Ireland in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Ireland
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Countryside explodes with spring colors - gorse blooms golden yellow across hillsides while lambing season brings fields alive with newborns
- Tourist crowds haven't arrived yet - major attractions like Cliffs of Moher and Ring Of Kerry operate at 40% capacity compared to summer
- Hotel rates remain 25-35% lower than peak season while still offering full services and longer opening hours than winter
- Perfect hiking weather with cool temperatures and extended daylight (sunset around 8pm by late April) for exploring coastal paths and mountain trails
Considerations
- Highly unpredictable weather - you might experience sunshine, rain, and wind all within one hour, making outdoor planning challenging
- Some seasonal attractions and boat tours operate reduced schedules or remain closed until May, particularly island ferries to Skellig Michael
- Pack-heavy month requiring layers from t-shirts to waterproofs as temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) between morning and afternoon
Best Activities in April
Ring of Kerry Driving Tours
April offers ideal conditions for Ireland's most famous scenic drive with mild temperatures perfect for frequent stops, minimal tour bus traffic, and spring lambs dotting the pastoral landscape. The 179km (111-mile) circuit takes 4-6 hours with stops, and you'll have popular viewpoints largely to yourself. Cool weather means comfortable walking at scenic spots without summer heat.
Cliffs of Moher Hiking
April's cool 15°C (59°F) temperatures and lower humidity make the cliff-top walks incredibly comfortable. Spring brings dramatic cloud formations and clearer air for photography. The 18km (11-mile) coastal trail from Doolin offers spectacular views without summer's overwhelming crowds or winter's harsh winds.
Dublin Literary Pub Crawls
April evenings with 8pm sunsets provide perfect timing for literary pub tours combining Ireland's writing heritage with cozy pub culture. Cool weather makes indoor venues welcoming while extended daylight allows exploring Trinity College and Writers Museum beforehand. Professional actors perform Joyce, Wilde, and Behan excerpts between traditional pubs.
Killarney National Park Cycling
April's mild weather and 12+ hours of daylight create perfect cycling conditions through Ireland's first national park. The 26km (16-mile) loop around Muckross Lake and through ancient oak forests is manageable in cool temperatures. Mountain bike trails open after winter closures, and you'll encounter minimal crowds on the popular Gap of Dunloe route.
Dingle Peninsula Coastal Walks
Spring weather brings optimal conditions for the Dingle Way's coastal sections with temperatures cool enough for comfortable hiking but warm enough to enjoy beach stops. April offers dramatic seascapes with powerful Atlantic swells, blooming wildflowers, and occasional dolphin sightings from clifftops. The 8km (5-mile) Slea Head section is particularly impressive.
Giant's Causeway Photography Tours
April's variable weather creates dramatic lighting conditions perfect for photographing Northern Ireland's UNESCO World Heritage site. Cool temperatures and moderate UV index (4) provide comfortable conditions for the 1.5km (0.9-mile) clifftop walk. Spring storms produce spectacular wave action against the hexagonal basalt columns while crowds remain minimal.
April Events & Festivals
Dublin International Film Festival
Ireland's premier film festival showcases international and Irish cinema across multiple venues in Dublin city center. Features premieres, director Q&As, and special screenings in historic venues like the Savoy and Irish Film Institute.
Limerick Spring Festival
Traditional Irish music and dance festival celebrating local culture with street performances, traditional music sessions in historic pubs, and craft demonstrations. Free outdoor events complement ticketed evening concerts.