Things to Do in Ireland in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
March Weather in Ireland
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
50°F (10°C)
High Temp
39°F (4°C)
Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Near-freezing temperatures, pack warm layers
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + St. Patrick's Day on March 17 turns Dublin into a proper celebration. The parade starts at Parnell Square at noon. Locals claim spots along O'Connell Street by 9am. They bring flasks of tea and sandwiches wrapped in foil. Worth the early wake-up.
- + Hotel rates are still running 30-40% below summer peaks. You'll find decent Georgian townhouses in Ballsbridge for the price of a generic chain room in July. Book now. Save cash.
- + The Atlantic puffins start returning to the Cliffs of Moher cliffs around mid-March. You'll spot them wheeling above the 214m (702 ft) drop before the summer crowds arrive. Bring binoculars. Arrive early.
- + Pub culture makes sense in March weather. The fire at Mulligan's on Poolbeg Street has been burning since 1782. There's something about the smell of peat smoke mixed with Guinness that works when it's 7°C (45°F) outside. It just feels right.
Considerations
- − You'll get four seasons in one day, sometimes in one hour. That 2.5 inches of rain spreads across 18 days, meaning you're packing wet gear even on 'nice' days. Always carry a jacket.
- − Daylight is still limited. Sunrise happens around 6:45am, sunset by 6:30pm. Your sightseeing window is shorter than you'd expect. Plan accordingly.
- − Some rural attractions keep winter hours through March. Places like Kylemore Abbey might close at 4:30pm, cutting your visit short. Check times. Arrive early.
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
Traditional Music Pub Sessions
March evenings were made for pub culture. The sessions at O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row start around 9:30pm without microphones or amplifiers. Just fiddles, bodhráns and voices raised over the chatter. The music sounds better when it's miserable outside. Musicians stick around longer since there's no summer tourist pressure to play request after request. Stay late.
Booking Tip: No booking needed for authentic sessions. Arrive after 9pm, order a pint of plain, and don't sit near the musicians unless you're contributing to the craic. See current cultural tours in booking section below. Just listen.
Cliff Walks and Coastal Drives
The Wild Atlantic Way hits different in March. Those 214m (702 ft) Cliffs of Moher look more dramatic when Atlantic storms roll in. You'll have the coastal paths mostly to yourself. The Dingle Peninsula's Slea Head drive offers views of the Blasket Islands that appear closer when the air is clear after a morning rain. Pack layers. That 10°C (50°F) feels like 5°C (41°F) with Atlantic wind.
Booking Tip: Rent a car with good heating and windshield wipers that work. Coastal roads get slick with sea spray. March light creates photography conditions summer visitors miss. Book through licensed operators (see current options in booking section below). Drive safe.
Cultural Museum Days
March rain days are good for Dublin's museums. The National Museum on Kavanaugh Street houses 2,000-year-old bog bodies that look freshly buried. The Chester Beatty Library has illuminated manuscripts older than most countries. These places fill up in summer but feel intimate in March. Weekday mornings are best. No crowds.
Booking Tip: Most national museums are free and don't require advance booking. Arrive at opening (10am Tuesday-Saturday) for quietest experience. See current cultural tours in booking section below. Free culture.
Whiskey Distillery Tours
The smell of malted barley hitting hot copper stills feels right when there's a chill in the air. Jameson's Bow Street distillery runs smaller groups in March. You'll taste the difference between pot still and grain whiskey without summer tour rush. The tasting rooms feel cozier when it's raining outside. Guides have time to answer your questions about angel's share and cask strength. Ask away.
Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead for March tours. Morning slots fill with stag parties. Afternoon sessions tend to be more relaxed. See current distillery tours in booking section below. Skip mornings.
Early Spring Gardens
Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow starts showing early spring color by late March. The Japanese garden's cherry trees begin budding while the Italian gardens' terraces still wear winter's stark geometry. The difference between the formal gardens and wild Wicklow mountains visible beyond creates a proper Irish contrast. Morning frost gives way to afternoon sun. Visit around 11am when the light hits the fountains just right. Perfect timing.
Booking Tip: Gardens open at 9:30am, best light for photos is 11am-2pm. Bring waterproof shoes. Those gravel paths stay soggy for days after rain. See current garden tours in booking section below. Watch your step.
Where to Stay in Ireland in March
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.
March Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
March 17-20
St. Patrick's Festival Dublin
The parade starts at Parnell Square and takes 90 minutes to reach St. Patrick's Cathedral. Locals wear shamrock on their coats. Not the plastic leprechaun hats sold to tourists. The real celebration happens in pubs afterward. Musicians who marched in the morning trade their instruments for pints and start proper sessions that last until closing. This is the real deal.
Early to mid March
Six Nations Rugby
If Ireland plays at home in March, the entire city moves to a different rhythm. Kickoff at Aviva Stadium sends waves of green jerseys toward Ballsbridge from 2pm. Even if you don't have tickets, the pubs around Beggar's Bush show the match with commentary that assumes you understand the offside rule. The roar when Ireland scores reaches the city center. Feel the energy.
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View Ireland Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Order Guinness by brand name, not 'a beer' - and watch the pour. Proper Guinness takes 119.5 seconds, and any bartender worth their salt won't rush it, even when it's three deep at the bar
The DART train north to Howth costs the same as a city center bus but delivers you to cliff walks and a working fishing harbor in 25 minutes. March weekdays see trawlers unloading cod and mackerel that appears on local menus that night
Museum cafes serve better food than most tourist restaurants near Trinity - the National Gallery's restaurant does a proper Irish stew that locals eat, and it's cheaper than the places showing you 'traditional' dancing
Grafton Street buskers need auditions and licenses - the quality is good, the string quartets who play Bach when it's too cold for acoustic guitar. They pack up around 7pm when shops close
Avoid These Mistakes
Assuming St. Patrick's Day is just drinking - the religious aspect still matters, and churches like St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral hold services that morning where you'll see families balancing faith and festivities
Wearing green head-to-toe - locals wear a sprig of shamrock on their coat lapel and maybe a green scarf. Full leprechaun kit marks you as American and gets eye-rolls from bartenders
Planning outdoor activities without weather backup - that 18-day rain average means always having indoor alternatives, for cliff walks that close in high winds
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Top-rated things to do in Ireland this March
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