July in Ireland Revealed: Weather, Tips, and Things to Do

Wondering if it is worth spending time during July in Ireland?

The summer months in Ireland are peak tourist season, with many flocking to the Emerald Isle to (hopefully) enjoy some good Ireland summer weather while exploring places such as the Wild Atlantic Way, but with the choice of doing some outdoor activities.

And with the month of July being the very middle of the Irish summer, and as a result, very busy, you might be wondering if it’s worth going at all. Well, stick with me.

As well as growing up in Ireland, I spent two weeks in Ireland last July, so have first-hand experience of both past and the most recent Irish summer and you might be surprised.

In this article, I share with you

Why July is a great month to visit Ireland.
What to expect from the weather in Ireland in July.
A list of the best things to do in Ireland in July.

All of this will convince you that visiting Ireland in July is a great idea. Read on and get ready to start planning your summer getaway to Ireland.

All you need to know about July in Ireland

Weather in Ireland in July

The biggest question on everyone’s mind for spending this month of the summer on the Emerald Isle is what will the July weather in Ireland bring?

Well, my memories of an Irish summer entailed long days with sunshine, out with my friends on our school holidays, trekking through the fields on our adventures, only returning home around 5 or 6pm for dinner.

Great Pollet Sea Arch, Fanad Peninsula, County Donegal.

However, my experience last July was far from my teenage summers. More on that in a minute.

The average temperature in Ireland in July is 19°C/66F for the highs, and the average low July temperatures in Ireland are 12°C/54F. Normally, July is mild, warm and mostly sunny.

It is typically the warmest month of the year and averages between 16 and 17 hours of daylight and with Dublin averaging just 55mm (2 inches) of rain, you are less likely to experience rain in July than in other months of the year.

However, not last year!

That summer feeling of yay, school’s out for summer wasn’t felt by many while I was spending nearly two weeks on the Emerald Isle, exploring Dublin and beyond with my son.

For the 12 days we were in Ireland, it rained for all but 2 of the days. And I don’t mean just a passing summer shower, I mean it drizzled for most of the day on and off.

Many people said it was the worst summer they could remember and the rain even made the news with the Irish government recording it as the wettest July on record! It was even the wettest month of the year.

A picture of people walking on Grafton Street on a rainy day in Dublin with umbrellas and hoods visible. — A rainy Grafton Street in Dublin in July.

So, you’ve been warned. July should be the best month of the year to visit Ireland, but it could turn out differently as we encountered.

Costs and crowds during July in Ireland

Now, since July is the centre of the peak tourist season in Ireland, you can expect most tourist places to be busy, tickets to places such as Newgrange and Kilmainham Gaol to sell out fast, and prices for hotels and flights to be at a premium.

All schools are on their summer holidays, so you have both foreign tourists and Irish families enjoying getaways across the country.

Be aware that the 12th of July in Northern Ireland is a bank holiday celebrating the Battle of the Boyne and there are lots of political marches happening across different towns and cities in Northern Ireland.

So, if you are planning to vacation in Ireland in July and want to visit Northern Ireland, bear this in mind as you might want to avoid visiting the North on this day.

With all of this in mind, if you are planning a trip to Ireland on a budget, July may not be the best month for you.

Places to visit in Ireland in July

With the weather, crowds and costs addressed, and if you are still interested in traveling to Ireland in July, then you are probably looking for ideas on places to visit across the Emerald Isle.

With long days, and hopefully good weather, exploring the island of Ireland is easy and enjoyable during July. Here are some ideas for you to consider for your time in Ireland in July.

County Clare Coastline

As well as being home to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the coastline of Clare has lots more to offer visitors.

Lahinch and Doolin are two towns which are hugely popular with visitors to this part of the West Coast of Ireland. The beach at Lahinch is also popular with surfers.

The beach at Fanore is a picturesque part of the coast whose backdrop is the rocky landscape of the Burren National Park.

Further south, if you want to avoid the crowds at the Cliffs of Moher, the cliffs at Kilkee on the Loop Peninsula are worth visiting. Make sure to drop into the Loop Head Lighthouse as well, one of the best Irish lighthouses to visit.

A picture of the grey karst limestone landscape of the Burren with rolling green fields in the background — The Burren.

Wild Atlantic Way

The County Clare coastline is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2500km coastal driving route that starts in County Donegal and travels south to County Cork.

And July can be a great month to drive all or part of this amazing route in Ireland, especially if the sun is shining.

From the ruggedness of the Donegal coastline to the stunning views from the Ring of Kerry, if you are looking to take an unforgettable road trip in Ireland, plan to spend time along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Wild Atlantic Way sign on the Rosguill Peninsula in County Donegal with waves crashing along the shore and mountains in the background. — Ros Goill Peninsula, Donegal.

County Kerry

There is nowhere more beautiful in the July sunshine than County Kerry.

Located in the far south of Ireland, Kerry is home to the Ring of Kerry circular driving route, the towns of Killarney and Kenmare, and the famous town of Dingle.

Kerry is also home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks, the Killarney National Park, as well as historical sites to visit such as Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle.

If you want to combine natural beauty with history, Kerry has it all.

A picture of a blue boat on a lake with Ross Castle in the background, found in the Killarney National Park — Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Kerry.

Galway

A fun place to go in Ireland during July is Galway. Both the city and county have plenty to keep avid travellers busy.

In Galway City, you can wander the streets, getting your Irish souvenirs along the way. Make sure you also pop into some of the museums to learn more about the city and its history.

Just outside of the city you can get your Claddagh ring in the town of its origins, walk the promenade of Salthill, or jump in a car to explore the county including Connemara National Park, and the beaches of Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay.

And don’t forget to stop into one of Ireland’s best coastal towns, Clifden, where you can visit the ruined castle or simply enjoy a pint in one of its pubs.

A picture of the colourful outsides of buildings in a Galway City street in Ireland — Galway.

Explore Dublin

Of course, the Irish capital cannot be forgotten. While it might not be completely dry, as I found out in July 2023, there is still plenty to enjoy in Dublin, whether it is raining or not.

One of the best ways to enjoy the city is to take a tour with a local guide. I took two completely different tours during my time in the city, and both were hugely fun and enlightening even for this local Dubliner.

I took a private walking tour with local guide Alan Byrne of AB Tours. If I thought I knew my hometown before my tour with him, he proved me otherwise. I got a historical guide to Dublin from Alan and learned so much from him.

You can read all about my tour in my AB Tours review post. We visited the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty Library, St Patrick’s Cathedral and more!

A picture of the author of the website, Travel around Ireland, standing underneath an exhibition of barrels in the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. — Me in the Guinness Storehouse on my AB Tours Private Tour of Dublin.

A few days later I took a food tour of Dublin via Underground Donut Tours. Local lady Karen took our small group around Dublin, showing us some of the historical sites, popular tourist destinations and more while bringing us to the best donut establishments in the city.

Check out my article about our Donut Walking Tour of Dublin.

As well as tours of the city, you can self-guide yourself and visit one of the most popular attractions in Dublin including Kilmainham Gaol and Christ Church Cathedral.

You can visit some of the museums in Dublin (most of which are free), or simply soak up some of the atmosphere in the city around Temple Bar or Grafton Street.

I have two great itineraries for Dublin, for those who want to plan some time in the city:

Top Things to do in Ireland in July

If you are looking for other things to do in July in Ireland besides the places mentioned in the previous section, then you’ll love the ideas below.

With the best weather of the year expected in July (usually), you should find it easier to enjoy lots of outdoor activities than at other times of the year.

Hiking and walking

July is typically the best month of the year weather-wise which means hiking and walking are popular activities for many.

Whether it is a stroll through a beautiful garden such as Altamont Gardens in County Carlow, or hiking the highest peaks of Carrauntoohil, getting outdoors is a great activity to plan for July, provided the weather plays ball.

But, even if it is raining, so long as you pack a good raincoat and maybe waterproof trousers, you can still enjoy the outdoors in Ireland in July.

A picture of people hiking Carrauntoohil in County Kerry. — Hiking Carrauntoohil.

Beaches

On warm sunny days in July, many Irish families head to the coast to enjoy one of the hundreds of beaches that are dotted along the Irish coastline.

You can find beaches to enjoy along the length and breadth of the country and many will be sandy beaches.

Swimming, paddling and even surfing are all enjoyed along Ireland’s beaches and you can enjoy them too.

However, you won’t find me dipping my toes in the water as I still find the sea too cold, even in July.

Enjoying the rivers and lakes

Another way to enjoy water sports is to head to Ireland’s waterways which include rivers and lakes.

Canoeing on canals is a popular activity to enjoy during the summer months, as are boat trips up rivers such as the Shannon.

And if you don’t want to get in or on the water, you can still enjoy strolls along the banks.

There is a lovely river walk at Altamont Gardens, and you can also enjoy river walks in places such as New Ross in County Wexford, Athy in County Kildare and walks along Dublin’s Grand Canal.

The River Slaney walk at Altamont Gardens in County Carlow.

Visit castles and other historical sites

Visiting one of the historical landmarks in Ireland is another activity many people enjoy on the Emerald Isle during their trip. And July is no exception.

But a word of warning. If you plan to visit places such as Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, or the passage tombs at Brú na Bóinne, ensure you book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

July is peak tourist season and as a result, many historical sites and castles will be busy with visitors.

Guided tours in places such as Dublin Castle also sell out fast as Alan and I discovered during our walking tour of Dublin. So, you need to plan appropriately.

A picture of St Patrick's Hall in Dublin Castle with its gold columns and blue walls, the famous room in which the inauguration of the President of Ireland takes place. — The stunning St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle.

My biggest tip is to check when tickets go on sale for the sites you want to visit, set a reminder on your phone and get them early. Choose to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to places such as the Rock of Cashel or Blarney Castle to avoid tour groups.

Take a road trip

Now, I’ve already mentioned this, but July is a great month for an Irish road trip.

Long days, which should be mostly dry, mean you have plenty of time for getting from A to B while making stops along the way to visit places and get those all-important pictures.

Road trips are a great way to explore the country and visit a variety of places during a summer holiday in Ireland.

I have three great itineraries that are perfect for a road trip in Ireland in July:

Events during July in Ireland

Dun Laoghaire Regatta

If you are going to be in Dublin in July, then try and ensure your visit coincides with the Dun Laoghaire Regatta. This biennial event attracts boats and crews from across the globe.

If you have a sailing enthusiast in your group or just fancy something different, then make sure to head to Dun Laoghaire Harbour to watch some of the races. Note, as this is a biennial event, the next event takes place in 2025.

Belfast Tradfest

Combining world-class traditional music concerts with pub sessions and a summer school of music, the Belfast Tradfest Summer Festival is a great event to enjoy in the city in July.

The programme includes concerts, talks, workshops, sessions and even céilís. If you will be visiting Belfast in July, try to plan your visit around this event so you can enjoy some of the music that will be played across the city.

Galway International Arts Festival

One of the biggest events on the festival calendar in Galway is the Galway International Arts Festival. Taking place every July in venues across the city, this international festival is not to be missed.

Established more than 45 years ago, this festival is a multidisciplinary festival where participants and visitors can enjoy performances, talks, sessions and exhibitions from a range of art forms that include music, dance, theatre and more.

The main tent at the Galway Arts Festival with lights along the big top — Galway Arts Festival.

Earagail Arts Festival

Taking place in County Donegal in July is the Eargail Arts Festival. Taking place over 16 days, this festival features music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature and even circus performances.

The festival is also a bilingual, multidisciplinary festival that showcases both local and international artists of all disciplines. The diverse programme takes place across the county so no matter your location, you are sure to find something being performed close by.

Travel tips for Ireland in July

What to pack to wear in Ireland in July

While the temperatures are traditionally the warmest of the year in July, if July 2023 is anything to go by, expect rain as well. Prepare to have layers and a raincoat alongside your summer shorts and dresses.

Raincoat – You won’t need a heavy winter coat in July but packing a good waterproof raincoat or rain jacket is a must for exploring Ireland. During my time in Ireland in July 2023, it rained for 10 days out of 12. So, go prepared!

Cath Jordan with the owner of AB Tours, Alan Byrne in St Stephen's Green Park, Dublin. — In my raincoat on my walking tour with Alan Byrne.

Light Layers – If you are used to warmer climates, a fleece top or cardigan won’t go amiss in July. While days are usually warm, evenings can feel cool to those from warmer climates.

Walking/hiking shoes – July is a great month for getting out and about in Ireland, so make sure you pack a comfortable pair of walking or hiking shoes. Ensure they are also waterproof to protect you from any sudden and unexpected showers.

Summer dress/shorts – July is the height of summer in Ireland so you can pack a summer dress or pair of shorts. Normally, July is a warm, dry month of the year and despite July 2023 being the wettest on record, I still managed to wear one dress to dinner one evening at Kilkea Castle with my son.

Practical tips for Ireland in July

In this section, you will find some practical tips for Ireland in July.

1 – After last year’s disastrous July, I recommend packing for both rain and sunshine. Bring some light clothing but also remember your raincoat, you might need it. And a fleece top or cardigan might not go amiss in your luggage for cool evenings.

2 – Don’t travel to Ireland in July without comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes, especially if you have planned lots of outdoor activities. Just make sure they are not new and well broken in to avoid blisters.

3 – Don’t try to cram it all in. It doesn’t make for a relaxing trip. Sure, road trips are recommended for this month but allow yourself at least 3 nights in each location to enjoy the area and to take sure time. We spent six days in County Wexford in the summer of 2022 and only explored the southern half of the county. And it was amazing!

4 – Rent a car to give you the freedom to explore the Emerald Isle. You can of course take day tours from Galway or day trips from Dublin, but having a rental car leaves you free to enjoy Ireland in your own time.

5 – Check this list for more travel tips for Ireland which is especially helpful for first-time visitors to the Emerald Isle.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Ireland in July

There are a few common questions people ask me when it comes to visiting Ireland in July. You’ll find them answered in this section.

Is July a good time to visit Ireland?

While you can visit Ireland during any time of the year, July is a great month if you are hoping for the best of the weather. So, if you’ve been wondering is July a good time to go to Ireland, the answer is yes.

What is the weather in Ireland in July?

As mentioned in this article, July is typically warm and dry with infrequent rain. Average high temperatures are 19°C/66F.

How hot is Dublin in July?

The weather in Dublin in July is typically warm and dry with infrequent rain. Average highs are around 19°C/66F but July has been known to have some of the warmest days of the year, going up to the mid-20’s and on rare occasions pushing 30°C/86F. But these are rare. That said, much of July 2023 was wet and cooler.

What to wear in Ireland in July?

If you are wondering what clothes to wear in Ireland in July, prepare to pack for warm and mostly dry weather but with the possibility of rain. It won’t be winter cold but the rain can bring temperatures down a notch or two.

Is July rainy in Ireland?

July is usually one of the driest months of the year with an average of 55mm of rain. That said, July 2023 was the wettest on records and the wettest month of 2023.

What season is July in Ireland?

July is summer in Ireland.

What is July in Irish?

July in Ireland is Iúil. It is pronounced yoo-il.

Do they celebrate 4th of July in Ireland?

No, Ireland does not celebrate the 4^th of July, although you might find some hotels and bars may put on a special meal for those wishing to celebrate American Independence Day.

What is Ireland like in July?

Ireland is usually warm and dry with infrequent rain. Days are long thanks to early sunrises and late sunsets, days having between 16 and 17 hours of daylight. However, with it being peak tourist season, July is a busy time in Ireland with lots crowds at tourist sites and accommodation prices often at a premium.

What is the 12 July in Ireland?

On the 12th of July, Northern Ireland sees a host of political marches take place in cities and towns such as Belfast, Ballymena, and Magherafelt to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne, a battle in 1690 between the forces of the deposed King James II and King William III. William won and the result was the assurance of a continuing Protestant king.

What time is sunset in July in Ireland?

Sunset in Ireland occurs around 10pm at the start of the month, and around 9.20pm by the end of the month.

Final thoughts on visiting Ireland in July

The weather in July in Ireland is usually warm and dry, and with long days with plenty of hours of daylight, this month is the ideal month of the year to explore Ireland and get as much sightseeing in as possible.

There is plenty to see and do during this month including many arts festivals in Donegal and Galway, and road trips are a perfect way to visit several places in one trip.

No matter what you get up to in Ireland in July, you are sure to have a great time.