Wondering about the weather in Ireland in April? In this post, I will tell you all about traveling to Ireland during this month, including weather things to do, and events.

The weather in Ireland in April is surprisingly great. It can be a fantastic time to visit as the days get longer and the weather brightens, but it can still be a gamble due to its unpredictability. 

Still, April offers plenty of things to do and many pros, creating a fantastic opportunity to visit Ireland. Let’s see in depth all the necessary information for an unforgettable trip to Ireland in April.

Visiting Ireland in April at a glance

👉 Weather

Generally, the weather in Ireland in April is mild and dry. But as mentioned already, the weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s not uncommon to experience rainy days and poor weather.

👉 Average temperatures

The average temperature in Ireland in April is around 9 degrees Celsius, with an average high of 12 degrees Celsius and an average low of 5 degrees Celsius.

👉 Season

April is in the shoulder season, meaning prices are still relatively low and less crowded, so it’s an ideal month for a budget-friendly holiday. However, during Easter break, prices and the crowd tend to increase, so keep an eye out for when Easter falls.

👉 Daylight Hours 

In April, the days lengthen a lot compared to the previous months. The sun rises as early as 5:30 am and sets around 8 pm. So, there are almost 15 hours of daylight, allowing you plenty of time to explore the country.

The pros and cons of April in Ireland

✔️ The pros 

👍 Lower Prices

Prices in April are relatively low compared to peak-season months, making it the perfect time for a budget-friendly holiday as you can find cheap flights, fantastic accommodation deals, and low-priced tours.

👍 Plenty of Daylight

With nearly 15 hours of daylight, April is an excellent month to explore and discover Ireland’s beautiful landmarks, nature, cities, and rural areas.

👍 Less Crowds

Ireland in April is within the shoulder season, so there’s usually less crowd, allowing visitors to explore better spots like the Ring of Kerry and have easier access to most attractions like museums.

👍 Mild Temperatures

Undeniably, the weather in Ireland in April is still unpredictable, but generally, the days are warmer. So, if you are seeking a budget-friendly holiday with less crowd, April is your best chance.

❌ The cons

👎 Easter Break

The Easter holidays can be a disadvantage simply because they bring more visitors, which often increases accommodation prices. So, it’s best to check when Easter break falls to avoid any inconveniences. 

👎 Festivals

Although Ireland is known for its many fascinating festivals, unfortunately, April is very quiet in terms of festivals and events. So, if you wish to experience Ireland’s lively and vibrant culture through festivals, then April may not be the best month.

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

📍 Dublin

The weather in Dublin in April tends to be milder, with the average high temperature at about 13 degrees Celsius and the average rainfall at about 69 millimeters, which is equivalent to 15 rainy days.

📍 Belfast

Belfast’s temperatures in April are similar to Dublin’s, with 13 degrees Celsius as the average temperature. But generally, Belfast has higher rainfall, with the average level at 74 millimeters.

📍 Galway

Due to the exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, the weather in the west of Ireland tends to be pretty wet and wild. In April, the average temperature in Galway is 12 degrees Celsius and the average rainfall level is around 85 millimeters.

📍 Kerry

Usually, the temperatures in Kerry in April tend to be mild, but it can be quite wet. The average high temperature in Kerry is 13 degrees Celsius, while the average rainfall level is 101 millimeters.

📍 Cork 

Cork’s weather in April is similar to Kerry’s, with the average temperature at 13 degrees Celsius but with less precipitation as the long-term average rainfall level is at 77 millimeters.

Festivals and Events in Ireland in April

🎊 Catalyst International Film Festival 

Catalyst International Film Festival aims to promote stories and storytellers of the under-represented on screen and behind the camera.

The festival is all about celebrating and promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and equality, so it’s an excellent event for being part of this global movement towards a better world. The festival includes screenings, panels, workshops, and masterclasses.

🎊 Waterford Festival of Food

The Waterford Festival of Food is unique and one of Ireland’s largest and longest-running community food festivals. It is a 3-day festival at the scenic harbor town of Dungarvan in Waterford, showcasing the country’s food scene through high-profile guest chef dining events, sustainability workshops, pop-up experiences in unusual locations, foraging walks, food waste talks, bus tours to farms and mountains, and live cooking demos.

Furthermore, the festival features a market at Ireland’s largest outdoor market, in Dungarvan’s market square.

🎊 Cúirt International Festival of Literature

Cúirt in Galway is a week-long book festival founded in 1985, making it one of Europe’s oldest book festivals and a leading voice for literature internationally and across Ireland. The festival strives to create a space for all by bringing readers and writers together to tell stories, share new perspectives, and celebrate the world of literature.  

🎊 New Music Dublin

New Music Festival is Ireland’s leading contemporary music festival, which creates space and a platform for new Irish music performers and composers to showcase their work to a broader audience. The festival is held in Dublin, and venues include the National Concert Hall. 

🎊 Galway Theatre Festival

The Galway Theatre Festival is a fantastic event to immerse in Ireland’s unique theatrical heritage as one of the leading arts festivals for independent theater and performance.

The festival presents fantastic performances, such as theater, circus, spectacle, and storytelling, that allow visitors to think outside of the box.

Things to do in Ireland in April

💡 Visit Dublin’s Many Landmarks

Dublin has many remarkable landmarks showcasing the city’s and country’s rich history and culture that will captivate anyone interested in learning more about this beautiful island. 

A must-visit landmark is Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, which is home to the magnificent Book of Kells, an intricately decorated medieval manuscript. Other beautiful tourist attractions showcasing the city’s history are Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Another must-visit spot is the iconic Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the famous Irish stout and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar. 

Lastly, no visit to Dublin is complete without a stroll through the charming streets of Temple Bar, a district known for its lively pubs, live music, and vibrant atmosphere.

💡 Stroll Along Galway’s Picturesque Streets

Galway is a picturesque city on Ireland’s West Coast and the perfect destination to immerse in beauty and charm. 

While taking a leisurely stroll along the city’s cobblestone streets, you’ll pass through colorful seafronts, quaint cafes, and talented street performers. 

Galway is also home to various shopping districts. For instance, at the vibrant Galway Market, you can shop unique handmade crafts, while at the bustling Quay Street, you can sample delicious seafood. Furthermore, at Eyre Square, you can soak in the lively atmosphere and easily mingle with the locals.

Additionally, Galway has plenty of remarkable attractions, including the medieval walls, the Spanish Arch, and the iconic Claddagh district.

💡 Enjoy Outdoor Activities

As April has milder weather, it makes for an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities across the stunning landscapes of Ireland. From exploring the rugged coastline to immersing in the lush greenery of the countryside, there’s no shortage of things to do. 

Specifically, you can take a refreshing hike in Wicklow Mountains National Park or the Killarney National Park, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views at every turn. 

Otherwise, for water enthusiasts, you can try your hand at water sports along the Wild Atlantic Way, such as kayaking or paddleboarding.

Furthermore, Golf lovers can tee off at some of the world-renowned courses and enjoy the mild weather and scenic beauty surrounding them.

💡 Indulge in Irish Food and Drink

One of the best ways to experience a new place’s culture is through food. So, while in Ireland, be sure to indulge in the delectable Irish food and drink, from traditional hearty dishes to modern gastronomic delights that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Firstly, make sure to sample some traditional Irish classics like Irish stew, soda bread, and colcannon at a local family-run eatery that are surely made with locally sourced ingredients that burst with flavor. 

Then, a must-try indulgent part of Ireland is the iconic Guinness. So head to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and tasting, or visit a cozy pub in any town to enjoy a pint of this famous stout along with some delicious pub grub.

💡 Immerse in Traditional Music Sessions

Irish music holds a special place in the country’s cultural DNA, and there’s no better way to experience it than joining a lively session. 

Traditional pubs across the country come alive with the lively tunes of fiddles, uilleann pipes, tin whistles, and bodhrans that create an infectious atmosphere that is impossible to resist. 

From small, cozy pubs to larger venues, you’ll find sessions happening throughout the month, providing a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of Ireland.

💡 Discover Fascinating Historical Sites

With milder weather and longer daylight hours, in April, you can fully explore Ireland’s rich heritage and storied past. From ancient monuments to medieval castles, there is something to captivate every history buff. 

Explore the ancient stone formations of Newgrange, a UNESCO-listed sire older than the pyramids of Egypt, or wander the breathtaking ruins of the Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress with centuries-old Irish history within its walls. 

Additionally, don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Blarney Castle and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence. 

💡 Admire Beautiful Natural Wonders

As spring blooms, the landscapes come alive with vibrant colors and lush greenery, so April is an ideal month to experience Ireland as the Emerald Isle that it is.

A majestic must-visit natural wonder is the Cliffs of Moher, which tower over the Atlantic Ocean, giving stunning vistas and dramatic cliffs. 

For a more adventurous experience, you can take a boat ride to the magical Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique wildlife and ancient monastic settlements. 

Another breathtaking national park with stunning nature is Connemara Park, which offers hiking trails amidst rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, and picturesque valleys. 

💡 Set off on a road trip 

April’s mild weather and blooming landscapes create the perfect opportunity to set off on a road trip across Ireland.  

A fantastic road trip is along Wild Atlantic Way, a mesmerizing coastal route for 2,500 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and charming seaside towns. 

Another stunning road trip you can take is through the enchanting route of the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer scenic drive taking you through Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes, including charming villages, ancient ruins, rugged coastlines, and rolling hills. 

Also, you could drive to the dramatic Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, a UNESCO-listed site with intriguing hexagonal rock formations.

For a quiet and peaceful road trip, drive across the quaint villages and rolling hills of County Cork, as well as the ancient city of Galway, which brims with a vibrant atmosphere and a lively music scene.

What to pack for Ireland in April

Generally, when packing for Ireland, layering is essential, as the temperatures can vary throughout the day. 

So, even in April, be sure to pack a waterproof jacket or raincoat to stay dry during occasional showers. 

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll probably be exploring various landscapes and historical sites. 

It’s also a good idea to pack a mix of long-sleeved shirts, lightweight sweaters, and a few warmer pieces for the cooler evenings. 

Lastly, make sure to pack a travel adapter to stay connected and charge your devices. 

Ireland in April Travel Tips

Surely, traveling to Ireland in April offers a truly unique experience, but it’s essential to keep a few handy tips in mind. 

Firstly, as mentioned already, be prepared for the weather’s unpredictability by packing plenty of layers and a waterproof jacket or a raincoat.

Secondly, it’s advisable to book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, since due to the Easter holidays there might be more crowds than expected.

Additionally, it’s worth considering renting a car to explore the countryside and coastal routes at your leisure.

Lastly, be sure to indulge in Ireland’s lively culture by visiting a local pub, enjoying a live music session, and tasting Ireland’s delicious cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Traveling to Ireland in April offers excellent opportunities to explore the country’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and charming towns. So, although the weather might be unpredictable, with a bit of preparation and a flexible itinerary, you can fully immerse in everything Ireland offers.