Ireland in March: Festivals and Weather Tips
The first signs of spring are apparent in Ireland in March, but winter has not lost its bite. Expect more sunshine and fewer cold, wet days toward the end of the month, but Ireland’s weather can still be unpredictable. Capital Dublin is inviting, as are the bigger towns like Galway and Cork in spring. You can also spend time in Killarney National Park, explore archeological sites at the Rock of Cashel, and experience the joys of a coastal walk along the Cliffs of Moher. Read on to find out what your holiday to Ireland this month can look like.
- Peter Sam
Ireland Weather in March
The Ireland weather in March transitions from winter to spring but remains cold overall. It is a mix of occasional rain, strong winds, and lovely bright days.
In Dublin, the average high temperature in March is 11°C, while the average low is 5°C. The average high temperature in Galway is very close to Dublin. Cork’s temperature ranges from an average high of 10°C to an average low of 4°C. The country gets three to four hours of sunshine in March and nearly 12 hours of daylight. If you are traveling to Ireland in March, you can explore towns and cities and make short trips to the countryside when the weather is good.
For a seasonal overview, check out our article on the best time to visit Ireland.
Weather in Ireland in March - 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 |
| Feb | Mar | Apr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 7 | 10 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 45 | 50 | 52 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 38 | 40 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 70 | 50 |
Why Visit Ireland in March
Ireland’s weather in March is far more agreeable compared to the frigid winter months of December to February. Besides better weather conditions, there are several other excellent reasons to visit Ireland in March. Here are some of them:
- Festive spirit: Ireland celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17 in honor of the country’s patron saint, but the partying and merrymaking continue throughout the month. Easter sometimes falls in March adding to the festive spirit. Then there is also the Ennis Book Club Festival, which promotes and celebrates reading.
- Fewer tourists: March is part of the low season in Ireland. This means you can enjoy all the top sights minus the peak season tourist crowds.
- Great deals: Since the peak tourist season is still a couple of months away, you can get airfare and hotel room discounts if you travel to Ireland in March.
Where to go and what to do
Exploring Dublin is one of the best things to do in Ireland in March. Stroll on St. Stephen’s Green’s beautifully manicured lawns, a park in Dublin City Center. Enjoy a distillery tour and whiskey tastings at the distillery-turned-museum, Jameson Distillery Bow Street. Learn about the dramatic story of Ireland’s emigrants at EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum.
The charming Galway has something for all in March. Get enthralled by cobblestone streets and the atmosphere in the Latin Quarter, home to some of Galway’s best pubs, galleries and shops; walk on the lovely, two-kilometer-long Salthill Promenade and enjoy the views of the sea and sky; get to know about the city’s archaeology, history and art at the Galway City Museum.
Visit Cork, Ireland’s second major city after Dublin, is a must-visit destination. Explore the history of one of the world’s most famous and unlucky ships, Titanic, and board a recreated ocean liner. Admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, marble mosaics and sculptures at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Find out how Cork became a center of butter manufacturing at the Cork Butter Museum.
The weather might not be ideal in March, but that does not mean you should skip Ireland’s stunning outdoors. With its woodland trails and horse-drawn carriages for hire, exploring Killarney National Park is as idyllic as it gets. You can also walk the 11-kilometer mountain pass of Gap of Dunloe and visit the spectacular 15th-century Ross Castle, perched on the edge of Killarney’s lower lake.
Another stunning location in Ireland in March is Skellig Michael, an island jutting out of the ocean, where some scenes from Star Wars were shot. Climb the stone steps to reach a 1,400-year-old monastery.
Add the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary to your magical Ireland moments in March. This iconic site is home to a group of medieval buildings that constitutes one of Europe’s most important collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture.
Another unmissable Irish destination in March is the jaw-droppingly beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Rising over 213 meters, they offer some of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.
March is an excellent time to explore some of Ireland’s top-rated destinations. The Emerald Isle is full of natural wonders, ancient castles and landmarks, and museums and art galleries to keep visitors engaged and entertained, Contact our local travel experts to plan a customized trip to Ireland.
