Thinking about visiting Ireland in June? As an Irishman, I am going to give you my honest opinion on why I reckon June is a good month to visit Ireland. But it’s not all roses either. Let’s take a closer look.
After having looked at visiting Ireland in May, we came to the conclusion that this is an excellent time to visit. The days are long, the weather is (generally speaking!) stable and you don’t have to deal with masses of tourists at all the main attractions.
I guess you are thinking , ‘Well, shouldn’t June be an even better time to visit?’. The days are even longer and the weather warmer? Possibly…but there are 2 main issues that come to mind when visiting in June: cost and crowds.
We’ll get on to those a little later but let’s briefly look over the main things you must consider before visiting the Emerald Isle in June.
Things to Consider before Visiting Ireland in June
The Weather
The weather in Ireland in June can be best described as mild to warm with lower than average rainfall countrywide.
According to Ireland’s official meteorological agency, Met Eireann, the mean temperature for June ranges from 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) to 15.7 °C (60.3 °F)
Remember, this is the mean, so real life high temperatures may be significantly higher. For example the years of 2022 and 2023 saw Ireland basking in almost heatwave conditions in June, with temperatures up near 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit)
Daylight Hours
Because of its northerly location at a latitude of 33° 00′ N, Ireland welcomes incredibly long days in mid summer. Expect around 17 hours of brightness, which leaves you with endless time to explore the majestic landscape. The further west you go, the longer the days.
The Price of Accommodation/Flights
The current inflated prices worldwide coupled with June being one of the busier months means Ireland is expensive to visit in June. Flight prices as well as accommodation will be noticeably more expensive than the previous months of April and May.
Crowds
Attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and the Cliffs of Moher will attract a certain number of tourists all year. June however will see far larger crowds in these well known places, so booking in advance is key.
You’ll find the major centres of Dublin and Galway will be buzzing in June, especially if the weather is fine. Parks and other outdoor areas are enjoyed to the max during a spell of fine weather in Ireland. And why not? Isn’t it wet and bleak for long enough in the in winter!
So expect lots of people in the cities, but the further west you go, the lesser the crowds and the more beautiful the scenery…
What’s on in Ireland in June
In Ireland, June typically offers a variety of events and activities across the country, especially considering the milder weather and longer daylight hours. Some popular events and attractions in June include:
- Bloomsday Celebrations: June 16th marks Bloomsday, a celebration of James Joyce’s famous novel “Ulysses,” set in Dublin. Festivities often include readings, performances, and re-enactments related to the book.
- Music Festivals: Ireland hosts numerous music festivals throughout June, catering to various tastes from traditional Irish music to rock, pop, and electronic genres. Examples include the Body & Soul Festival and the Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival in Bundoran and one of my very favourite Irish festivals, The Rory Gallagher International Festival in Ballyshannon.
- Cultural Events: Many cultural events take place in June, including art exhibitions, theatre performances, and film festivals. Check local listings for events happening.
- Food and Drink Festivals: Food and drink festivals are popular in Ireland during June, celebrating local produce, culinary traditions, and beverages. Examples include the Taste of Dublin festival and various seafood festivals along the coast.
- Sports Events: June will see the GAA season in full swing which includes sporting events such as Gaelic football and hurling matches. Why not pay a visit to a match? A truly authentic Irish experience.
It’s always a good idea to check local listings and event calendars closer to the time of your visit for the most up-to-date information on what’s happening in Ireland in June.
June sees many large music acts visit the country, mainly outdoor arenas in Dublin such as Marlay Park. For example the mighty Pearl Jam and Green Day are visiting in June 2024.
June Bank Holiday weekend
The first weekend of June is always a designated holiday weekend or ‘long weekend’. This means the first Monday of the month is a work-free day. Schools and banks will close but most other businesses will be open, including pubs!
However, being a holiday weekend, expect higher demand for flights and accommodation and than means higher prices!
The Weather in Detail
The weather in Ireland in June can be characterized as being mild to warm and generally dry. Rain generally falls in the form of short showers with June being one of the drier months for all weather stations.
‘June 2023 was the warmest June on record for Ireland, on both Land and at Sea’ with ‘dry periods and intense thunderstorm activity’ (source: Met.ie)
For our long term averages, we chose 4 weather stations in the four corners of the country to give the best overview.
We will be looking at four important factors regarding the weather in Ireland in June : temperature, number of rainy days and rainfall. A fourth and often overlooked factor is how the weather feels; this is often related to wind/humidity.
Dublin
Dublin, located on the east coast of Ireland has a long term average temperature for June of 13.4 degrees Celsius (56 Fahrenheit)
Expect rainfall on at least 13 days of the month, and an overall precipitation total of 66.7 mm. (source: Met Eireann)
Record high temperature for June in Dublin: 28.9 Celsius (84 Fahrenheit)
Cork
Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, is located on the south of Ireland. Cork has a long term average temperature for June of 13.3 degrees Celsius (56 Fahrenheit)
Expect rainfall on at least 15 days of the month, and an overall precipitation total of 80.9 mm. (source: Met Eireann)
Record high temperature for June in Cork: 29.7 (85 Fahrenheit)
Galway
Galway is notorious for rain, because of its Atlantic coast location. June though is one of the driest months in Galway.
Galway has a long term average temperature for June of 13.7 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit)
Expect rainfall on at least 12 days of the month, and an overall precipitation total of 79.6 mm. (source: Met Eireann)
Record high temperature for June in Galway: 28 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit)
Derry
Derry City, located in the far north of the country, is one of the cooler cities of Ireland, with a average June temperature of 13.3 Celsius (56 Fahrenheit) Expect at least 12 days of rain, with around 72 mm of precipitation for the month.
Overall, there is not a huge variation in temperature or rainfall in all four corners of Ireland, making June certainly one of the best months to explore the whole island.
Real Feel
Generally speaking, if there’s a spell of settled weather in June in Ireland, it will feel perfect, with a lively breeze complimenting the warm sunshine. The sun is certainly strong also, especially near water or any other exposed locations such as mountains.
The UV index will will reach about 7.5 on a cloud free day between 11 am and 4 pm. I strongly advise not to underestimate the sun. I have certainly gotten my fair share of nasty sunburns in June in Ireland, almost always along the coast, although I would not regard myself as fair-skinned… Beware!!!
Daylight Hours
June in Ireland means longer days, no matter what part of the country you are in. In Dublin at the start of the month, the sun rises at 5:03 am and sets at 9:43 pm, giving nearly 16:39 hours of brightness.
This increases to nearly 17 hours in Dublin by the end of the month.
In Galway at the start of the month, the sun rises at 5:14 am and sets at 9:54 pm, giving also around 16:40 hours of brightness.
On the summer solstice (21 June), the sun won’t set until after 10 pm in Galway and as it’s west-facing, it never gets truly dark until well after that, giving you 17 hours of brightness! Those of you not used to such long evenings will be in for a nice surprise!
As a child growing up in rural west of Ireland, I have fond memories of large bonfires being lit in the countryside to commemorate the longest day of the year. It was a great way to keep the midges away and a mighty excuse to stay up extra late!
The Prices/Cost of Visiting Ireland in June
Below, we have compiled data from Ireland’s official travel agency, ‘Bord Failte’. Our graph shows the average rate per hotel room per month (2022) in Ireland.
June sees a marked increase of 15 € over the previous month of May. This makes June the 3rd most expensive time to visit Ireland in terms of hotel prices.
Truth be told, June is as good as peak season in terms of prices but there will be slightly fewer visitors in the country compared to July and August, especially at the beginning of the month.
Dublin, on average, will be higher than the average price quoted above, being the capital and all. But, if you’ve been following us, we believe a night or 2 is plenty in the capital.
Once again, we highly recommend booking well in advance. Hotels are limited in Dublin. Click here to see what’s on offer.
In terms of eating out in restaurants, expect to pay an average of 20-30 € for a main course. This is certainly in line with continental Europe in 2024 and I would argue (from personal experience) that countries such as Great Britain, The Netherlands and Austria have become more expensive than Ireland in recent times.
What to do in Ireland in June
Start off with a night or 2 in Dublin
We reckon a night or two is plenty in Dublin. Ireland’s capital city is well worth a visit and although it’s home to over 1 million inhabitants, it feels a lot smaller.
Dublin does not offer a vast amount of attractions such as you’d find in London or any other major European city, but in terms of cultural attractions, Dublin has some good offerings.
But Dublin is easily the most expensive part of Ireland. Be it the 9/10 Euro pint in certain locations or reports of 20 Euro sandwiches in certain sandwich bars, you’ll need especially deep pockets if you wish to spend longer in Ireland’s capital…
But not everything is expensive, take for example one of my favourite places in Dublin, The National Museums of Ireland. They are free of charge and offer a lot more value than some of the daftly inflated prices you’ll come across in the city!
National Museums of Ireland
There are 3 museums in total: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. Details of each are here. My own personal favourite is the National Museum of Archaeology.
This museum is a fascinating insight into Irish history and holds some wonderful artefacts from dating back to the Stone Age, Viking era, Celts and more. One of the standout items on display are the ‘bog bodies‘; creepily well-preserved bodies dating back over 2,500 years (perhaps not ideal for kids!)
Visit the Book of Kells/Trinity College
This is a must-see on your trip to Dublin. You’ll need to book this in advance, as it is always in high demand. This is one of the most popular attractions in all of Ireland.
The book is located in Trinity College and includes one of the most beautiful pieces of literature known to exist. It was painfully and carefully crafted by monks in the year 800 AD and contains the 4 Gospels in detailed illustrated form. Each day reveals a new page.
After viewing the book, you’ll be lead to the Long Room, which is included in the ticket price. This is just as breathtaking, not only because it bears resemblance to the library in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies, but for the majesty of the wooden structures and interior design.
The oldest harp in Ireland is also on display in the Long Room. If time is limited, grab a fast-track combination ticket for the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle here.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse to sample the ‘Black Stuff’
Guinness holds legendary status in Ireland and abroad. Why not visit the museum to gain an insight into the unique brewing process? You get a free pint at the end and be treated to great views out over Dublin from the Sky Bar.
Yes, it’s all very touristy but I still enjoy the experience and especially the humorous exhibition of Guinness’ ad campaigns in days gone by. You’ll also be amazed at the sheer scale of both the visitor centre and the brewery. It’s a city within a city.
Book tickets here.
Other Sights in Dublin Worth Visiting
There are various sights to see in Dublin, such as Kilmainham Gaol, The Little Museum of Dublin & The Jameson Distillery. Don’t dare overlook some iconic Dublin pubs such as my personal favourites; The Long Hall, Gravediggers and Doheny & Nesbitt!
For traditional Irish music, we recommend The Cobblestone, Devitt’s and O’Donoghues.
Insider Tip: To avail of many of the wonderful attractions on offer, we recommend the Dublin Card. This will allow you access to over 35 attractions in the city, at a greatly reduced rate. More details are here.
Visit the wonderful West of Ireland
Why do people visit Ireland? A study undertaken by Ireland’s tourism board, Bord Failte, stated that 91% of tourists visited Ireland to experience its beautiful landscapes.
The images they conjure up are of undoubtedly the rolling green hills, sheep dotted fields, stone walls, spectacular coastal scenery and beautiful hikes. Well, all of this can be found in abundance on Ireland’s west coast.
While the vast majority of guide books will send you to the Cliffs of Moher and County Kerry (and these places are magnificent) I am utterly convinced that many of these authors have not even visited regions such as Donegal, Sligo, Mayo or Galway. Or at least not properly explored these counties.
In my personal view, which is based off of having grown up in Ireland and exploring countless other countries, the real beauty of Ireland lies practically anywhere along its western regions. The primary mountain ranges lie along the west coast, which in conjunction with the wild Atlantic ocean, create a wonderfully dramatic landscape.
Yes, the fields are greener than you’ve ever seen, the cliffs and rocky coastlines are spectacular and some beaches would rival those in far more tropical climes. The only real downside is that it can rain…a lot. That’s why visiting in the month of June or May (statistically speaking) will give you the best chance of good weather.
Why not check out our best places to visit along the west coast here.
As a native of County Mayo, I believe a visit to the county with Ireland’s longest coastline, highest cliffs and a world-famous beach is an absolute must. Have a browse around our Mayo county guide here.
The best way to explore the west coast of Ireland is by dedicating at least 2 weeks to taking on the road trip of a lifetime along the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s over 2000 km of coastal scenery that will leave impressions which will live long in your memory.
For hiring a car, we recommend Rental Cars.
Unmissable Attractions & Regions along the West Coast of Ireland
Here is a rundown of some of the places we highly recommend visiting in Western Ireland, all of which I have visited countless times and have left the biggest impression on me personally. As you can see, they are mostly areas of natural beauty.
Connemara: Wild beauty, home to beautiful scenery and native Irish culture and language.
Connemara National Park: A great place to explore the west of Ireland by foot.
Islands off the west coast: On the edge of Europe and a truly authentic Irish experience.
Diamond Hill: For spectacular Connemara views.
Croagh Patrick: Ireland’s holy mountain with stunning views over Clew Bay.
Achill Island: Ireland’s largest island and home to enormous cliffs and the world-famous Keem Beach.
Westport: A bustling Mayo town and an excellent base for exploring.
Doolough Valley: Breathtaking beauty shrouded in tragedy.
Killary Fjord: Ireland’s only true fjord and a feast for the eyes.
Downpatrick Head: Ireland’s iconic sea stack and highly ‘Instagrammable’ location.
Cliffs of Moher: Known the world over for their iconic beauty.
What you’ll need to wear in Ireland in June
You’ll need to pack a good variety of things for your trip to Ireland in June. While there is a good chance of warm weather, the nights will be cool and it’s Ireland, so rain is never too far away!
From having grown up in Ireland, here is what we reckon are the practical essentials. The fashion items, we’ll leave to you!
- Waterproof walking shoes (a must)
- A rain/wind jacket (a must)
- Sun cream (if doing outdoor activities, a must)
- Sweaters (light to medium weight)
- Waterproof trousers for hiking/walking
- Jeans
- T-shirts (including sports t-shirts for outdoor activities)
- Light thermal layer (just to be safe!)
- Baseball cap
- Proper waterproof hiking gear if planning a climb + hiking boots
- Evening attire
In the pubs and restaurants in the evenings, you’ll notice the locals will dress well, but not overly formal. Most men will wear jeans with t-shirt/polo/shirt and women will wear jeans with a t-shirt/stylish top/blouse.
Our Thoughts: Is June a good month to visit Ireland?
June is almost peak season so prices will be high, but if this is no issue, I believe June is one of the best times to visit Ireland. Days are long (17 hours of brightness), the weather is generally stable and the masses of tourists have not yet arrived.
Here, some pros and cons of visiting Ireland in June:
| Pros of Visiting Ireland in June | Cons of Visiting Ireland in June |
| Weather can be glorious | The weather may be iffy! (it’s Ireland after all!) |
| Slightly less crowded than peak months of July, August | Prices are high (especially in Dublin) |
| Some great festivals, outdoor concerts & events | Attractions starting to experience high tourist numbers |
| Fantastic long days, ample chance to explore | Higher demand for flights and accommodation |
Your questions about visiting Ireland in June answered
Is Ireland worth visiting in June?
June in Ireland can be a magical time to visit as there is a good chance of warm weather. Also, the long days and almost endless brightness (17 hours) offer an abundance of opportunity to explore the beauty of the country.
What is the weather like in June in Ireland?
Countrywide, there are no great variations in temperature or rainfall with the average temperature between 12 and 16 Celsius (50-61 Fahrenheit) During a longer spell of warmer weather, it is common to have temperatures in the low to mid 20s (70-80 Fahrenheit)