Ireland in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Ireland
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Longest daylight hours - sunrise at 6:00am, sunset at 8:30pm gives you 14.5 hours of potential daylight for sightseeing
- Warmest temperatures of the year make outdoor activities comfortable without heavy jackets - perfect for coastal walks and festival attendance
- Peak festival season with authentic local celebrations like Puck Fair and Rose of Tralee that showcase genuine Irish culture beyond tourist attractions
- Warmest ocean temperatures (15-16°C/59-61°F) make sea activities like surfing and coastal swimming actually enjoyable rather than endurance tests
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means popular attractions like Cliffs Of Moher and Ring Of Kerry see 3x normal crowds, with coach tour queues extending wait times significantly
- Accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder seasons, with decent B&Bs costing €120-180 per night versus €80-110 in May or September
- Unpredictable weather requires constant plan flexibility - 4 seasons in one day is genuinely common, with sunny mornings turning to heavy afternoon showers within hours
Best Activities in August
Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Drives
August offers the clearest visibility for dramatic coastal scenery, with 14+ hour daylight allowing early morning departures to beat tour bus crowds. Morning mist clears by 9-10am revealing spectacular cliff views. Sea spray is less harsh than winter months, and roadside wildflowers are in full bloom.
Traditional Music Festival Experiences
August is Ireland's peak traditional music season with authentic festivals like Fleadh Cheoil featuring 500+ musicians. Unlike tourist pub sessions, these showcase generational music traditions. Warm evenings mean outdoor sessions run until midnight, and local communities participate genuinely rather than performing for tourists.
Island Ferry Excursions
Calmest seas of the year make island trips comfortable rather than stomach-churning. Aran Islands, Skellig Michael, and smaller islands have optimal weather windows. August puffin colonies are still active on western islands, and ancient monastic sites are accessible without winter weather cancellations.
Distillery and Brewery Experiences
August harvest season means active malting processes at working distilleries, showing actual production versus static museum displays. Cooler indoor experiences perfect for rainy afternoon backup plans. Local seasonal beers and harvest whiskeys are released specifically in August, offering unique tastings unavailable year-round.
Hiking and Walking Tours
Warmest temperatures make higher elevation hikes comfortable - Carrauntoohil summit (1,039m/3,409ft) attempts have best success rates in August. Bog cotton and heather are in peak bloom across mountain trails. Extended daylight allows 8-10 hour hiking days with safe descent times.
Archaeological Site Explorations
Dry ground conditions make sites like Newgrange, ancient ring forts, and stone circles fully accessible without muddy approaches. Longer daylight hours allow complete site visits without rushing. August archaeological excavations are sometimes open to public viewing, showing active research rather than static displays.
August Events & Festivals
Puck Fair Festival
Ireland's oldest festival in Killorglin, County Kerry, where a wild goat is crowned 'King Puck' for three days. Authentic traditional event with horse trading, street performances, and genuine local participation rather than tourist-focused entertainment. Dates back over 400 years.
Rose of Tralee Festival
Major cultural festival combining traditional music, dance competitions, and the famous Rose selection. Shows genuine Irish community celebration with 6 days of street festivals, traditional food, and live music across 30+ venues in Tralee.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Ireland's premier traditional music festival rotating between different towns annually. Features competitions, workshops, and spontaneous sessions with 500+ traditional musicians. The most authentic music experience in Ireland - locals participate for music, not performance.