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Ireland In April: Weather, Tips + Things To Do

Ireland In April: Weather, Tips + Things To Do

Ireland in April has, like most months, pros and cons, as I’ve learned over the last 35 years spent here.

April is regarded by some as one of the best times to visit Ireland, but it can also be a gamble.

The weather in Ireland in April brings average lows of 4°C/39°F and average highs of 13°C/55°F and it can be cool and wet.

However, there’s plenty of things to do in Ireland in April and, for the most part, it’s a great month to explore a chunk of our little island.

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Ireland in April

the spinc hike Ireland

Photos via Shutterstock

Although a visiting Ireland in April is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

Below, you’ll find info on the weather in Ireland in April along with some handy info.

1. The weather in Ireland in April

The weather in Ireland in April is often mild and dry with long bright days. April is spring in Ireland and rain and poor weather are also common with lows of 4°C/39°F and highs of 13°C/55°F.

2. Average temperatures

The average temperature in Ireland in April sees average lows of 4°C/39°F and average highs of 13°C/55°F.

3. The days are longer

The sun rises at 06:23 and sets at 20:00 from mid-April, which gives you loads of time to work with when planning out your Ireland itinerary.

4. Keep an eye out for when Easter falls

Irish schools are given 2 weeks of holidays around Easter each year. The result of this is that accommodation prices can sky rocket and some of the more popular family hotels in Ireland can book out.

5. Festivals and events

Very few festivals in Ireland run during April. However, the likes of the Galway Theatre Festival and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast are worth checking out. There’s plenty of other things to do in Ireland in April, as you’ll see below.

Fast facts: The pros and cons of April in Ireland

things to do in ireland in april

We’ve found that for many people planning a trip to Ireland, having a clear, quick overview of the pros and cons of spending April in Ireland helps, so I’ll list them below.

I’ve spent 32 years in Ireland, and I’ve never missed an April (not intentionally…), so these pros and cons are based on first hand experience.

The advantages

  • Prices: If you’re visiting Ireland on a budget, it’ll be cheaper to fly now than in the summer months
  • Long days: The days are getting longer (mid-April: sun rises at 06:23 and sets at 20:00)
  • Weather: As you’ll see below, the weather tends to be nice and mild in April

The disadvantages

  • Easter holidays: Schools get 2 weeks off around Easter, which can drive up the cost of accommodation in places
  • Festivals: April is very quiet festival wise (see our Irish festivals calendar or our Irish music festivals guide for more)

The weather in Ireland in April in different parts of the country

The weather in Ireland in April can vary quite a bit. Below, we’ll provide you with an insight into the weather in Kerry, Belfast, Galway and Dublin in April.

Note: The rainfall figures and the average temperatures have been taken from the Irish Meteorological Service and the UK Met Office to ensure accuracy:

Dublin

The weather in Dublin in April tends to be cool and wet. The long-term average temperature in Dublin in April is 8.1°C/46.58°F. The long-term average rainfall level for Dublin in April is 54.1 millimetres.

Belfast

The weather in Belfast in April is, on average, very similar to Dublin. The average temperature in Belfast in April is 7.6°C/45.68°F. Average rainfall levels sit at 60.35 millimetres.

Galway

The weather in the west of Ireland in April tends to be pretty wet and wild. The long-term average temperature in Galway in April is 8.6°C/47.48°F. The long-term average rainfall level for Galway in April is 72.0 millimetres.

Kerry

The weather in Kerry in April tends to be mild and wet. The long-term average temperature in Kerry in April is 9.3°C/48.74°F. The long-term average rainfall level for Kerry in April is 96.7 millimetres.

Things to do in Ireland in April

Cavehill Walk

Photos via Shutterstock

There’s a never-ending number of things to do in Ireland in April, regardless of what the weather is like.

If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Ireland in April, hop into our counties in Ireland section – it’s packed with the best places to visit in every county! Here are a handful of suggestions to get you started:

1. Set off on a well planned road trip

an overview of the route

A sample map from one of our road trip itineraries

As the days in April are nice and long, you’ve plenty of daylight hours to explore to your heart’s content. However, make sure to plan out your route in advance, to save hassle when you arrive.

Last year, we published the world’s largest collection of Irish road trip itineraries – each of which is detailed and there’s options to pick everything from your fitness level to how you’ll get around.

Two of the most popular are our 5 days in Ireland and our 7 days in Ireland guides.

2. Have back-up plans

Titanic Experience

Photos by Chris Hill via Tourism Ireland

One of the better tips for visiting Ireland is to have good back-up plans ready.

As I’ve mentioned, the weather in Ireland in April can be unpredictable, so it’s handy to have some indoor attractions near where you’re visiting on-hand, just in case.

If you hop into our counties of Ireland hub, you’ll find things to do in every county, from hikes and walks to unique attractions and more.

3. Spend dry days exploring on foot

Drombeg

Photos via Shutterstock

Ireland’s a joy to wander around, and you’re rarely too far from a well-trodden track or trail, with something on offer for every fitness level.

There are endless hikes in Ireland, from long and tricky to short and handy. Find walks in the county you’re visiting right here.

4. And wet evenings in a traditional pub

Mutton Lane

Top right: The Irish Road Trip. Others via Mutton Lane on FB

If you visit when the weathers bad, and you’ve had your fill of indoor attractions, Ireland’s pubs scene is worth sampling, and there are heaps of pubs in Ireland to choose from.

However, not all are equal. When you can, try and opt for the more traditional pubs, as these tend to have the most character.

5. Visiting Dublin in April

Dublin Bay Cruises

Photos via Shutterstock

There’s countless things to do in Dublin in April. If the weather’s good, set off on one of the many walks in Dublin.

If the weathers poor, there’s plenty of things to do in Dublin in April when it’s raining, from castles and great food to museums and more.

See our 2 days in Dublin and 24 hours in Dublin guides for an easy-to-follow itinerary.

What to pack / what to wear in Ireland in April

visiting ireland in april

Click to enlarge image

Although we’ve a detailed guide on what to wear in April in Ireland, I’ll give you the need-to-knows.

The best advice is to pack smart and cover all bases. If you’re visiting on a city break and you plan on visiting swanky restaurants, you’ll want to bring some formalwear with you. 

If you’re here to go on the lash (Irish slang for a drinking session), you’ll only need casual gear. Pubs are generally pretty relaxed about dress codes.

The essentials

  • A waterproof jacket
  • Hiking boots (or shoes) if you’re planning an active trip
  • Layers that you can put on or take off (long sleeve t-shirts, shirts, hoodies etc.)
  • Waterproof trousers/pants if you’re planning outdoor adventures
  • An umbrella (you can pick one up here)

Wondering if a different month in Ireland would suit you more?

Sherkin Island

Photos via Shutterstock

Picking when to visit Ireland isn’t easy, and there’s an awful lot to consider, so it’s well worth spending some time comparing what it’s like in Ireland during the other months, when you have a second:

FAQs about spending April in Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the best things to do in Dublin in April?’ to ‘Does it snow?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is April a good time to go to Ireland?

Yes! The days are longer (sun rises at 06:23 and sets at 20:00 from mid-April) and the weather tends to be dry and mild – perfect for exploring!

What is the weather in Ireland in April like?

The weather in Ireland in April tends to be mild and dry. Ireland gets average lows of 4°C/39°F and average highs of 13°C/55°F in April.

Are there many things to do in Ireland in April?

Thanks to the weather, there’s lots of things to do in Ireland in April, from boat tours and hikes to scenic drives, castles, great food and more.

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Daleen

Thursday 10th of March 2022

Thanks Keith - a month to go and I will be in Ireland. Can not wait to experience the beauty of the country, the food and the people.

Tim Harvey

Thursday 13th of February 2020

Great insight into Ireland in April. Looking forward to our trip and hoping for sane weather at the end of April. All great points and tips to make for a memorable visit.

Keith

Friday 14th of February 2020

Thanks Tim!

Have a great trip! If you're in search of things to do in Ireland in April during your visit, you'll find loads of stuff here.

Cheers,

Keith

Kevin Williams

Thursday 30th of January 2020

Thanks for the info. We are looking forward to our visit in April. Sounds as though the shorts may have to stay in the bag during the trip. They may get an airing as i come from NZ where our spring is similar and we wear shorts most of the year

Alison Kreiser

Sunday 19th of January 2020

Can't thank you enough for the information! Looking forward to our trip this April. Mental weather and all! Especially excited to get off the beaten path and steep in some culture.

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