Planning to visit Ireland in March? I got you covered!

Some say that Ireland in March is the best for one simple reason, St. Patrick’s Day. The country is literally and figuratively painted in green, and the locals celebrate wildly their patron saint. So, if you love festivities and parties, March is a great month to visit.

But of course, there are plenty of other pros for visiting Ireland in March. So, let’s see in detail what to expect if you visit this beautiful Emerald Isle in March.

Visiting Ireland in March at a glance

👉 Weather

The weather in March can be as unpredictable as any other month. Generally, though, it starts getting warmer, but there were years when Ireland experienced heavy snowfall in the middle of March and constant intense rainfall. So, it’s essential to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions.

👉 Average temperatures

The average temperature in Ireland in March is around 6 degrees Celsius, with an average high of 10 degrees Celsius and an average low of 4 degrees Celsius.

👉 Season

March is in the shoulder season, which is between the off-peak and peak season, so compared to the winter months, there is more crowd, but prices are still relatively low, making it an ideal month for a budget-friendly holiday.

👉 Daylight Hours 

In March, the days start to get longer, making it easier for travelers to have extensive day itineraries. For instance, although at the beginning of the month, the sunrise is at around 7:15 in the morning, by the end of the month, it’s at 6:15, with the sunset at around 18:50.

The pros and cons of March in Ireland

✔️ The pros 

👍 Budget-Friendly Prices

Although prices in March tend to be higher than in January and February, they are still relatively low compared to the peak-season months, making it easier to find budget-friendly deals.

👍 Longer Days

The longer daylight hours allow for more exploration and extensive day trip itineraries perfect for those wishing to discover every nook and cranny of Ireland.

👍 Shoulder-Season Crowds

As Ireland in March is within the shoulder season, expect fewer crowds that allow for better exploration of usually busy attractions such as the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher.

👍 Warmer Days

Undeniably, Ireland in March can still be cold, but generally, the days get warmer. So, if you prefer a holiday in the shoulder season when the prices are lower and the crowds fewer, March’s weather allows for a warmer holiday.

👍 St Patrick’s Celebrations

St Patrick’s Day is on the 17th of March and is undoubtedly the biggest festival in Ireland. For days, the country celebrates St Patrick with parades and various other events, with people joining in with fun costumes, music, dancing, and, of course, lots of beer.

❌ The cons

👎 Wet Weather

Indeed, the weather in March is warmer as spring starts to sweep the cold away, but often, Ireland gets heavy rainfall throughout the month. So, the weather can also be a disadvantage since it can affect your outdoor excursions.

👎 Pricier Flights

Generally, March is a bit more touristy than the previous month, especially due to the St. Patrick’s Festival, so flights tend to get pricier. 

The weather in Ireland in March in different parts of the country

📍 Dublin

As already indicated, March is the beginning of spring, so the weather in Dublin in March tends to be milder than in the winter month but with as much rain. The average temperature is about 7 degrees Celsius, and the average rainfall is about 52.6 millimeters.

📍 Belfast

Belfast’s temperatures in March are similar to Dublin’s, with 6 degrees Celsius as the average temperature. But generally, Belfast has higher rainfall, with the average level at 71.37 millimeters.

📍 Galway

Generally, the weather in the western part of Ireland is wetter due to the Atlantic Ocean. So, although in Galway in March, the temperatures are higher, with an average of 7 degrees Celsius, the average rainfall level is about 94.7 millimeters.

📍 Kerry

The weather in Kerry in March is a bit warmer, with the long-term average temperature at 8 degrees Celsius. But the long-term average rainfall level is 123.8 millimeters, making it one of the wetter parts of the country.

📍 Cork 

Crok in March is similar to Kerry, with the average temperature at 9 degrees Celsius and the long-term average rainfall level at 120 millimeters.

Festivals and Events in Ireland in March

🎊 Fingal International Festival of Voices

Fingal International Festival of Voices is a week-long festival in Balbriggan, a coastal town near Dublin, celebrating diversity through musical performances, competitions and workshops, arts and crafts markets, food stalls, and many other fantastic events.

🎊 Finding a Voice 

Finding Your Voice is a fantastic music festival by women for women as it is celebrated on International Women’s Day and features performances from leading Irish and international musicians of unforgettable music by remarkable women.

The festival is held in the beautiful town of Clonmel.

🎊 Belfast Children’s Festival 

Belfast Children’s Festival is an inspiring event for children and those young at heart. It is a festival filled with fun and creative performances from local, national, and international artistic performers and many interactive events and exhibitions.

🎊 St Patrick’s Festival 

St. Patrick’s Festival on the 17th of March is a worldwide famous festival that many people across the world venture to Ireland to experience.

You’ll find plenty of venues around Ireland celebrating St Patrick with various events, parades, concerts, and wild parties.

Some notable festivals are the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Festival, the Dublin Parade, the Cork Festival, and the Killarney Festival.

🎊 Otherside Music & Arts Festival 

Held on Rock Farm in a valley in Slane, the Otherside Music & Arts Festival is a fantastic event for those who wish to go wild with exciting electronic music from some of the most well-known DJs in the world. The event is on St Patrick’s Day, on the 17th of March.

🎊 Early Music Festivals

If you would like to go through a historical music journey, the Early Music Festival in Limerick presents performances of medieval, renaissance, and baroque music from world-renowned artists.

Things to do in Ireland in March

📌 Visit Stunning Historical Sites

Ireland has plenty of stunning historical sites to immerse you in rich cultural heritage, from ancient castles and medieval fortresses to Neolithic monuments and early Christian sites. 

Furthermore, in March, the weather gets milder, but as it is still shoulder season, there are fewer crowds, making exploration and discovery of these stunning landmarks easier.

Some of Ireland’s must-visit historical sites include the majestic ruins of the Rock of Cashel, the mystical grounds of the Hill of Tara, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and the ancient passage tomb of Newgrange.

📌 Enjoy Hiking and Walking on Dry Days

When the weather allows it, be sure to explore Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, especially considering that with the arrival of spring, Ireland becomes greener and prettier. 

So, on dry days, lace up your hiking boots and venture along the majestic trails of the Wicklow Mountains, take a stroll along the scenic coastal paths of the Wild Atlantic Way, and, of course, don’t forget to explore the serene and ancient forests of Killarney National Park.

📌 Go for a Cold Pint at a Local Pub on Wet Days

You simply can’t visit Ireland without going for a cold pint at a local pub. So, when the weather gets rainy, embrace the coziness and charm of a traditional Irish pub to experience the warm hospitality of the locals. 

Settle into a snug corner, order a pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey, engage in friendly banter with the locals, and perhaps even join in on a traditional music session and fun tap dancing.

📌 Explore Dublin’s Famous Landmarks

Frankly, Dublin is a fantastic destination all year round, but with March’s fewer crowds, lower prices, and mild weather, it’s an excellent time to visit.

While in Dublin, stroll along the cobbled streets of Temple Bar to find charming pubs and immerse in lively music sessions, go for a shopping spree at the bustling shops and markets of Grafton Street, and cross the iconic Ha’penny Bridge, a symbol of Dublin’s charm and heritage.

Additionally, some must-visit landmarks are the Trinity College, home to the breathtaking Book of Kells and the awe-inspiring Long Room library, the Dublin Castle, a magnificent fortress steeped in centuries-old history, and of course, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a beautiful masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

📌 Join the St Patrick’s Festivities

During your visit to Ireland in March, be sure to immerse yourself in the sea of green as the whole country transforms into a lively carnival of parades, concerts, and cultural events. 

Join the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where elaborate floats, colorful costumes, and energetic dancers fill the streets, indulge in traditional Irish cuisines, such as corned beef and cabbage, and raise a pint of Guinness in one of Dublin’s legendary pubs. 

Of course, not only Dublin joins in St Patrick’s festivities. For instance, you can explore the vibrant festivities in cities like Galway and Cork, and if you prefer calmer festivities with a smaller crowd, venture to towns like Kilkenny and Killarney.

What to pack for Ireland in March

When preparing for a trip to Ireland at any month of the year, packing the right essentials will ensure you stay comfortable and ready to explore at any given time.

Just like during other months, in March, it’s essential to pack a waterproof jacket or coat as rain is a common occurrence. Furthermore, layering is always important, so pack sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and lightweight thermals for chilly days.

Also, bring sturdy shoes or boots if you plan to take long walks or hike up Ireland’s many trails.

Lastly, bring an umbrella, a hat, and gloves to stay protected from unpredictable weather.

Some other essentials to remember to pack are a travel adapter for charging your devices, a backpack for carrying your essentials during your sightseeing adventure, and a good camera to capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments of your trip.

Ireland in March Travel Tips

To conclude everything about what you need to know about Ireland in March, let’s see some essential travel tips.

Firstly, be prepared for changeable weather by bringing layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy footwear. 

Secondly, due to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, expect larger crowds, especially in popular tourist destinations like Dublin. So, make sure to have any necessary reservations in advance. 

Additionally, consider exploring beyond the bustling cities to discover the enchanting landscapes and charming villages Ireland has to offer. Renting a car or opting for guided tours can be a great way to explore the stunning countryside.

Finally, embrace the local culture by sampling traditional Irish cuisine, attending live music sessions in cozy pubs, and engaging with friendly locals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Is March a good time to visit Ireland?

Ireland in March has very unpredictable weather, but it also offers incredible experiences. After all, St. Patrick’s Day is a famous event across the world, so visiting the country of this fantastic festival is a must if you love beer, the color green, and parties.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags with plenty of layers and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Ireland.