Ireland in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Ireland

18°C (64°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

70mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

80% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildflower blooms across Kerry and Donegal - lupins, foxgloves, and bog cotton create impressive landscapes impossible to see other months
Longest daylight hours (17+ hours) with sunset after 9:30pm, giving massive flexibility for sightseeing and photography
Warmest ocean temperatures (15-16°C/59-61°F) make coastal activities like surfing and sea swimming actually enjoyable
Traditional music festivals peak in July - over 40 local fleadhs (music festivals) happen in villages tourists never find

Considerations

Highest accommodation prices of the year - expect to pay 40-60% more than shoulder season, with many B&Bs booked solid
Tour buses dominate Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher between 10am-4pm, creating traffic jams and crowded viewpoints
Frequent light rain (15 days average) means constant on-off waterproofs and muddy hiking trails

Best Activities in July

Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Drives

July offers the clearest visibility for dramatic cliff views and perfect conditions for the full 2,500km (1,550 mile) route. Wildflowers line the coastal roads, and extended daylight means you can drive scenic sections until 9pm. Sea mist is minimal compared to other months.

Booking Tip: Self-drive is best - rental cars cost €45-80/day in July, book 6-8 weeks ahead. Consider starting early (7am) to avoid tour bus crowds at major stops. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Music Sessions and Festivals

July is fleadh season - over 40 local music festivals happen in villages from Cork to Donegal. Unlike touristy pubs, these authentic gatherings feature master musicians and are where locals actually go. The weather keeps everyone indoors evenings, creating packed, atmospheric sessions.

Booking Tip: Most fleadhs are free, but check local tourism offices for schedules. Accommodation fills up during county fleadhs - book 4-6 weeks ahead in host towns. Festival dates vary but typically €10-25 entry for main events.

Island Hopping to Aran Islands and Skellig Michael

Calmest seas of the year make ferry crossings comfortable, and puffin colonies are at peak activity on Skellig Michael. July has the most reliable weather for boat trips - cancellation rates drop to 15% versus 40% in winter months.

Booking Tip: Skellig Michael permits sell out months ahead - book January for July visits (€15 landing fee plus €45-65 boat trip). Aran Islands ferries run hourly in July, typically €25-35 return. Book through licensed operators in the booking section below.

Hill Walking and Mountain Hiking

Extended daylight and warmest temperatures make July ideal for Carrauntoohil (1,038m/3,406ft) and other Kerry peaks. Bog cotton blooms create white carpets across mountain moorland. Trails are driest, though still expect mud after rain showers.

Booking Tip: Mountain rescue callouts peak in July due to crowds - go with experienced guides for serious hikes. Day hikes typically €35-55 per person with guides. Weather changes rapidly above 400m (1,312ft) - always carry waterproofs.

Surfing and Sea Swimming

Warmest water temperatures (15-16°C/59-61°F) and consistent Atlantic swells make July prime time for surfing. Local surfers consider it the only month you can surf without a thick wetsuit. Dawn patrol sessions have glassy conditions before afternoon winds.

Booking Tip: Surf schools charge €35-50 for 2-hour lessons, wetsuit included. Book morning sessions (8-10am) for best conditions. Cork and Donegal beaches less crowded than Kerry. See current surf tour options below.

Castle and Heritage Site Tours

Long daylight hours mean you can visit 3-4 sites per day comfortably. Many castles have outdoor sections best enjoyed in July's mild weather. Gardens at Powerscourt and Mount Stewart are at peak bloom with 200+ plant varieties flowering.

Booking Tip: Heritage cards (€40 adults) pay for themselves if visiting 3+ OPW sites. Book timed slots online for popular sites like Newgrange to avoid 2-hour waits. Group tours typically €25-45 per person. Check current options in booking section.

July Events & Festivals

Mid-July

Galway International Arts Festival

Ireland's premier arts festival transforms Galway into a cultural hub with street performances, theater, and music. Over 150 events across 14 days, many free outdoor performances perfect for July's long evenings.

Early July

Longitude Festival Dublin

Major international music festival in Marlay Park featuring headliner acts. Three-day camping-style festival that locals consider Ireland's answer to Glastonbury, with 40,000+ attendees.

Late July

Cork Summer Show

Traditional agricultural show featuring livestock competitions, local crafts, and authentic rural Irish culture. One of the few places tourists can see working farm demonstrations and taste award-winning local cheeses and preserves.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket (not umbrella) - rain comes sideways in coastal winds, umbrellas are useless

Waterproof hiking boots even for casual walking - Irish grass is perpetually damp, trainers will be soaked within hours

Layering system: t-shirt, fleece/sweater, waterproof shell - temperature swings 7°C (13°F) between morning and afternoon

Waterproof phone case - mist and light rain will damage electronics during outdoor activities

Merino wool base layers - stay warm when wet, essential for Irish conditions even in summer

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 5-6, and you'll be outdoors 12+ hours with long daylight

Headlamp or small flashlight - even with late sunsets, B&Bs often have dim lighting and you'll need it for early morning starts

Cash in small denominations - many rural pubs and music venues are cash-only, ATMs scarce outside towns

Insect repellent for midges - particularly bad in Connemara and Kerry lake areas during calm July evenings

Quick-dry pants/trousers - jeans take forever to dry in 80% humidity, synthetic fabrics essential

Insider Knowledge

Drive the Ring of Kerry anti-clockwise starting at 7am - you'll have empty roads and miss the tour bus convoys that clog it 10am-4pm

Traditional music sessions in rural pubs start around 9pm and locals don't show up until 10pm - tourist sessions at 6pm are performative, not authentic

Book accommodation Sunday-Thursday if possible - weekend rates in July can be double midweek prices, and many places have 2-3 night minimum stays

Supermarket fuel stations (Tesco, SuperValu) are typically 8-12 cent per liter cheaper than motorway services - crucial for long drives on the Wild Atlantic Way

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming you can drive the Ring of Kerry quickly - it's 179km (111 miles) but takes 6+ hours with stops, and traffic jams are common in July

Packing only for warm weather - even July nights drop to 11°C (52°F), and you'll be cold without warm layers

Not booking restaurants in small towns - many rural restaurants only have 20-30 seats and fill up completely during July tourist season