Ireland in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Ireland
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak daylight hours - sunrise at 5:00am, sunset at 9:45pm gives you nearly 17 hours of usable light for sightseeing and outdoor activities
- Lupins in full bloom along the Wild Atlantic Way create spectacular purple corridors, especially around Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry from early to mid-June
- Festival season peaks with authentic traditional music sessions happening nightly in rural pubs as locals celebrate the bright evenings
- Shoulder season pricing on accommodation - rates are 20-30% lower than July-August peak season while weather is nearly as good
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns - you'll experience four seasons in one day with sudden downpours followed by brilliant sunshine within 30 minutes
- Midges and mosquitoes are at their most active near lakes and boglands, particularly bothersome during the 2-hour window before sunset
- Tourist sites start getting busy on weekends as Irish families begin their summer holidays, creating crowds at Cliffs Of Moher and Giant'S Causeway after 11am
Best Activities in June
Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Driving Tours
June offers the best conditions for Ireland's 2,500km (1,553 mile) coastal route. Long daylight hours mean you can start early and drive late, avoiding afternoon crowds while catching golden hour light on clifftops. Lupins create natural purple borders along many sections. Weather changes every 20km (12 miles) so you'll find sun somewhere along your route even on cloudy days.
Traditional Irish Music Festival Tours
June marks the start of fleadh season when traditional music festivals happen across rural Ireland. Evening sessions in pubs start around 9pm and run past midnight thanks to long summer days. The authentic atmosphere peaks in June before tourist crowds arrive in July. Small towns like Doolin, Dingle, and Westport have multiple venues with genuine local musicians.
Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Exploration
June weather is ideal for the exposed coastal walks along the Antrim Coast. Clear days offer views to Scotland's Mull of Kintyre just 20km (12 miles) away. The hexagonal basalt columns photograph beautifully in the soft, angled light that only happens during long June days. Crowds peak after 11am, but early morning visits (7-9am) offer solitude.
Ring of Kerry Cycling Adventures
Professional cyclists tackle the Ring of Kerry in June during training season, but leisure cyclists benefit from 17-hour daylight and mild temperatures perfect for the 179km (111 mile) circuit. June weather means you'll hit rain, but it passes quickly. The climb over Molls Gap at 240m (787 ft) elevation offers clear mountain views on the frequent sunny intervals between showers.
Dublin Literary and Historic Walking Tours
June's extended daylight means evening walking tours can run until 8pm while still having natural light. The city empties slightly as Dubliners head to coastal areas on sunny afternoons, making Temple Montenegro and Trinity College less crowded. James Joyce Tower and Writers Museum benefit from June's soft light for photography.
Aran Islands Cultural Immersion
June offers the calmest seas for ferry crossings to Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer. Traditional Irish is still spoken daily, and June visitors can witness authentic farming and fishing activities. The ancient stone fort Dún Aonghasa provides dramatic cliff-edge views in June's clear air. Wool sweater knitting demonstrations happen outdoors in good weather.
June Events & Festivals
Bloom Festival in Phoenix Park
Ireland's premier gardening and food festival transforms Dublin's Phoenix Park into an outdoor showcase of Irish horticulture, artisan foods, and live music. The long June days allow the event to run from 9am to 9pm with outdoor concerts continuing into the bright evening hours.
Listowel Writers' Week
One of Ireland's oldest literary festivals brings international and Irish authors to this North Kerry market town. Evening readings take advantage of June's late sunsets, with outdoor events in the town square and traditional pub sessions with storytellers continuing well past 10pm in natural light.
Cork Midsummer Festival
Ireland's premier arts festival transforms Cork City with theater, dance, music, and visual arts. Many performances happen outdoors or in unusual venues, taking advantage of June's mild evenings. The festival coincides with the summer solstice, celebrating Ireland's longest days.