The Best Time of Year for Hiking in Ireland

What’s so special about hiking in Ireland?

Before we kick-start our talk on the weather and the seasons, let’s cover some of the most interesting facts about hiking in the Emerald Isle. If you were to ask experienced hikers to tell you their favourite spot in Europe, they’d most probably say it’s Ireland. That’s all thanks to the island’s fantastic coastal cliffs, phenomenal (family-friendly) trials, and some good old variety of terrain and natural scenery. Basically, there’s something for everyone. As a place “crowded” with natural beauty, Ireland is a dream come true for any nature lover that likes to traverse it on foot. It’s probably the best way to experience it: getting close to it as much as possible. Let’s see how you can make your hiking trip to Ireland an unforgettable one!

The best season(s) for hiking in Ireland

Most people are afraid that rain will somehow ruin their trip. That’s fine and expected, given that the island can get quite rainy. However, it’s a bit hard to predict how rainy it will get since you’ll have to book a tour in advance. And the forecast isn’t really going to help you with that. Therefore, one should turn to statistics. May is among the drier months, just before peak tourist season. You’ll save some funds, too. Not to mention that you’ll get to enjoy lovely long days. Okay, that’s just one opinion. Let’s listen to others.

Here’s the thing: the best time to go hiking in Ireland depends on what kind of terrain you want to tackle. If you’re opting for more challenging terrain or exploring remote trails, most would suggest you go for late summer to autumn. Any month between August and October should be fine. You’ll get to enjoy the island in its most beautiful and colourful outfit. This is not bad advice if you’re also looking for the best season to relocate to Ireland. Even though moving is not as arduous a task as hiking or climbing, it’s also a stressful experience. So instead of wasting your time and stressing over small things, make your move easier by hiring a team of experts. While they help you pack and relocate, you can browse all the beautiful destinations you want to visit in Ireland.

Wait, should I be worried about rainfall?

Well, rainfall is present throughout the whole year. You shouldn’t worry about something unavoidable. That being said, you should definitely pack an umbrella or raincoat in your luggage. Besides heavy rain, Ireland is known as the home of strong winds. Therefore, opting for waterproof clothing is a must if you’re planning to hit the trails present on the Emerald Isle.

General tips for hiking in Ireland (regardless of the season)

Now that we have a certain idea about the best time of the year to visit Ireland, let’s consider some general tips on hiking in Ireland!

 #1 Obtain the right equipment

Even though the weather on Emerald Isle can be quite humid, you won’t experience extreme cold or anything similar. You shouldn’t expect highly high temperatures either. Since the weather’s damp, your packing list should have a lot of rainwear and waterproof footwear. Also, the wind can get quite nasty, so you’re nicely protected from its attacks: many hiking trails are close to the coast, and there’s a lot of wind there. Needless to say, you should also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and gloves.

 #2 Don’t forget to book early in advance

Keep in mind that if you’re going hiking in someplace considered rural Ireland, you can’t expect many places where you can sleep (not counting the outdoors, of course). Experts from Easy Move KW advise potential travellers to be on the lookout for a higher demand for accommodation, as they are on the rise during long weekends. Therefore, if you’re not so keen to knock on closed doors after a day’s worth of hiking, it’s best to book your accommodation early. Once you’re done with that, you can simply relax and enjoy whatever’s in front of your eyes.

 #3 Mind the dogs and sheep

Don’t let this paragraph title confuse you since many hiking trails on Emerald Isle run on private land. There are many legal battles fought between landowners and hikers. One of the reasons behind these feuds is the protection of cattle and sheep herds. Therefore, it’s your responsibility and obligation not to damage fences. Also, you should follow the so-called leave-no-trace philosophy, as we’re sure you already do.

#4 Avoid hiking in the dark

Trust us; it’s not so good to be stuck out in the open once nightfall arrives. That being said, you should check the hiking trail’s distance in advance to ensure you can finish the hike before everything turns dark.

 #5 Let others know where you’re planning to hike

Before you head into nature, make sure someone you trust knows you’ve gone hiking. That person should know where you’re going and when you need to be back. If you don’t make it back in time, your buddy should alert the authorities.

 #6 Pack emergency gear

Always make sure you’re carrying emergency gear. Here’s what you need to pack: a whistle, a torch with spare batteries, a map and compass combo, and a medical kit. Also, make sure you always carry a lighter and some rope.

 Final words on the subject

Okay, dear readers, there were some essential tips on hiking in Ireland, emphasising the right time to do it. Hopefully, this has inspired you to visit this beautiful island in the future and check out its fantastic hiking trails if that wasn’t your plan in the first place. There’s no place like Ireland, both rural and urban, trust us!