Ireland In August 2023/24: Advice From A Local (Weather, What To Pack + More)

Debating a visit to Ireland in August, but unsure of what to expect? You’ve landed in the right spot!

If you’re in search of long, mild days and the buzz that floods towns and villages during the summer months, August is one of the best times to visit Ireland!

However, spending August in Ireland does come with a few cons (along with plenty of pros!) as you’ll discover below.

You’ll also find info on everything from the weather in Ireland in August to things to do and more handy info. Dive on in!

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

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

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

1. The weather

The weather in Ireland in August, as is the case with every month, can be unpredictable, even though it’s still summer in Ireland. In the past, we’ve had storms in August and we’ve had heatwaves. The average high temperatures in Ireland in August are 18°C, while the average lows tend to stay around 11°C.

2. Daylight hours galore

At the beginning of the month, the sun rises at 05:41 and it sets at 21:20. This means you’ve heaps of time each day to explore, which will make planning your Ireland itinerary a whole lot easier.

3. It’s peak season, so plan accordingly

The summer season is when demand for accommodation is at its highest. If you can, start planning your trip to Ireland as far in advance as you can, and book accommodation. Keep in mind that prices are at their highest during the summer.

4. Loads to see and do

The long days and the generally good weather means you’ve ample time to get out and explore the island. There’s endless things to do in Ireland in August, as you’ll discover below.

5. Make an informed decision

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:

• Ireland in January
• Ireland in February
• Ireland in March
• Ireland in April
• Ireland in May
• Ireland in June
• Ireland in July
• Ireland in September
• Ireland in October
• Ireland in November
• Ireland in December

The pros and cons of spending August in Ireland

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So, there are some advantages and disadvantages to visiting Ireland in August, and I touched on a couple of them above.

I’ve lived in Ireland (Dublin, specifically) for 32 years, so the below are based on my own experience (note: you’ll find detailed info on the weather in the next section).

The pros 

• Weather: It tends to be good with average highs of 18°C and average lows of 11°C
• Long days: You’ll have around 16 hours of daylight to explore
• Festivals: Loads of Irish music festivals and food, and cultural events take place (see our Irish festivals calendar)
• Summer buzz: The summer months bring tourists and atmosphere to many towns, villages and cities

The cons

• Prices: Yep – the summer months mean demand for accommodation is high, and the prices follow
• Crowds: Expect to find places like Killarney, Connemara and other tourist-hot spots packed with crowds

What to expect from the weather in Ireland in August

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The weather in Ireland in August is a bit of a mixed bag, but it’s generally pretty good.

Here’s what the weathers been like during previous years. Note: this data comes from MET Eireann, Ireland’s Meteorological Service

August 2021

• The weather in Ireland in August 2021 was mild and changeable
• The number of days where rain fell ranged from 11 days (Oak Park in Carlow) to 23 days (Sherkin Island in Cork)
• The average temperature for the month was 14.7 °C 

August 2020

• The weather in Ireland in August 2020 was wet, warm and stormy
• The number of days when rain fell ranged from 17 days (Dublin Airport) to 23 days (at Mace Head in Galway)
• The average temperature for the month was 14.7 °C

Average temperature in Ireland in August

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Average high temperatures in Ireland in August can reach 18°C, while the average lows tend to stay around 11°C. 

It’s this consistently warm weather that makes this month one of the best times of the year to visit Ireland.

Those from colder temperate climates will find the temperature in Ireland in August warm and pleasant, while those who come from more tropical climates should find June in Ireland to be mild.

The average temperature in previous years

• 2021: 16.4 °C
• 2020: 14.7 °C
• 2019: 14.9 °C

Things to do in Ireland in August

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Many people spend August in Ireland as the days are warm and long and it’s just generally a nice time to zip around.

If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Ireland in August, dive 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. Take a well planned road trip

Photos via Shutterstock

Yes, the days are long, but you need a solid plan of action to make the most of your time here.

If you’re in need of a bit of help, have a flick through our 5 days in Ireland or our 7 days in Ireland guides.

2. Beaches, beaches and more beaches

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You should try and etch out some time to visit one of the many beaches in Ireland during your visit, for a paddle or a stroll.

Thanks to Ireland’s size, you’re rarely too far from a sandy stretch to ramble along.

3. Tracks and trails

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If you like to explore on foot, August is a great time to experience some of the many walking trails in Ireland.

Now, if you’re not a seasoned hiker, don’t worry – there’s plenty of easy trails to trod along. If you are, give one of the highest mountains in Ireland a bash.

4. Hidden gems

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If you’re visiting Ireland for the first time, the chances are you’ll want to visit the ‘Old-Favourites’, like the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney.

However, if you can, try and carve out some time to visit some of the more unique places to visit in Ireland, that tourists often miss.

5. Visiting Dublin in August

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There’s endless things to do in Dublin in August. If the weather’s good, try one of the walks in Dublin.

If the weathers bad, there’s plenty of things to do in Dublin in August when it’s raining! 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 August

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Packing for August in Ireland is nice and straightforward, for the most part, but make sure to always pack for the activities that you have planned.

For example, if you’re planning on hiking, bring your walking gear. If you plan on fine dining, bring formal wear.

The essentials

• Sun cream
• Comfortable shorts and light trousers for walking in
• T-shirts or light tops for the warm days
• A light waterproof jacket (one that folds up into a pouch ideally)
• Causal clothes for going out in the evening (pubs in Ireland are pretty relaxed)

FAQs about spending August in Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Does it rain in August in Ireland?’ to ‘How cold is Ireland in August?’.

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.

Keith O'Hara

Thanks for visiting the Irish road trip! This site exists to inspire and guide you on an Irish adventure that’ll give birth to a lifetime of memories!