers:
  Follow the example of the Irish and wear layers of light clothing that you can remove if it becomes warmer or put on if the temperature drops.
• Prepare for sun too:
  If you visit Ireland in summer bring plenty of T-shirts and light clothing – it is sometimes warm, occasionally even for a few days at a time! Also light clothes under your rain gear will keep you cool as well as dry.
• Waterproof shoes:
  If you plan to do any reasonable amount of walking, remember to bring sturdy waterproof shoes. In many scenic locations the grass can be wet even on bright days, with typically heavy morning dews, and is sometimes boggy.
• Maybe bring an umbrella:
  But if you do make it a sturdy one – showers are often accompanied by blustery winds which can play havoc with light umbrellas.
• Never, ever, leave your waterproofs behind:
  Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s safe to leave your waterproofs behind because the sun is shining and the sky blue in the morning – the weather can change very quickly.
• Plan for rainy days:
  If you are bringing children on your trip it is especially important to have some rainy day activities planned that can be continued with if the weather makes touring impossible. Adults can struggle on through the rain, children are less sanguine about it!
• Wear sunscreen:
  A lightly cloudy day with little apparent sunshine can lull you into believing you don’t need sunscreen. You do. You’ll get nicely burnt on the kind of day that is mostly cloudy with the sun occasionally peeping through (most summer days).