Family Friendly?
Great for families
School Holidays & Travel Time
Most families travel during summer holidays (July/August). Plan early and book in advance – expect higher prices and more tourists during this time.
Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Good facilities for families (changing rooms, childcare, etc.)
Planning a family trip to Ireland? Here are valuable tips, kid-friendly activities, and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Travel Climate for Families
Important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time for your family vacation in Ireland.
12–15°C·60–75 mm(moderate rain)
Diese Monate bieten ein angenehmes Gleichgewicht aus milderen Temperaturen, längeren Tagen und moderateren Besucherzahlen im Vergleich zur Hochsaison. Der Niederschlag ist tendenziell geringer als in den Wintermonaten.
Irland ist bekannt für sein gemäßigtes, maritimes Klima, das stark vom warmen Golfstrom beeinflusst wird. Dies führt zu relativ milden Wintern und kühlen Sommern ohne extreme Temperaturen.Wettercharakteristik: Das Wetter in Irland ist notorisch wechselhaft. Es ist nicht ungewöhnlich, „vier Jahreszeiten an einem Tag“ zu erleben. Häufige Regenfälle, oft als leichter Nieselregen oder kurze Schauer, sind das ganze Jahr über zu erwarten. Sonnige Abschnitte können sich schnell mit bewölkten Phasen abwechseln.Regionale Unterschiede: Die Westküste Irlands ist aufgrund ihrer direkten Exposition zum Atlantik tendenziell feuchter, windiger und milder als die Ostküste. Der Osten, insbesondere die Region um Dublin, ist etwas trockener und weist eine geringfügig größere Temperaturschwankung zwischen Sommer und Winter auf.Niederschlag: Obwohl es das ganze Jahr über regnet, sind die Monate Herbst und Winter (Oktober bis Januar) in der Regel die niederschlagsreichsten.Wind: Irland ist oft windig, besonders an den Küsten und auf höher gelegenen Flächen.Empfehlung für Reisende: Unabhängig von der Reisezeit ist es ratsam, wetterfeste Kleidung in Schichten (Zwiebellook), eine wind- und wasserdichte Jacke sowie bequemes, wasserdichtes Schuhwerk einzupacken.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Hauptsaison
Übergangssaison
Nebensaison
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.0 | 85 | 1.5 |
| February | 5.0 | 70 | 2.5 |
| March | 7.0 | 65 | 3.5 |
| April | 9.0 | 55 | 5.5 |
| May | 12.0 | 60 | 6.5 |
| June | 15.0 | 65 | 7.0 |
| July | 16.0 | 60 | 6.0 |
| August | 16.0 | 80 | 5.5 |
| September | 14.0 | 75 | 4.5 |
| October | 11.0 | 90 | 3.0 |
| November | 8.0 | 95 | 2.0 |
| December | 6.0 | 90 | 1.5 |
Consider School Holidays
The main travel times for families often fall during school holidays (July/August in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Plan early and book in advance, as higher prices and more tourists are expected during this time.
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are the most popular travel time for families. In Ireland, it can get very warm during this time – make sure to have enough shade, sun protection, and cool activities for the children.
Family Tips for Ireland
Ireland as a Family DestinationShort distances between beaches, castles, and farms, an English-speaking environment, and a child-friendly pub and restaurant culture make Ireland easy to plan for families. The weather is the biggest uncertainty factor: Plan alternatives for rainy days at any time of year and pack rain gear for everyone.Ideas for ExcursionsDublin: At Dublinia next to Christ Church Cathedral, children can experience the Viking and Medieval eras with replicas and costumes. The Phoenix Park is home to Dublin Zoo and vast meadows with fallow deer. The Natural History Museum ("Dead Zoo") has been closed since September 2024 for multi-year renovations.Castles and Open-Air Museums: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park near Shannon combines a restored castle with a reconstructed 19th-century village.Wildlife Parks: The Fota Wildlife Park near Cork exhibits animals in spacious outdoor enclosures.Nature: Beaches, short coastal walks, and forest and lake trails in the National Parks are suitable for all ages. At cliffs: stay on marked paths and hold children's hands.Practical Tips for FamiliesChild Seats: Children under 150 cm or 36 kg must travel in a suitable child seat or booster seat in the car. Reserve seats in advance when renting a car. Taxis are exempt from this requirement and generally do not have child seats.Supplies: Diapers, baby food, and toiletries are available in supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide.Accommodation: Many hotels and guesthouses offer family rooms; self-catering holiday homes provide more space and your own kitchen.Dining Out: Children are welcome in restaurants and during the day in most pubs with kitchens; children's menus are often available.Public Transport: Children travel at a reduced fare on buses and trains.Health While TravelingCurrent and binding health advice can be found at the Federal Foreign Office, linked on this country page. Take the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for all family members.
General Tips
Planning Activities
Plan varied activities that are interesting for both adults and children.
Timing Your Trip
Keep school holidays, climate, and local events in mind.