FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELLING TO IRELAND IN MAY
If you want to know more about tours of Ireland in May, read on for our expert advice. We’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions so you can plan for your spring trip.
What are the best things to do in Ireland in May?
The ideal Irish holiday consists of exploring the cities as well as the countryside, to take in the culture, history and beauty of the Emerald Isle. You can do all of this in May!
May is a spring month and a great time to visit Ireland, with mild weather and long daylight hours. You can discover the country’s top attractions, many of which will be quieter compared to the popular summer months. It’s also a good time of year for outdoor activities such as hiking.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Ireland in May:
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Travel the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way route
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Admire the lush, green natural scenery
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Go hiking in the rugged hills and along high sea cliffs
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Discover prehistoric and Stone Age monuments
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Sail to one or more of the west coast islands
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Explore picturesque, ancient ruins and castles
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Learn about Ireland’s early Christian and Celtic history
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Sit in a typical pub to listen to live music
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Get a taste of Ireland with delicious local food and brew
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Visit the buzzing cities, charming towns and fishing villages
What are the most popular events in Ireland in May?
There are various events taking place in Ireland in May, some of which you might want to attend during your tour.
The most popular events in May are:
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Fleadh Nua traditional music festival
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North West 200 (motorsport event in Northern Ireland)
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International Literature Festival Dublin
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Wicklow Arts Festival
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Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
Note that there are two bank holidays in Ireland in May, which take place on the first and last Monday of the month. There may be some closures on these holidays.
Good to know: Wondering when Ireland celebrates the famous St Patrick’s Day? It’s March!
What are the best places to visit in Ireland in May?
May is a great month to travel to Ireland and visit its towns, historic sites and natural highlights. More so, you’ll enjoy plenty of daylight hours and fair weather, ideal conditions for exploring.
Here are some of the best places to visit when travelling in Ireland in May:
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Explore the historic capital,
Dublin, and its top attractions such as Trinity College
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Hike at
Ben Bulben or in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks
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Sail to the stunning
Aran Islands to visit a prehistoric fort
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Pop by
Galway to experience this buzzing city and listen to live Irish music
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What is the weather like in Ireland in May?
When travelling to Ireland in spring, the weather is generally mild. In May you can expect highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F).
What are May temperatures in Ireland?
The average temperature is around 11°C (52°F) in May. You might experience some lovely sunny days in Ireland at this time, but the weather can still be changeable.
What to wear in Ireland in May?
When you pack for Ireland, keep in mind that it’s best to be ready for all kinds of weather. In May you might encounter both mild and cool temperatures, as well as rainy days.
Bring light clothing so you can enjoy the sun, and waterproof gear for wet weather. Also pack additional layers to be able to remove or add clothes depending on the day’s temperature.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Ireland tour in May:
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Lightweight layers, including t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and shorts
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Warm jumper
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Jeans or long trousers
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Waterproof jacket or shell layers
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Waterproof trousers
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Scarf, hat and gloves
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Hiking boots and socks
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Sun hat or cap
What are the daylight hours in May in Ireland?
In May you’ll experience long days. You can expect between 15 and 17 hours of daylight per day in Ireland.
In Dublin the sun rises between 5:00 and 5:50 AM and sets between 8:50 and 9:40 PM in May. You’ll have longer days later in the month because the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – takes place in late June.
How to travel in Ireland in May?
You can explore Ireland at your own pace on a self-drive itinerary. But if you want someone else to take care of the driving, then go for a privately guided or small group tour. With an escorted package, you'll have the added benefit of being able to learn from a knowledgeable local guide as you go.
All of our tours combine the best of Ireland's cities with stunning natural attractions in the countryside.
Good to know: All of Nordic Visitor’s packages can be tailored by our regional experts. They can add extra nights, private airport transfers, or optional activities to your trip. Just ask!
How to spend 1 week in Ireland
We recommend at least 6 to 8 days on the Emerald Isle. This will give you enough time to soak up the local culture, visit fascinating historic attractions and see beautiful Irish countryside.
All of our tours begin in Dublin and include top attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle.
Here’s an example of a one-week Ireland itinerary:
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Day 1 – Arrive in Dublin.
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Day 2 – Tour the west coast. Spend the night in Galway.
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Day 3 – Explore Connemara or the Aran Islands. Overnight in Galway.
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Day 4 – See the Cliffs of Moher. Overnight in Killarney.
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Day 5 – Travel the Ring of Kerry. Overnight in Killarney.
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Day 6 – Visit historic sites on your way back to Dublin.
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Day 7 – Depart from Dublin Airport.
The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will plan your trip and take care of the details before you arrive. All you have to do is find flights to Ireland!
We reserve your accommodation, plan local transport for your trip, and can book activities to fill your days with more adventures. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 helpline should you need to call us at any point.
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If you want to take the wheel on a getaway to remember, check out these top Ireland road trips for inspiration
Want to stay for a longer period of time?
If you want to slow down the pace and take in more Irish attractions, we highly recommend extending your trip to at least 10 days.
With our flexible itineraries, it’s easy to start planning your tour! Pick the amount of time you want to stay in Dublin and then decide how many days you want to spend discovering the island.
The possibilities are endless when visiting Ireland. With 10 days or more, you could enjoy a more in-depth travel experience. This could mean visiting Northern Ireland, where you can explore the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast and Antrim Coast.
Choose a self-drive tour, and you can travel at your own pace. Or, explore with an expert driver and guide to get local insight. Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice on what's best for you.
Are you interested in exploring Scotland too?
Combine a tour of Ireland with time in Scotland for an epic Celtic itinerary. We recommend a minimum of 10 days for this, so you have enough time to get a taste of both countries.
Spend the first 4 to 10 days exploring the rugged Highlands and islands of Scotland. Then follow that up with a trip around Ireland to take in all the jaw-dropping coastal landscapes and historic landmarks.
As tour operators specialising in both of these unforgettable destinations, we offer itineraries that combine the two.
Scotland is a great destination to complement a tour to Ireland. Their cultures and history are so closely linked and you’ll be able to meet the locals and get immersed in both.
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