Ireland in April: Cool Weather for Outdoors
With the lingering effects of the cold Irish winter finally over, April is a lovely time to explore Ireland. Spring is in the air; days are longer and there is ample sunshine. There are lots of excellent things to do in Ireland in April—from hiking along the exquisite, 180-kilometers-long Ring of Kerry to gazing at the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which tower more than 200 meters above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Peter Sam
Ireland Weather in April
The weather in Ireland in April is mild by the country’s standards. While it is cooler in the country during this month compared with the summer months of June, July, and August, the difference is not substantial. It may rain on some days, but generally, the climate during this month is characterized by plenty of lovely days and sunshine. So, if you are looking for an ideal temperature in Ireland, April comes pretty close. Temperatures in the capital city of Dublin in April range from an average high of 12°C to an average low of 6°C
For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Ireland.
Weather in Ireland in April - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 7 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 8 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 45 | 45 | 50 | 52 | 59 | 63 | 67 | 67 | 63 | 56 | 50 | 47 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 38 | 38 | 40 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 47 | 41 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 60 | 70 | 50 | 50 | 70 | 50 | 80 | 60 | 80 | 60 | 80 |
| Mar | Apr | May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 10 | 11 | 15 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 50 | 52 | 59 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 40 | 41 | 45 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 50 | 50 |
Why Visit Ireland in April
There are many excellent reasons to visit Ireland in April. We have listed a few of them below.
- Thin crowds: April is still a couple of months away from the peak tourist season, which means that you can enjoy all the top sights without much competition.
- Good deals: Since April is nowhere near the peak tourist season in Ireland, you are likely to get good discounts on hotel tariffs and air travel.
- Bloom time: April falls in the middle of the Irish spring season. The landscape is abloom and dotted with beautiful wildflowers in the uplands.
- Great outdoors: In winter, most of the tourist attractions in mountains and along the coast are off-limits to visitors. But come April and the whole country, from the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher to the lovely trails of Wicklow Way, is accessible to everyone.
- Celebrate Ireland: April has some cool festivals and events. These include the Kilkenny Roots Festival, a must for fans of Americana music; the Galway Theater Festival; and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, a celebration of reading and writing in a uniquely Irish setting.
Where to go and what to do
Embrace the great outdoors during your trip to Ireland in April. Enjoy the rugged coastline, secret bays, and slate-colored lakes of Connemara, and explore the superb trails across the national park there. Connemara’s lush landscape offers a host of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, especially around the Twelve Bens Mountain range.
April is also a great time to experience the stunning Killarney and see the lovely parks and lakes that enclose the grand Muckross House, a beautiful, 19th-century mansion that once hosted Queen Victoria. Brú na Bóinne or the Boyne Palace in County Meath is home to some of the most important historic sites in Ireland, including the huge megalithic tombs of Newgrange, Dowth, and Knowth. These fascinating tombs are older than the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and should be a part of your April itinerary.
When it comes to natural beauty, Ireland packs in quite a punch in April. Go dolphin-watching in the waters off of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on Earth”; drive around its spectacular coast, enjoy the local pub scene, and taste Dingle’s delicious seafood. The Cliffs of Moher may get all the attention (and rightly so) but there is another astonishing series of cliffs in Ireland that is a little off the tourist circuit: Slieve League in Donegal, which has some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Take in the jaw-dropping sight of Slieve League without the tourist rush during your visit to Ireland in April.
No matter how you plan your Ireland holiday, Dublin has got to be part of it. Enjoy the city’s parks and gardens, like Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park, explore its world-class museums, learn about the fascinating legacy and history of Trinity College while exploring Dublin, and visit the famous Guinness Storehouse at Saint James Gate. Less than two hours away from the city is the iconic Rock of Cashel, a huddle of medieval monuments and a must-see for anyone heading to Ireland. Make sure that you cover this destination on a day trip from the capital.
What to bring
While packing for Ireland in April, keep two things in mind: temperatures can take a dip despite this not being a winter month, and your itinerary will most probably include the country’s beautiful outdoors. Therefore, it makes sense to bring along a good pair of hiking shoes and a warm jacket.
There is no way you will regret traveling to Ireland in April. If you are looking for ideas for your trip, make sure to take a peek at our travel guide on how many days you should spend in Ireland. Spending at least a week in the country would be the ideal time length to witness all of the must-see highlights. If you want a more extensive experience, you could opt for a 10-day itinerary. In contrast, if you have limited time on your hands, you could go for a 5-day trip which would give you a good glimpse of the country.
Reach out to our local travel experts, who can help you design your own customized trip to Ireland. Wait for no further to book your trip to Ireland in April.
