Weather in Ireland in July

Thinking of taking a summer vacation in Ireland? Read on to wise up on the weather in Ireland in July — a high season month that sees the country play host to stacks of festivals and events, at a time when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest.

Ireland in July at a glance

Sitting in summer, the weather in Ireland in July is pleasantly well-suited to outdoor activities, with up to 18 hours of daylight.

• July sees average temperatures of 54–66°F (12–19°).
• Rainfall is moderate, with scattered showers.
• This is a high season month, so expect bigger crowds and higher costs.
• July is a great time to visit for outdoor activities and festivals.

Is July a good time to visit Ireland?

On balance, July is an excellent time to visit Ireland — a destination Rough Guides’ readers voted the world’s friendliest country. 

That said, it all depends on your travel style i.e. July is a high season month, so expect more tourists, and higher prices for flights and hotels as a result of the increased demand.

Offering warm weather and long days, July is perfect for exploring landmarks like the Ring of Kerry, Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher and Dingle Peninsula. Just don’t expect to have such popular spot to yourself, though.

July’s mild-to-warm weather is also ideal for hiking, cycling and coastal walks, and for taking boat tours and hopping around the Aran Islands, for example.

It’s also a good month when it comes to festival and events — as covered in more detail below.

Thinking of visiting the Emerald Isle? Read up on how to plan a trip to Ireland.

Average daily temperatures in July

The weather in Ireland in July brings daytime highs of 63–66°F (17–19°C) and night-time lows of 52–55°F (11–13°C).

For comparison, the weather in Ireland in January — the coldest month — sees an average of 34–46°F (1–8°C).

In terms of rain, the July weather in Ireland sees around 50–80 mm over 10–14 days, while October — usually the rainiest month — experiences 90–120 mm.

Wondering about regional variations? As is always the case, it’ll be cooler and wetter on the West Coast (e.g. Galway and Kerry) with average highs sitting around 63°F (17°C). 

Meanwhile, while the East (e.g. Dublin and Wicklow) will be drier and warmer, with highs of 66°F.

For more weather context, read up on when to go to Ireland around the year.

What about the crowds and cost?

July is high season in Ireland. In fact, along with August, it’s the busiest time of year for tourism.

This means popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, Dublin Castle and Giant’s Causeway tend to be crowded, and major towns like Dublin, Galway and Cork see an influx of tourists.

That said, Ireland is blessed with a bounty of wide-open spaces, so you’ll still be able to find yourself a slice of secluded heaven.

When it comes to costs, as is always the case with high season periods, you should expect to pay more for flights and accommodation in July than you would in the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, and during winter.  

Editor’s tip: while planning your budget, read up on great things to do in Dublin for free, a destination Rough Guides readers voted the friendliest city in the world.

Things to do in Ireland in July

Read on for a run-down of some of the best things to do in Ireland in July.

Visit the Aran Islands

Take a ferry from Galway to the Aran Islands for an authentic Irish experience. The islands are particularly charming in July, with calm waters being ideal for enjoying fun boat rides.

For example, Inis Mór, the largest island, is easily explored by bike or foot, with the ancient stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched on a cliff edge, on hand to satisfy culture vultures. 

Take a classic coastal drive 

The Wild Atlantic Way — one of the best road trips in Ireland — is a wonder in July, when its stunning scenery is soaked in sunlight.

Explore Slea Head Drive in Dingle, the rugged coastline of Donegal, and the Skellig Ring, stopping off to kayak, hike and enjoy long strolls on secluded beaches.

Hike in the Wicklow Mountains

With July offering long sunny days, it’s a top tine to hike Wicklow Mountains National Park.

We suggest walking the Glendalough Spink Loop for breath-taking views of glacial valleys and lakes. 

July’s weather allows for comfortable trekking, and you’ll see blooming heather and wildflowers across the unspoiled landscapes.

For more ideas, read up on the best things to do in Ireland.

Festivals and events in Ireland in July

Great news if you’re into festivals — July is packed with them!

• Galway International Arts Festival: held mid-July, this is Ireland’s biggest arts festival, featuring live performances, art installations, and concerts.
• Kaleidoscope Festival: held in Glenveagh, Donegal, in the first weekend of July, this is one of the top Irish music festivals for families.
• Earagail Arts Festival: held in Co. Donegal in mid-July, this features circus, music, spoken word and theater.
• Cairde Sligo Art Festival: this sees the town’s venues, streets and public spaces play host to dance shows, comedy and circus performances.

Want more vacation inspiration? Discover more of the best places to travel in July.

Plan your trip with our Ireland itineraries

If you’ve decided to visit Ireland, you’ll find more inspiration in our suggested itineraries for spending different durations in the Emerald Isle.

Browse them to forgo the hassle of having to make your own trip plan.

• Ireland itinerary 7 days
• Ireland itinerary 10 days
• Ireland and Scotland itinerary