9 Myths About Irish Weather You Probably Believed – Debunked by a Local

The Irish weather seems to be a hot topic among anyone who is planning a visit here.

And, honestly I don’t blame them. It can be hard to get your head around the concept of ‘4 seasons in the one day’.

And I wish I could tell you that it wasn’t a reality, but if I am being truthful it sort of is…

However, personally I don’t think the Irish weather is nearly as bad as we make it out to be!

So, I thought I would put together this guide to debunk some common myths you might have been led to believe…

Myth #1: ’It Rains ALL the time’

Ok, so if there is one thing Ireland is known for…

That is our unpredictable rainy climate. Now, for most part that is true we do get A LOT of rain. However, it doesn’t rain ALL the time.

It is said that we can get anywhere from 150 to 225 days of rain in a year with the wet days unfortunately favouring the West side of the country.

Now, with all that being said, that ‘rainy day’ could only last an hour, and it may only be drizzle.

So, the moral of this point is…

Pack a light weight rain jacket (like this one) and if you’re not happy with the weather, wait a few minutes and you may be pleasantly surprised!

It Rains ALL the time: ✅ True or ❌ False?

I’m going to go with false for this one…it does rain but not ALL the time 🤣

Myth #2: “Ireland Constantly Cold”

Ok, so there may be some truth to this one, it really depends on each individuals opinion of what ‘cold’ means.

The Irish weather can range anywhere from -2 degrees to 25+ degrees celsius (28.4°F to 77°F) depending on what time of year you decide to visit.

And, personally to me, 25 degree is as hot as I would want it to be!

But in the summer months we can have some pretty hot days, where you can spend some time at beach or walking around the beautiful landscapes.

And, equally, in the winter in can mild at times.

I guess the confusing thing about the Irish weather is you never really know what you’re gonna get. A day in September could feel like the middle of January. And that’s not an over exaggeration.

Ireland Constantly Cold ✅ True or ❌ False?

So, is Ireland constantly cold? No…Does it get cold…yes…but it’s not constant. This one is definitely false!

Myth #3: “Irish Weather is Unpredictable”

If I had a euro for the number of times, I have checked the forecast, left my house in a nice summers dress…only to be pelted with rain an hour later. I would be a very rich woman.

If I am being honest, I never really check the weather anymore, I just don’t see the point. It’s rarely right because the reality is, no body really knows what we are going to get.

That’s why it is important for any visitors reading to pack appropriately for your trip to Ireland → If you have no idea how to do that…don’t worry I have created the perfect checklist of items tourists often forget! So, that you don’t make the same mistakes as those before you.

Irish Weather is Unpredictable ✅ True or ❌ False

If you can’t tell I am going to go with very much true for this point! I don’t even think the Irish weather itself knows what it is doing half the time.

Myth #4: “Ireland Only Has Grey Skies”

This is something I get asked a lot, ‘how do you deal with the grey gloomy look?’.

But…it’s not like that all the time. Some people will tell you it is, however, I think that is more of a ‘the glass is half empty or half full’ type of scenario.

Yes, we do get grey sky’s and probably more than some other countries but we also have lovely blue birds sky’s from time to time too. And usually day’s like that have the best sunsets!

And the thing is, due to the fact that they are less frequent, it really allows you to appreciate them when it they do happen.

Ireland Only Has Grey Skies ✅ True or ❌ False

I’m gonna go with False for this one, yes we have grey sky’s but we also have many other sky conditions too (is that a thing, well, it is now 🤣)

Myth #5: “The Weather is Always Windy”

Had you of asked me this 3 years ago I would of said no…it’s not ALWAYS windy…

However, after spending a few months outside the country, I came home too realise, I don’t think I have ever experienced a ‘calm’ day in Ireland.

There is always, at least, a breeze. And thing about ‘breezes’ in Ireland, is they bring the feels like temperature down by 2 or 3 degrees!

So, on those winter mornings, when it’s -2 degrees celsius, it may as well be -6.

And, the wind can quite literally cut through you! Which reminds me, tourists often pack umbrellas for their trip to Ireland…but that could possibly be the worst thing to bring in your suitcase because 90% of the time the wind just breaks them.

I have created a guide on the ‘worst things to pack for Ireland’ with handy tips on alternative options. And other not so useful typically packed items. (not wrote yet)

Myth #7: “Irish Weather is Bad for Outdoor Activities”

I hear this one a lot, especially from people who’ve never been to Ireland. They assume the rain and unpredictable weather make it impossible to enjoy the outdoors.

But here’s the thing – we don’t let the weather stop us from getting outside. In fact, there’s something really refreshing about hiking in the rain or strolling along a windy beach.

It adds a whole new layer to the experience. As I always say, there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing choices!

Irish Weather is Bad for Outdoor Activities ✅ True or ❌ False?

I’m calling this one false. You can definitely enjoy the outdoors here, you just have to embrace the elements.

Myth #8: “Summer in Ireland Lasts 2 Days”

Haha this is something we Irish joke about ALL THE TIME, but honestly we are just being a little bit dramatic.

Irish summers may not be long, but they’re definitely longer than two days! We do get stretches of sunshine, especially in June and September, and when they come, everyone makes the most of them.

Sure, if it’s 15 degree’s and sunny, you’ll see all the Dads out in their shorts and t-shirts cooking a BBQ! 🤣

It might not be a Mediterranean heatwave, but that’s kind of the charm. You’ll find people hitting the beaches, and soaking up as much sun as possible!

And let’s be real, a mild Irish summer beats melting in 40-degree heat any day.

Summer in Ireland Lasts 2 Days ✅ True or ❌ False?

False! with a small element of truth 🤣

Myth #9: “Irish Weather is the Same Everywhere in the Country”

This is one myth that couldn’t be further from the truth. The weather in Ireland varies a lot depending on where you are.

The west coast, especially around places like Galway and Kerry, gets a lot more rain and wind compared to the east.

Dublin, for example, tends to be drier and slightly warmer.

And the Wexford and Waterford have been nicknamed the ‘Sunny South East’ due to their high level of blue sky days compared to the rest of the country.

Even within short distances, the weather can change dramatically. So, if it’s rainy on one side of the country, chances are you could find a sunny spot just a few hours away.

I relie a lot on this when I travel around. The more flexible you can be the better.

Irish Weather is the Same Everywhere in the Country ✅ True or ❌ False?

Definitely false. The weather can be a mixed bag depending on where you go.

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