Visiting Ireland in March: Weather + Pros/Cons
Visiting Ireland in March has plenty of pros and cons (and I’m basing this on spending 36 Marchs in Ireland!).
The weather in Ireland in March starts to improve with the transition from winter to spring. It remains relatively cold with average highs of 10°C/50°F and lows of 4.4°C/39.92°F.
Rain and wind are common as are bright days with around 11 hours of sunshine per day. In Dublin, the long term average temperature in March is 6.7°C/44.06°F.
What to expect from Ireland in March
Although it’s not the best time to visit Ireland, March has an awful lot going for it. Get up-to-speed nice and fast with the points below:
1. The weather
The weather in Ireland in March sees average highs of 10°C/50°F and average lows of 4.4°C/39.92°F. The weather is changeable and in the past Ireland has experienced both heavy snowfall and balmy weather during March.
2. Average temperatures
The average temperature in Ireland in March hovers at 6.2°C/43.16°F, with highs of 10°C/50°F and lows of 4.4°C/39.92°F.
3. Daylight hours
March marks the beginning of spring in Ireland. The sun rises between 07:12 (start of month) and 06:13 (end of month) and sets at 18:17 (start of month) and 18:49 (end of month). This makes mapping out your Ireland itinerary a little easier, as you’ve a nice bit of daylight to play with.
4. It’s the ‘Shoulder-Season’
March in Ireland is the beginning of the ‘Shoulder-Season’, which is the period of time between the off-peak and peak seasons. While accommodation prices won’t be as low as January and February, they won’t be near peak-season just yet.
5. St Patrick’s Day + events
While there’s an almost endless number of things to do in Ireland in March, it’s St Patrick’s Day that tends to draw the crowds. You’ll find various festivals in Ireland on and in the lead up to ‘Paddy’s Day’ in many towns and villages in Ireland.
The advantages and disadvantages of March in Ireland
The most common query that I get from people planning a trip to Ireland revolves around the pros and cons of visiting in X, Y or Z month.
For many, the weather in Ireland can play a big part in the overall success of their trip. Below, you’ll find a handful pros and cons of visiting Ireland in March:
The advantages
- Prices: If you’re visiting Ireland on a budget, March tends to be the last month of reduced prices (around St. Patrick’s Day is the exception)
- Weather: March brings with it the start of spring which, for the most part (not always…), results in better weather
- Longer days: The sun rises between 07:12 (start of month) and 06:13 (end of month) and sets at 18:17 (start of month) and 18:49 (end of month)
- Crowds: Ireland’s usually busy attractions will less crowded (the likes of the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry will always draw the crowds, though)
The disadvantages
- Weather: Yep, the weather is an advantage and a disadvantage, as you’ll see in the weather section below
- Flights: Flight prices in March tend to be pricer than the previous two months
The weather in Ireland in March in different parts of the country
The weather in Ireland in March varies a lot. Below, we’ll provide you with an insight into the weather in Kerry, Belfast, Galway and Dublin in March.
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 March tends to be milder than previous months, but with just as much rain. The long-term average temperature in Dublin in March is 6.7°C/44.06°F. The long-term average rainfall level for Dublin in March is 52.6 millimetres.
Belfast
The weather in Belfast in March is, on average, historically worse than Dublin. The average temperature in Belfast in March is 6°C/42.8°F. Average rainfall levels sit at 71.37 millimetres.
Galway
The weather in the west of Ireland in March tends to be wetter than the east. The long-term average temperature in Galway in March is 7.1°C/44.78°F. The long-term average rainfall level for Galway in March is 94.7 millimetres.
Kerry
The weather in Kerry in March is similar to the three above. The long-term average temperature in Kerry in March is 8.1°C/46.58°F. The long-term average rainfall level for Kerry in March is 123.8 millimetres.
Things to do in Ireland in March
This month starts the ‘Shoulder-Season’, which is the period of time between the peak-season and the off-season. Translation: there’s endless things to do in Ireland in March
If you’re in search of things to do in Ireland in March, jump into my counties in Ireland section – it’s wedged with the best places to visit in every county! Here are a handful of suggestions to get you going:
1. Set off on a well planned road trip
As the days are longer in March, you have more time to explore. However, you still need to map out your Ireland itinerary properly.
The easiest way to do this is to follow a guide – I have the world’s biggest library of Irish road trip itineraries, each of which is 100% free.
Our 5 days in Ireland and my 7 days in Ireland guides tend to be the most popular!
2. Have back-up plans at the ready
Although March marks the beginning of spring in Ireland, the weather can still be unpredictable, so it’s worth being aware of indoor attractions near where you’re visiting, just in case.
If you hop into my counties of Ireland hub, you’ll find guides to each county. Each section is packed with both indoor and outdoor attractions.
3. Spend dry days hiking and walking
If you like to explore on foot, you’re in for a treat – there’s endless walks in Ireland, with a mix of hard and handy trails to tackle, depending on your fitness levels.
Hikes can range from 30 minutes to 8 hours+, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Find walks in the county you’re visiting right here.
4. And wet nights in a cosy pub
It’s hard to beat a wet and windy night spent in one of the many traditional pubs in Ireland, like the one above (Kavanagh’s in Dublin).
When you can, try and opt for the more traditional/old schools pubs, as these ones tend to have the most charm and character.
5. Visiting Dublin in March
There’s loads things to do in Dublin in March. If the weather’s good, head off on one of the many walks in Dublin.
If the weathers crap, there’s plenty of things to do in Dublin in March when it’s pouring down, from castles and incredible food to quirky museums and more.
See my 2 days in Dublin and 24 hours in Dublin guides for an easy-to-follow itinerary.
What to wear in Ireland in March
So, we’ve a handy guide on what to wear in Ireland in March, but we’ll give you the quick need-to-knows below.
March can bring warm and breezy spring days, but if northeast winds dominate, you’ll need to prepare for more bitter temperatures (and possibly even snow).
Pack light layers (long-sleeve t-shirts, hoodies, etc) that you can throw on if it’s cold and remove if it’s warm, along with a water-proof jacket. Here are some other suggestions:
- Hiking boots (or shoes)
- A waterproof jacket
- An umbrella
- Waterproof trousers/pants if you’re planning on doing walking/hiking
- A warm hat, scarf, and gloves
- Plenty of warm socks (there’s nothing worse than walking around in damp socks!)
Debating visiting during another month?
Picking when to visit Ireland is tricky, there’s no two ways about it. It’s 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 April
- Ireland in May
- Ireland in June
- Ireland in July
- Ireland in August
- Ireland in September
- Ireland in October
- Ireland in November
- Ireland in December
FAQs about spending March 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 March?’ to ‘Does it snow in Ireland in March?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that I haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
Is March a good month for Ireland?
Yes. The days are longer (the sun rises from 06:13 and sets from 18:17) and the weather tends to be mild, with average temperatures of 10°C/50°F.
Are there many things to do in Ireland in March?
Thanks to the longer days, you’ve plenty of time to explore, with everything from hikes and museums to castle, scenic drives, incredible restaurants and more awaiting your arrival.
Is the weather in Ireland in March terrible?
Yes and no, as is the case with every month in Ireland. In March, we’ve seen snow, wind and hail, however it does tend to be much milder (see weather section above).
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Hi Keith,
Really appreciate your input on Ireland in March. My wife and I are planning on going the early part of March, 6-16, so we’ll miss St. Patrick’s Day, but it sounds like there’s still a lot of great things to see during this season. Thanks.
-Jon
Hi Jon,
Thanks for getting in touch. Absolutely! You’ll have a great trip – I can’t recommend having that light waterproof jacket with you!
Enjoy your visit and let me know if you need help with anything!
Cheers,
Keith
Are these photos all taken in March?
I’m not sure, to be completely honest with you. I tried to find photos taken during late winter/early spring for this.
Thanks for info. We will arrive March 13-18 th. Can’t wait!!!
Enjoy your trip, Karen!
Wonderful to read this! Can you tell me if it might be better to head South rather than North during that time of the year? Perhaps better weather the further South we get?
Hey Lisa – I think you’re better off prioritising what you want to see over where might have better weather. It’s always said that Cork gets hotter weather in the summer. We planned a 5-night stay there a few weeks back… it rained for 4 of them.
Greetings Keith, thanks for posting this information, it genuinely helps our trip planning for our kiddo – he and his high school’s marching band are set to undertake a musical performance tour in and around Dublin during our 2020 Spring Break in mid-March. My biggest concern is getting his daily gear packed just right – enough of what he needs and not overdoing it. Sounds like he’ll be packing a waterproof outer shell jacket of some kind and lots of layers, including extra socks. Given how long it takes shoes/boots to dry, I wonder if two pair are enough, or should he pack a third pair of footwear? Thanks!!!
Hi Gus,
Sorry it’s taken me a while to get back to you! I hope all is well!
I’d say two pairs would be more than enough. Especially if he’s going to mainly be walking around the city. To be honest, if it’s only the city that you’ll be exploring, one pair is more than likely enough.
That being said, if he’ll be heading off on hikes or anything like that, a second pair can’t hurt.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Keith
Much obliged!!! This really helps : )
Hi Keith!
Thanks for the info!
My friend and I are taking our spring break from college to travel to Ireland 2/28-3/8! We want to avoid renting a car if possible, so we are relying on public transportation to get from city to city. That being said, it looks like to travel to Blarney Castle from either Galway or Doolin, it takes much longer by bus/train than by car (5+ hrs instead of ~2ish). Is there any way around this? Would you recommend we sacrifice one of the three?
We just don’t want to lose too much time traveling from place to place since we have only 8 1/2 days. If you have any suggestions for us we would greatly appreciate them! (Right now we are trying to fit in Dublin, Galway, Aran Islands, Doolin/Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and then fly out from Dublin again).
Thanks in advance,
Shannon & Cali
Hi Shannon,
The ideal is to rent a car, as it’s 100 times handier to get around Ireland with one, but that’s not always possible, of course!
The only way around it is to try and find an organised tour that you can join. Otherwise, you’re stuck with public transport, I’m afraid. If I had to sacrifice one, it’d be Blarney Castle, as this is one destination with only a couple of things to see, whereas you can see an endless number of things in Galway and Doolin (we’ve detailed guides to both of these places that you can have a browse through).
With a car, you’d list of Dublin, Galway, Aran Islands, Doolin/Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and then fly out from Dublin again are all dooable in 8 days (adding Blarney in may be pushing it as it’s on the other side of the island).
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Keith
Thanks for this guide! We are heading to Ireland (starting in Dublin) for the first two weeks of March. This has been super helpful information ?
~Pam
Hey Pam,
No worries. The best of luck with the trip. Here’s a guide to Dublin that you might find useful!
Have a great trip.
Keith
Hi Keith,
Thank you for the information. I am taking my mom to Ireland March 7-15th for her 80th birthday. Her mom was born in Ireland and it has always been a dream of hers to go.
Enjoy the trip Teresa! Sounds like it’s a milestone for your mam! If you need a hand with anything give me a shout!
Thank you so much for the tips! Very helpful! Going Mar 21-29. Good point to skip Blarney and definitely see Galway and Doolin and Killarney Park.
What do you think of the Old Bushmills Distillery, Leap Castle and Seans Bar which were all on my original list.
Hi Keith,
I am taking my son (18) on his first trip to Ireland March 20-29th arriving in and out of Dublin. I want to visit a friend in Tralee at some point of the trip. Is it better to join on a guided tour to get to the west or is it possible to hire a local to drive us? I am way too nervous to rent a car! Of course, I want him to see as much as possible along our journey, not just the typical tourist spots. Looking for a more authentic Irish experience. Any thoughts? 🙂
Hi Keith,
Thanks for all the helpful information. Nothing better than a local’s advice. My friend and I are planning on spending our spring break here, March 12-20th and since we will be here for St. Patrick’s Day, we were looking to find the best thing to do. Do you have any recommendations on where to celebrate St Patty’s Day?
Also, where is your favorite place to spend the day in Ireland? Looking for someplace to explore that most tourists don’t.
Thank you,
Sarah
Thank you for this. We are planning a trip to Ireland March 10-23 (will probably head to the mainland for a few days in the tail end). Likely planning top roadtrip around the country. Any suggestions?
Thanks for all the information. In your opinion what’s the best city to for St.Patrick’s Day festivities. We
Hi Keith,
Thank you for this guide. I plan to read more of your blog for further ideas. My husband and I will be there from March 12th – 23rd. We are hoping to do something more “low key” on St. Patrick’s Day rather than be a part of the hoopla in Dublin. Is there a smaller, more quiet town you would suggest for St. Patrick’s Day?
Keith,
We are headed to Ireland for our Spring Break (March 6-14th). The Cliffs of Moher are on my bucket list but I want to visit the ancient stone homes and I can’t remember where they are located. We’re so excited to visit! We may even plan to retire here as US ex-pats in the years to come. It’s an important trip. Your blog/article is SO helpful! Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerest regards,
Marisa
Hi Keith,
We will be in Ireland March 7th to the 12th not including travel days. We are staying in Kilkenny the first two nights and then i planned to head to Cork for a night, then Kerry for a night and end in Dublin with two nights. I’m not sure what all is on the list to see quite yet as I’m afraid I’m trying to fit in too much. The only must do is some site seeing in Tipperary since my mother in laws family originated there, my husband and I are taking her for her 50th. I’d like to visit fungie, see the cliffs of moher and a castle for sure. Any recommendations must sees or dos? I LOVE nature and anything with a view. Like I said my mother in law only really wants to see Tipperary (figure we will drive here on one of our Kilkenny days) and the husband wants to see Dublin, everything else is up to me.
Thank you!
Hi! Thank you for the information, it is very helpful! My husband and I are going to be in Dublin to Kilkea to Ashford/Galway then on to Fitzpatrick castle from March 14th-22nd. I am struggling finding the best restaurants on our journey. We would really like to experience great food, quaint restaurants and pubs during our time there. However, I cannot find a resource that helps me plan what places we can go to that have a traditional Irish environment. Can you help?
Thanks!
Hi Tonya,
There’s an Irish website called The Taste that’s great for restaurant recommendations.
As far as great pubs go, if you visit this page you’ll find a guide to 90% of the counties in Ireland. Each one lists out several of the best pubs in the area.
Cheers,
Keith
Hi Keith,
Would you recommend booking a trip to the Cliffs of Moher at the end of March or is the weather too variable that time of year?
Thank you!
Hey! The weather could be grand, it could be just alright, or it could be terrible. If you’re nearby, there’s no harm in going and chancing your arm. Hopefully the weather holds up!
Thanks for providing such a wonderful site! I lived in Clonakilty for a little under a year a few years ago and have been trying to return every year, even if for a short visit. This time around I’ve got 15 family and friends tagging along next month, to see why I keep coming back to Ireland, ha! Trying to show them as much of the country, especially those “non-touristy” things, your site has been extremely helpful. Very much so looking forward to it, and thanks again!
Thanks for the tips! We’ll be arriving March 7-17th we plan to do a lot of hiking exploring wondering I purchased a wool peacoat for the trip do you think that will be good or should I consider checking more for a strictly lightweight waterproof jacket? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Thankyou Keith for your weather advice in March. A pair of garden Boots (rubber) would be advisable. Nothing worse than putting on wet shoes putting whils travelling around Ireland. Difficulty drying wet shoes overnight.
Looks like we will have plenty of fellow tourists in March.
I’ve heard St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start the Friday before and continue on to the 17th! Is that true? We will probably be leaving the 16th, but I thought we may still be able to celebrate!
Traveling to Galway, Cork & Dublin March 3/15-22/20 and your info is great. Thanks.
Hi Kieth. We’re landing in Dublin at 6.30am on the morning of St Patrick’s Day and staying until the end of the month.
Accommodation has been booked for the first three nights in Dublin before driving around the entire island.
Do you recommend we consider staying in B&B type accommodation, pubs in quaint towns and villages or established motels?
Also, are pubs the best places to eat a good hearty meal or would you we also advise dine in restaurants?
Hi Michael,
Sounds like you’ve an unforgettable trip ahead of you!
When it comes to accommodation, I tend to pick places based on the budget that I have to play with. There are some excellent B&Bs and Hotels in Ireland. There are, like everywhere else in the world, some terrible ones, also.
I find that looking at Booking.com reviews and Google reviews gives a solid insight into what a place is like.
You’ll find that B&Bs tend to be cheaper. The experience, in certain B&Bs, can also be much more memorable (you tend to meet people that have run the same B&B for decades and that are full of stories!).
On the food question, the honest (and pretty unhelpful) answer is “it depends’. You’ll find that in some towns the best food on offer is from the local pub.
In others, you’ll be better off in a cafe or hotel restaurant. Again (sorry, I’m sure I sound like a broken record here!) Google reviews is your friend in thi situation.
I hope my rambling has been of some help. Have a lovely trip.
Cheers,
Keith
We visited Ireland in March twenty years ago, had beautiful weather, and always said we will go back. We drove around the south last time. This time we are taking buses, trains and local tours to see some of the north. We will arrive in Dublin on March 17, in the wee hours of the morning, and will go directly to Galway in time to see their parade. I’ve heard Dublin is a zoo on St. Patrick’s Day, so we’re headed elsewhere for the festivities. All of this depending on the coronavirus and its effects. Do you have any information on that situation in Ireland? Are events, tours, or popular sights being cancelled or closed?
I’m a few years late to comment, but I came across your article and found it very helpful! My family is visiting Ireland in early March. Visiting Ireland is a lifelong dream for me, so I’ll take whatever weather comes! We are road tripping the south/west. (Kilkenny, Cork, Killarney, Doolin, etc.) as countryside and different towns are our favorite places to visit.
We are planning on wearing sneakers, and bringing along waterproof duck boots for the rainy/muddy days. Is that a good plan? I didn’t want to buy and pack 5 pairs of actual rain boots, since we like to pack light. We have our waterproof jackets and layers. Can’t wait!!
Thanks for the kind words, Bethany! The weather in March in Ireland can be a funny one alright. If you’re planning on walks and hikes any form of waterproof shoe with good grip and support will be more than enough, and it sounds like your covered (terrible pub, I know…) for all of the waterproof gear. I hope the trip goes well – shout if you need! Keith
What an amazing site!
Wonderful suggestions and pics, looking forward to seeing Ireland in March!
Thanks for your ideas and suggestions!