Looking for the best summer destinations in Ireland? Check out my personal recommendations and tips to help you plan your next adventure on the Emerald Isle.

As I traveled around this enchanting country, immersing myself in its rich history, magnificent landscapes, and friendly culture, I discovered a treasure mine of summer spots that truly represent the spirit of Ireland’s beauty.

Join me on a tour across some of Ireland’s most beautiful summer vacations as we explore the lush greenery, breathtaking coasts, and quaint villages that make this nation a haven for travelers looking for exceptional experiences.

10 Best Summer Destinations In Ireland

 

1. Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque roads in the world. This round route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry’s west is jam-packed with outstanding sites, spectacular pauses, and breathtaking scenery.

The view is breathtaking, and the ride from the mountains to the sea can frequently leave you speechless. The Ring of Kerry is quite popular and easily accessible. It may suggest that the weather is less harsh here, but this is just not the case.

If you intend to go trekking, keep in mind that you need to have a separate set of hiking shoes for this purpose. Driving with muddy and damp shoes is inconvenient.

The time of summer attracts a lot of tourists, therefore certain areas may become congested. Hotels are completely booked, and hotel costs are skyrocketing.

The biggest advantage is the increased likelihood of good weather and optimal conditions for water activities. However, with a little forethought and patience, I’m sure the summer will not disappoint.

2. Doolough Valley

Doolough Valley is a site of breathtaking natural beauty. This beauty, however, is cloaked in sadness, making the Wild Atlantic Way a truly melancholy experience.

A recent return renewed my admiration for the valley, with its breathtaking landscape and genuinely distinct environment.

The Mweelrea climb is among the most popular walks in this area. It is Mayo and Connaught’s tallest peak, and despite its low elevation of 814 meters, it is not to be underestimated. Many people park up here and travel cross-country to the notorious ‘Ramp.

3. Mount Congreve Gardens

The forest gardens of Mount Congreve, positioned by the Suir estuary and developed as an artistic project by businessman Ambrose Congreve, have long been rated as among the world’s best.

The gardens are a brilliant mix of colors and smells that assault the senses right away. The Waterford Greenway, which passes past the gardens, is the ideal way to visit Mount Congreve, which has 70 acres of planted woods, four acres of enclosed garden, and 16 kilometers of footpaths.

The entry charge ranges from $3.31 to $7.72, depending on the visitor’s age. In my situation, the admission cost was $7.72.

4. Streedagh Beach

Streedagh Beach is a beautiful length of sand that has received a Green Coast Award for its excellent water quality and rural surroundings. It is a popular destination for pedestrians, horseback riders, as well as kite surfers.

Surfers choose Streedagh Strand due to the fact that it is an exposed beach offering reef breaks. Due to severe tides, swimming in Streedagh is only suggested for skilled swimmers. During the summer, a lifeguard stays on duty.

5. Avondale Forest Park

Avondale Forest Park is a rare area where innovative and inspiring people have sowed the seeds of Ireland’s future and unique and unforgettable experiences are generated.

Discover the history of Avondale House, the birthplace of one of Ireland’s finest leaders, Charles Stewart Parnell. Explore the woodland park pathways or wander around the walled gardens.

Visit the Coillte Pavilion to discover about the critical role woods play in our futures, or simply relax in the Seed Café. Adult entry is 16.55 USD, while children’s admission is 13.24 USD.

To round up the visit, there is a 90 m circular slide over the top of the tower that children will especially enjoy. History buffs may appreciate the guided tour of Avondale House, which depicts the moving narrative of Irish leader Charles Stewart Parnell.

6. Doonagore Castle

Doonagore Castle is a popular summer go and one of Ireland’s most photographed castles, thanks to its charming Medieval look rather than its inhospitable and likely grisly involvement in the 1588 incidents across the County Clare coast.

This castle and the grounds around it are privately held, but they provide a lovely background to your driving trip through County Clare.

After seeing the castle, you could wish to drive south to see the Cliffs of Moher, or spend the evening in colorful Doolin and have some ‘craic’ alongside the locals in one of the bustling bars.

7. Castlecomer Discovery Park

This enjoyable activity park is located on the former Wandesford Estate and a coal mine that operated for nearly 300 years.

Bring the kids to visit what were formerly coal mines as an informative aspect, then let them have boundless fun on all of the park’s outdoor attractions, including the Octagon and Zip Line.

It is also home to Ireland’s longest zip line. It is three hundred meters in length and rises 35 meters above the ground at its peak.

Visitors may speed through the beautiful woods, two lakes, plus a hand-restored 17th-century bridge. A large portion of the area is dog-friendly, so take your pup for a swim in the lake.

8. The Gap of Dunloe

Among the most popular activities to do in Kerry, Ireland is to spend the morning visiting the Gap of Dunloe.

However, first-time tourists are often perplexed by their visit here. There are numerous ways to visit it, including the Gap of Dunloe hike and cycling.

There are various methods to explore the Dunloe Gap. The ‘traditional’ route begins at Kate Kearney’s Cottage and proceeds to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. You may also rent a Jaunting Car, cycle through the Gap of Dunloe, or participate in one of the Gap of Dunloe Tours.

To book this city tour, click here.

 

9. Dark Hedges

 

The Dark Hedges, a way of beech trees blooming on both sides of a historic Irish road, ranks as one of Northern Ireland’s top free things to do. The Stuart family grew the beech trees as an enticing gateway to their ancestral home, Gracehill House.

While being a great tourist site based on its natural splendor alone, The Dark Hedges has enjoyed a tremendous boost in tourism and tourists since it featured in the enormously hit T.V. Game of Thrones a television program.

The Dark Hedges are now one of Ireland’s most enchanting and photographed locations, as all Game of Thrones lovers who travel the Emerald Isle want to take a picture on Kingsroad.

You are not required to shell out money for parking, but the only places to park are on the side of the highway.

There is a grassy area near the beginning of The Dark Hedges, next to the tourism sign, with ample parking space for around three automobiles.

10. Killiney Beach

Killiney Beach, a pebbly but beautiful beach, is just a short trip from Dublin. If you’re visiting Dublin, this beach is a short train ride from the town’s center making it ideal for a fun day out.

People frequently swim in the bay’s beautiful water or go up Killiney Hill to take in the stunning landscape. The spectacular views of Bray Head can be seen from the top of Killiney Hill, and if you squint a little bit, you may see Wales in the distance.

Tip: Swimmers should be advised that the region is frequently visited by vessels off the beach and that there may be high waves generated by automobile ferries. In any event, Killiney Beach is ideal for a summer swim, a stroll down the beach, or perhaps a picnic for two in front of a stunning sunset.

What are the Summer Months in Ireland?

Summer in Ireland, involving any other season on the Emerald Isle, is difficult to tie down with a specific start and finish date. Summer in Europe traditionally begins in June and lasts through July and August.

However, like with other seasons in Ireland, the Gaelic calendar seasons diverge from standard European seasons.

Tips When Visiting Ireland During Summer

As soon as we arrived on this wonderful island, we recognized there is an art to making the most of an Irish summer. We learned some important recommendations that converted our visit into a wonderful adventure, from its hectic metropolis to its quiet countryside.

The Weather in Ireland During Summer

Summer is possibly Ireland’s favorite season. However, the weather in Ireland may be rather variable. Temperatures can reach 25 degrees Celsius, be foggy and wet, or everything in between.

Despite this, the summer months offer the greatest sunshine hours and some of the driest typical weather. Ireland is never very hot, even in the summer, making it a perfect area to walk, cycle, kayak, or run.

Showers are typically brief and infrequent, and whenever beautiful weather and bright sky return, they frequently last for many days. Having said that, it’s always a good idea to have multiple layers that may be added or withdrawn as the weather demands.

Discover the Wildlife in Ireland during the Summer

Summer is an excellent time to see animals in Ireland. The famed puffins spend months at the ocean before coming to Ireland’s rocky coastal districts to breed. Puffins often come to Ireland in the spring and stay until late July.

The ideal time to watch puffins in Ireland is the end of spring and the beginning of summer.

What You Should Wear in Ireland During Summer

Wear layers since the weather in Ireland, especially in the summer, can be fairly unpredictable. Cotton should be avoided at all costs. Make sure you have a daypack to store additional layers.

Even in the summer, you might require a hat to hike because high peaks may be rather chilly and windy. Waterproofs are required, as are waterproof coats and trousers. Sturdy boots and socks made of wool are also required.

Final Thoughts on Summer Destinations in Ireland

I’m left with a treasure trove of recollections that will live on in my head forever. Ireland, with its kind people, breathtaking scenery, and rich history, has left an unforgettable imprint on my spirit.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, the past, or simply a moment of peace in the middle of nature’s embrace, Ireland’s summer locations provide something for everyone.