Ireland in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Ireland
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer peak, with early booking discounts available through March
- Countryside explosion - rhododendrons, bluebells, and hawthorn create spectacular displays along the Wild Atlantic Way and in national parks like Killarney
- Extended daylight without summer crowds - sunset after 9pm gives you nearly 17 hours of daylight to explore with comfortable temperatures for hiking
- Festival season begins - authentic local celebrations before tourist season, including fleadhs (traditional music festivals) in smaller towns
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns - four seasons in one day is genuinely common, requiring constant layering and waterproofs
- Mud season for hiking - trails can be waterlogged from winter runoff, particularly in the Wicklow Mountains and Dingle Peninsula
- Limited ferry schedules - services to Aran Islands and Skellig Michael run reduced timetables, weather dependent cancellations increase 40%
Best Activities in May
Ring of Kerry Scenic Drives
May offers the perfect sweet spot - clear mountain views without summer traffic jams, and spring lambs in fields. Morning drives (8am-11am) provide best visibility before afternoon cloud cover. The 179km (111-mile) loop takes 4-6 hours with stops, and you'll encounter 80% fewer tour buses than peak season.
Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walking
May weather creates dramatic cloud formations perfect for photography, with 17+ hours of daylight for extended walks. The 18km (11-mile) coastal path from Doolin to the cliffs offers spring wildflower displays and nesting seabird activity. Afternoon winds average 25-30 km/h (16-19 mph), creating spectacular wave crashes.
Traditional Irish Music Sessions
May marks the start of fleadh season - authentic traditional music gatherings in pubs before tourist crowds arrive. Counties Cork, Clare, and Galway host the most authentic sessions, typically starting 9:30-10pm. Musicians are more welcoming to visitors during shoulder season, often explaining instruments and tunes.
Ancient East Historical Sites
Cooler May temperatures make exploring Newgrange, Glendalough, and Rock of Cashel comfortable for extended periods. Spring lighting creates ideal photography conditions in ancient stone chambers. Tourist volumes are 60% lower than summer, allowing genuine contemplation at sacred sites.
Wild Atlantic Way Coastal Hiking
May offers ideal hiking conditions - firm ground after winter, but before summer heat. The Dingle Way, Beara Peninsula, and Causeway Coast provide 10-25km (6-15 mile) day hikes with dramatic Atlantic views. Wildflower blooms peak in coastal areas, and seal pupping season creates wildlife viewing opportunities.
Dublin Literary and Cultural Walks
May's mild temperatures and long daylight make Dublin perfect for extended walking tours. The city's literary quarter, Trinity College, and Georgian squares are uncrowded but fully operational. Spring evenings stay light until 9pm, allowing full-day cultural immersion without summer's oppressive crowds.
May Events & Festivals
Fleadh Nua Traditional Music Festival
Ennis, County Clare hosts Ireland's premier traditional music celebration with competitions, concerts, and street sessions. Over 400 musicians participate in this authentic cultural experience that predates tourist season
Listowel Writers' Week
Kerry's literary festival featuring workshops, readings, and book launches in the town that produced multiple acclaimed Irish authors. Intimate venue allows genuine interaction with contemporary Irish writers