best places to visit in ireland in april

Ireland In April: Weather, Things to See and Travel Tips

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With the onset of spring in Ireland, days are warmer and longer and there’s not as much rain anymore to get in the way of your plans.

Everything is in full bloom in April, and skies are blue instead of grey. It’s one of the best months to be in Ireland your days are sure to be packed with activities and places to visit.

To fully enjoy Ireland in April, here are some helpful reminders and recommendations. 

Things you'll find in this article

Temperature in Ireland in April

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The average temperature in Ireland in April is between 5°C to 11°C. 

50 mm over 22 days

9 to 14 mph

5 to 6 hours of sunshine over 27 days

April, mark the spring season in Ireland which means you get to enjoy sun rays in the morning while wind and rain start coming in the afternoon. So if you’re planning to enjoy the Irish weather during these times be sure to consider these options in your list.

Jeans – You can bring a good pair of jeans. The temperature during the spring season is still cool so be sure your pair of jeans can protect you from the chilly air. Preferably, bring dark-colored jeans so you can mix and match any top with it. Anyhow, you can just bring your favorite jeans and flaunt them in the streets of Ireland.

Pair of flats – You can now ditch your thick hiking boots or rain boots since spring in Ireland cannot possibly freeze you to death anymore. A pair of ballet flats for female or a topsider for male will already get you through this season. If you still want to prepare for the rainy nights, you can try these pair of waterproof ballet flats in Amazon and these Oxford-inspired shoes for men.

Although there are a lot of accommodations in Ireland that will fit any traveler’s budget, nothing beats the experience of staying in castle hotels in Ireland. So here are some of the affordable castle hotels that you can stay in Ireland for the month of April. 

Cabra Castle Hotel still has the 18th-century castle vibes but with the modern touch from its amenities. A 4-star castle hotel in Cavan situated in a quiet neighborhood in Kingscourt, Cabra Castle Hotel is a mix and match of royalty and modern luxury. Rates start at $162. To book, click here.

A Gothic castle dated from 1209, Kinnitty Castle Hotel is located at the foot of Slieve Bloom Mountains. If you want the unique experience that comes with this castle, better check it out before it’s too late. Also, the rates start at only $110 a night. To book, click here.

Things to do in Ireland in April?

How about a springtime drive along the glorious Wild Atlantic Way ? With lots of sunshine in and better weather most of the time, April is a good month to visit and experience this scenic route .

Known as among the most beautiful places on and best drives on earth, the Wild Atlantic Way is more than just driving through stunning scenery.

Atop every hundred kilometers or so and enjoy a beach to yourself, marvel at towering cliffs, get u close with stones older than St. Patrick , and a lot more.

The route also spans towns and counties so stop by and sample their food, try their local beer or whiskey, pick u a few souvenirs and hear them speak Gaelic. It’s a truly Irish experience that’s worth spending an entire day or two on so be sure to plan your trip. 

A must for anyone who wants to experience something that’s uniquely Irish, Clifden Music Festival focuses on traditional Irish music.

Held in the picturesque Clifden town in Connemara , the festival features live song and dance performances from artists all over Ireland as well as from other countries.

This happens during mid-April and also holds street parties and workshops to celebrate the unique sound of traditional Irish music. 

A springtime trip to Ireland isn’t complete without a visit to a few of its many beautiful gardens. Walk among the blooms, wander through bursts of spring colors and soak up more sunshine, April is one of the bests months of the year to truly appreciate why Ireland is called the emerald state.

Check out the daffodil displays at Barnett Demesne in Belfast , or the Snowdrop Week at Altamont Gardens in County Carlow , the grounds of Blarney Castle in County Cork , the themed gardens at Powerscourt Estate in Wicklow and even Dublin’s Phoenix Park — you’ll never run out of options to enjoy Irish springtime. 

Showcasing the best from Ireland that includes produces, delicacies, traditional cuisine, and more, the Galway Food Festival is a must.

It happens in mid-April each year and features a massive open-air market and 100 food outlets. The festival also includes food demos, talks, and workshops. 

If you’d a fan of HBO’s hit fantasy series Game of Thrones and you happen to visit in April, then you’re in luck as it’s one of the best months of the year to tour the seven kingdoms. Or at least, their real-life locations in Ireland where a good part of the series was shot.

Join one of the many tours on offer that lasts from a full day to a week, depending on how much time you have.

These tours take you through various parts of the real-life Westeros, which is Northern Ireland.

Stroll through the Dark Hedges of Antrim a.k.a. King’s Road, walk along Winterfell’s castle grounds, enjoy the views from Castle Ward in County Down, or find yourself in Dragonstone a.k.a. Mussenden Temple in County Antrim.

There’s plenty of these locations to explore that’ll surely fulfill your medieval fantasy dreams. 

Spring is an amazing time to enjoy some outdoor adventure and what better place to experience it than Dingle ?

This part of County Kerry , as well as the Wild Atlantic Way, boasts of varied, dramatic landscapes that best for exploring. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along lakes and hidden beaches , walk through coastal plains and forested hills or hike up cliffs and mountains for stunning views of surrounding areas.

Bask in the longer days and warmer weather as you enjoy some of Ireland’s best under clear blue skies. 

Treat yourself by visiting a part of Ireland that’s not teeming with tourists yet but still an amazing place to see. The charming small town of Sligo in northwest Ireland has charming medieval structures, arched stone bridges, and pretty 19th-century townhouses.

It also has a diverse natural landscape, and some of the places you must see are the mighty monolith of Knocknarea Mountain with its moss-clad centuries-old claim stones as well as panoramic views over the pebbled beaches below and Sligo Bay. 

Ireland had thousands of castles, in various states of restoration or ruin, used for a range of purposes from hotels to cultural centers. A lot of these used to be a fortress that dates back to the medieval era, spread all over the country, all especially beautiful during springtime. Some of the best castles to visit in Ireland are Bunratty Castle in Co. Clare , Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo , Dublin Castle, Donegal Castle and Dunluce Castle in Co. Antrim , Northern Ireland. 

1. Be sure to bring warm clothes as April’s temperature is still quite chilly. 

2. If you’re going to explore the Irish countryside or coastal regions, it is still wise to bring wool socks, scarves and a hat. 

3. April showers are not unusual so be on the safe side and take an umbrella with you.

4. If you’ll be staying in Dublin most of the time and want to enjoy some springtime scenery close by, there’s St. Stephen’s Green in the City Center, which literally comes to life and bursts of color at this time of year. 

5. More springtime beauty can be found in Dublin’s neighboring county of Kildare , with its charming Japanese Garden. 

6. Check out this list for more travel tips for Ireland for first-time visitors. 

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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Visiting ireland in april: weather, what to pack, & what to do.

While spring isn’t always the most popular time of year to visit Ireland, April is a great time to go if you don’t mind a little rain. This month leads to the most rainbows, which Ireland has become famous for (and who knows what you’ll find at the end of one!). There are actually tons of things to do in Ireland in April if you know where to look.

April in Ireland is full of festivals, including ones where you can enjoy music and art, as well as ones where you get to indulge in some of the best specialty food the island has to offer. You can also get outdoors, whether you want to participate in a race or take a casual trip around the country to mark places off your Ireland bucket list .

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Ireland in April, including the weather, what to pack, and the best events in April in Ireland to attend.

Table of Contents

Travel Tips for Visiting in April in Ireland

Here are some things to keep in mind before visiting Ireland in April.

Ireland in April Weather

Ireland in April is a fresh breeze of aromatic flowers — quite literally because it’s smack-dab in the middle of spring. As the days get longer, Ireland’s weather in April is more welcoming, and chances of rain drastically decrease.

Ireland’s weather in April tends to be mild and dry. Daytime temperatures likely peak at about 53°F to 55°F , while lows typically range between 39°F and 46°F . These average daily temperatures allow swimming, hiking, and other fun outdoor activities.

While perpetual rainy days will be far and few in between, April still sees heavy rains, but they’re mostly short-lived. This makes it an ideal time of year to visit Ireland for 10 days to have plenty of time to explore.

What to Pack for Ireland in April

Unlike Ireland in March (where you can refer to my St. Patrick’s Day packing list ), spring weather comes into full effect in April. So what should you pack for Ireland in April? Here’s a handy packing list for Ireland to get you started:

• A well-fitting pair of dark jeans , preferably blue or black.
• Bring a comfortable pair of sneakers (or two) for walking around.
• Pack a few short sleeve tops , shorts, and sandals.
• A couple of long sleeve shirts for layering.
• Bring a waterproof rain jacket with enough space for layering.
• Pack a sun hat , SPF sun protector , and sunglasses.

Best Things to Do in Ireland in April

While Easter celebrations overrun the early days of April, that’s not all that Ireland has in store for you. 

Take advantage of April’s sunny days for the rest of the month by visiting recreational parks and attending festivals. 

Here’s what you can look forward to in Dublin, Belfast, and Galway in April. 

Things to Do in Dublin in April

Dublin’s warm weather in April gets most people out into nature. April sees a significant rise in outdoor activities in Dublin, from road trips to festivals and parades. Here are a few things to get up to when you visit:

 1. Experience Japan Hanami Festival

Celebrate spring in Dublin at this fun and family-friendly festival on the lawns at Farmleigh House and Estate. The festival follows the traditional Japanese custom of hanami, where family and friends come together to watch the flowers bloom, marking the beginning of April in Ireland.

At the Hamani Festival, you can expect plenty of interactive activities, from live music and dance performances to martial arts demonstrations and an array of arts and crafts to peruse. You’ll also find a great selection of traditional Japanese cuisine to indulge in.

Attending the Hamani Festival is a must-do in April. You’ll get to see the spring flowers blossom, all while enjoying great music and the company of like-minded people. 

If you love to dress up, go ahead! Many festival-goers usually come dressed in Japanese fashion styles, like kimonos or cosplay. You’ll want to spend a weekend in Dublin to enjoy this.

2023 Date: Early April. Check their website for updates.

2. Rock Out at New Music Dublin

Are you a music lover with curious ears for various Irish music? Well, the New Music Dublin Festival is just for you. Taking place within the National Concert Hall and beyond, this spring festival aims to celebrate and uplift artists and composers across the music spectrum.

New Music Dublin Festival is a free event, giving the opportunity of seeing great performances to everyone in the community. The focus of this event is to create a platform for Irish artists and music makers to live broadcast their craft to a broader audience and to encourage the spirit of collaboration between them. This is one of the more unique places to visit in Ireland in April.

Note: They will announce the full festival program at the end of February.

2023 Date: April 20th – April 23rd

3. Stretch Your Legs at the Great Ireland Run

Embrace Dublin’s comfortable spring weather by participating in the annual Great Ireland Run. This 10K (6.2-mile) distance run takes place in Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Dublin.

Participants will receive a t-shirt, and medals will be awarded to all finishers on the day. The Great Ireland Run is a fun way to see some of the most famous landmarks in Dublin , including the towering Wellington Monument.

Early bird tickets are currently up for sale. You can get yourself one for €25 ($27) ; this includes processing fees. Keep in mind that early bird tickets are available until January 2023. If you don’t quite feel like entering a race, you can also take a hike around Dublin at your own pace.

2023 Date: April 16th

4. Indulge at Dublin Bay Prawn Festival

Get your seafood cravings quenched at the annual Dublin Bay Prawn Festival in Howth. Every year Howth’s top restaurants, bars, and cafes serve up a tantalizing array of prawns and other seafood made any way you like it. Whether it’s barbequed, fried, marinated, or skewered — the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival has it all!

You can expect a jam-packed weekend full of cooking demonstrations using local produce, live music performances, history walks, and exciting day cruises across the bay. These are all great ways to explore this picturesque fishing village and its attractions. The festival is one of the top things to do in Ireland in April if you love seafood.

2023 Date: April

Things to Do in Belfast in April

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and an excellent departure point if you’d like to go on a Giant’s Causeway tour. This is one of the most exciting day trips from Belfast you can embark on, especially with April’s balmy weather in full swing.

Festivals are common in Belfast during spring, but that’s only some of what this gorgeous city has in store for you. Book a place to stay in Belfast and then check out these April events happening in Belfast:

5. Eat at the Irish Vegan Festival

Spend the day embracing an array of vegan food at the Irish Vegan Festival in Belfast. Presented by Farplace Animal Rescue, this festival brings you numerous vegan stalls selling top-notch food and drinks. 

You’ll also find several vendors selling quirky clothes, accessories, bags, and cosmetics. There are also stalls promoting great campaigns in Belfast. 

The Irish Vegan Festival will have documentaries and guest speakers who’ll engage you in matters of food choices and how they affect the environment, health, and animal welfare, making it an educational event in Ireland in April.

You can get a VIP early entry ticket for just £15 ($18.5) ; it comes with a goodie bag and some vegan treats. Advanced tickets go for £4 ($5) , while those under 16 enter for free!

6. Appreciate Art at Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

Presenting an eclectic atmosphere of music, comedy, theater, art, and literature, attending the annual Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival is one of the best things to do in Belfast . This 11-day festival features over 100 events in 20 different venues all across the city.

You’ll get to see the best of Belfast’s arts and culture scene, from visual arts performances to film screenings and appearances by the likes of Kevin McGahern and Bell X1. 

The festival curates a fantastic blend of upcoming and established artists, thus drawing in about 60,000 people every year, being one of the more popular things to do in April in Ireland.

2023 Date: April 27th – May 7th

7. Shop at St. George’s Market

Strolling through a farmer’s market is one of the best ways to explore Belfast in April. While the weather is expected to be sunny, should the rain come, a market is the best place to be. 

Standing as the last surviving covered Victorian market in Belfast, St. George’s Market offers an enticing array of local produce, homemade bread, quirky souvenirs, and fresh seafood. 

This market happens weekly from Friday to Sunday, so it’s not so much an April thing but an all-year-round attraction that keeps people coming. You’ll enjoy everything about St. George’s Market, from live music to arts and crafts shows.

2023 Date: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

8. Take a Giant’s Causeway Day Trip

April is a great time to embark on scenic drives in Ireland , and what better way to explore the country’s verdant landscape than by taking a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway? 

Located about 60 miles apart, your Giant’s Causeway day trip from Belfast will take about an hour and a half each way. During your trip, make sure to embrace the stunning countryside scenery along the way. 

If you’d like to see the coast instead, take the Antrim Coast Road and spot landmarks such as Red Bay Castle. 

But that’s not all you have to look forward to. Upon arrival, you’ll find that climbing the giant’s footsteps made of unique volcanic rock is an exhilarating experience. 

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so expect to see some tourists (although fewer than in the peak season).

2023 Date: April, but make sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

Things to Do in Galway in April

If you’re familiar with Galway, you’ll know that this vibrant harbor city in Ireland is the best departure point for a day trip to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher . 

Pair that with fun spring festivals, and you’re in for an epic April in Galway. Here are a few of the top April events to consider attending:

9. Celebrate Galway Spring Festival

Celebrate Galway’s spring blossoms in style at the annual Spring Festival in Ireland in April. Hosted by the Slieve Aughty Center, the Galway Spring Festival offers Easter celebrations, leisurely strolls through the Enchanted Forest, and plenty of other fun activities.

Children will love making crafts, riding ponies, and getting their faces painted. Adventurous bike rides through the Coillte Forest are also on the menu, and people of all ages can do this. 

Another thing you should take advantage of during the Spring Festival is taking a detour to the Three Towers Organic Kitchen. Here you’ll be greeted with the aromas of homemade cooking and freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Note: Ticket prices start at €7.50 ($8.15) per child and come with a complimentary sweet bag, while adults go in for free.

2023 Date: April 1st – April 16th

10. Attend Cúirt International Festival of Literature

Attention all bookworms, prepare for engaging conversations regarding literature and its key role in taking Irish writing to the world. Cúirt is one of the oldest book festivals in Europe. 

Bringing together various emerging and established writers to Galway, this annual event aims to continue highlighting Irish literature locally and internationally. 

During this week-long festival, many aspects of writing will be discussed by expert panels, while book publications and other forms of reading will be thoroughly celebrated.

2023 Date: April 17th – April 23rd 

11. Enjoy Galway Theatre Festival

The Galway Theatre Festival is one of Galway’s biggest and most celebrated annual events. From theater to circus and storytelling performances, there’s something for everyone at this April festival.

For nine full days, you’ll get a jam-packed lineup showcasing innovative and imaginative performances by Ireland’s emerging and established artists. These events will take place across various theaters and bookshops in the city.

Other fun things you can do in Galway during this festival include participating in workshops and competitions.

2023 Date: April 28th – May 6th

More Things to Do in Ireland in April

Apart from what’s been covered so far, there are plenty of exciting and fun things to do in spring in Ireland . Here are a couple of downtime activities that all Irish citizens love to do:

Ending of National Football League

If you’re a sports lover, you’ll appreciate the atmosphere in Ireland as the National Football League season comes to an end. In Ireland, watching Gaelic football — a cross between soccer and rugby is one of the most loved downtimes across the country.

Whether in Dublin, Belfast, or Galway, you can catch a match at the nearest stadium and get a front-row seat to the beautiful game. This is also a great place to meet locals and get a real sense of Irish living.

2023 Date: National Football League finals will take place on the weekend of April 1st – 2nd.

Music Performances in Pubs & Bar Crawls

Pubs and bar crawls are available all year round, but April is quite a special time to explore Ireland’s best watering holes, thanks to the reduced crowd levels. 

Although rainy days are fairly scarce in April, a pub crawl in Dublin or watching a live music show in a bar is an excellent way to find shelter during light drizzles or gloomy days. 

Across all the best pubs in Galway, Dublin, and Belfast, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere with live performances by local bands and artists, as well as tasty Irish drinks on the menu. Take some time to explore original Irish beverages (both hot and cold). The likes of Irish coffee, Guinness, and Jameson whiskey are a must-try.

Tip: Take a Jameson distillery guided tour and whiskey tasting in Dublin and learn about this world-famous drink’s history and distillation process.

You’ll love exploring all the things to do in Ireland in April, no matter what the weather is.

Marissa became obsessed with Ireland when she first visited in 2015, and has been back numerous times since to explore more of the Emerald Isle. She started this site to help others plan their trip to Ireland based off her experiences.

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Ireland in April – All the Local Advice You Need

April is usually the month in the year when I start to remember why I became a tour guide in the first place. The weather gets better, the days get longer and there is just more things to do. I also notice that the general mood of people in Ireland really starts to improve this time of year too.

April is also the time of the year when people in Ireland start to celebrate more of their history. If you choose to come to Ireland in April, you will find way more than you were expecting. However, you should also know that the bad weather is far from over. There are still things to look out for…

Table of Contents

The Pros and Cons of Visiting Ireland in April

April is one of the best times to visit Ireland. Spring will be well under way by this stage, the days will be getting longer and the locals will be itching to get out and about to explore their country! You might as well join them.

There are a few downsides to doing that however. If you want to visit Ireland in April, you will have to be prepared for things like the weather and reduced opening hours in certain locations. Make sure to plan ahead.

The Pros of Visiting Ireland in April

• Mild Weather: April is when us people living in Ireland really start to notice the weather improving. Its this time of year that you’re going to find plenty of people out in their shorts and t-shirts, even if the weather wouldn’t suit these outfits in other countries!
• Fewer Crowds: Easter is one of the most popular times of the year for visitors to Ireland and you will start to see the crowds arrive in earnest this month. However, they are not going to be nearly as big as later on in the year.
• Festivals and Events: You will be spoilt for choice for things to do in Ireland in April. There are going to be festivals and events all over the country this month. Even if you don’t want to go to any of these, this is the month where most places will start to open their full hours for the coming season.

The Cons of Vising Ireland in April

• Unpredictable Weather: Even though the weather in April is mild, it is not without its negatives. This is one of the wettest months of the year in Ireland. You might leave your hotel in the morning seeing sunshine and then get drenched an hour later in the rain.
• Limited Opening Hours: While most establishments and attractions will have opened to their full high season hours by the end of this month, some might not. Also, it will generally take some time for things to start ramping up over the course of the month.
• Higher Prices: This isn’t peak tourist season, so you won’t find the highest of prices in Ireland during the month of April. Things will still start to get expensive however. Make sure to budget and plan ahead for a trip to Ireland, pretty much from April till the end of the year.

April Weather in Ireland

In April, the average temperature in Ireland is around 8°C – 10°C (46°F – 50°F), but temperatures can fluctuate between 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F). The average rainfall will usually be between 52mm – 100mm(2-4in).

The weather in April will start to improve, especially when compared to the previous months. But you will definitely still need to bring a rain jacket with you at the very least. However, you might start to see things like “sunshine” more frequently this time of year. So bring sunblock too!

If you are traveling around Ireland, you should note that the western parts of the country are generally wetter, cooler and windier than the more inland areas. The eastern parts of Ireland usually have the mildest weather in the country.

I have already gone into far more detail about the Irish weather in this article, linked here.

What to Pack for Ireland in April

This is the time of year when you will need to pack for multiple eventualities. I have met plenty of visitors to Ireland that came here expecting the worst and never used half of the clothes and layers that they brought. But I think they still did the right thing.

It can be easy to come to Ireland well under-prepared for the weather this time of year. You will need to pack for multiple eventualities including rain, sun and maybe even the occasional storm.

Some of the most vital things to pack for Ireland in April are as follows:

• Waterproof Jacket/ Coat: This is an essential for any time of the year in Ireland. There are plenty of different, lightweight, outer layers that you can keep in your backpack, just in case of an emergency.
• Layers: This is one of the most common and important pieces of advise people will hear when they are preparing to visit Ireland. With the changeable weather, you will be taking layers off and on all day. Layer up!
• Comfortable Shoes: As a tour guide, I have learned that one of the most important things anyone can buy is a good pair of walking shoes. Keep yourself comfortable so you will be able to go for longer and see more on your trip.

I have a lot more advice, linked here, about what to focus on when packing for your trip to Ireland.

Events and things to Do in Ireland in April

With the change in the weather, you will find plenty of events all over the country this month . From religious occasions to food festivals, there should be something to do to suit everyone. Even if you don’t want to book something in advance, there will be countless things to do that will be great during April.

Easter is one of the most important times of the year in Ireland for a variety of different reasons and it often takes place in April.

Most obviously, it is a religious festival and the most important time of the year in the Christian calendar. Even though Ireland has secularized a lot in the last generation, there are still plenty of practicing Christians.

Many people here will go to mass or other services and participate in events like lent. Once this period of fasting is over however, many locals will like to get out and celebrate.

Easter also marks a very important historical event in Irish history. The Easter rising was the last failed rebellion against British rule in Ireland and it set off a chain reaction of events that let to Irish independence in 1922.

In Ireland we tend not to celebrate our independence day as much as other former colonies. Independence for us let to partition on the island, which actually caused a civil war here. The big patriotic moment in our history is therefore the Easter Rising.

If you want to learn more about the Rising, a fellow tour guide has written an excellent intro to it, here.

Explore Irish Nature

April is one of the best times of the year to explore the countryside in Ireland. Before the crowds start to creep back in, you will practically have the place to yourself, and all of the locals, obviously.

There are plenty of places where you will be able to explore Irish nature, just from Dublin alone. This is especially useful to visitors who are only going to be in Ireland for a few days. I always try to tell people not to feel like they have to see everything on the one trip to Ireland!

In this article, I have gone over some of my favorite places to see the Irish countryside from Dublin city.

Where to Go in Ireland in April

There are far too many places for you to visit in Ireland in a year, let alone just one month. But, April offers you the chance to explore some of the best parts of the country before the crowds arrive and just as things are getting going for the tourist season.

I know that I always go on about visiting Dublin, but there really is so much to do here, no matter what time of the year you visit. April however is a particularly great time to visit. You will be able to avoid most of the busier parts of the year and will be able to properly beat the crowds coming here this month.

Some of the best things to do in Dublin are:

• Museums: With the unpredictable weather, the many museums in Dublin really come in handy. The National Archeology Museum is one of my favorites, but Collins Barracks and the Dead Zoo are also excellent.
• Take a walking tour: This is actually my main job in tourism. I give people walking tours throughout the city. There are a number of great walking tour companies here, with excellent guides that will help you explore this fair city.
• Visit a brewery: I know that there are plenty of negative stereotypes about the Irish and alcohol. But there are some excellent brewery and alcohol related tours in the city, I have gone over some of the best in my recommendations list here.

The Wild Atlantic Way

If you want to see the full Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland, it will probably take you years to do it. But there are still plenty of things that you might want to see on the beautiful west coast of Ireland in April.

Some of the best things to see on the Wild Atlantic Way in April are:

• The Cliffs of Moher: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland is an absolutely breathtaking 15km of cliffs. If you come here later in the year, you will see plenty of tourists. So try to get out earlier in the season.
• The Dingle Peninsula: This is one of my personal favorite places in all of Ireland. The scenery here is stunning and you will be able to explore it all from the picturesque village of Dingle itself.

FAQs About Visiting Ireland in April

Here are some of the frequently asked questions I get about visiting Ireland in the month of April:

What is the weather like in Ireland in April?

In April, the weather in Ireland is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. However, it can be quite unpredictable, so it’s best to pack for all types of weather.

What should I pack for a trip to Ireland in April?

You should pack layers of clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. It’s also a good idea to prioritize a raincoat rather than an umbrella, as wind is as common as rain in Ireland. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to do some hiking or exploring.

Are there any special Easter traditions in Ireland?

Yes, Easter is an important holiday in Ireland, and there are several traditions associated with it. One of the most popular is the Easter Rising commemoration, which marks the anniversary of the 1916 rebellion against British rule. Many towns and cities hold parades, ceremonies, and other events to honor the occasion.

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April on the island of Ireland

Easter fun, eclectic festivals, cute foals and sustainable getaways!

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Easter celebrations, eclectic festivals, cute little foals, and sustainable getaways – barring April Fools' Day, Ireland isn't messing around this month!

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TS Eliot may have remarked that “April is the cruellest month” but he must never have spent it in Ireland, which has loads going on! Spring is in full bloom with swathes of bluebells carpeting woodland areas, the Easter holidays arrive, the days are getting longer and warmer, and the island is abuzz with cultural festivals and much, much more.

So, if you’re considering a spring break to remember, look no further than the green shores of Ireland. Bucket list at the ready, April in Ireland travel tips are coming up...

Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, County Tipperary

Easter fun in Ireland

Easter is a fun-filled and family-oriented time in Ireland. Traditionally, family members and friends gift each other chocolate eggs, with some kids receiving their choc-tastic bounty from the Easter Bunny! As such, it’s a popular time for delicious chocolate experiences (we’re drooling already). From the Butlers Chocolate Experience in Dublin  to the Chocolate Manor on the Causeway Coastal Route , cocoa-loving visitors will be in chocolate heaven.

Get a taste for all 5 of our Easter chocolate experiences here .

For family-friendly events, check out the Ulster Folk Museum  in County Down, where Easter craft stations, traditional egg rolling and other holiday celebrations will be taking place. Or embark on an Easter tour of the Beaghmore Stone Circles in County Tyrone and discover the ancient meaning of Easter and its role in the lunar calendar.

National Stud and Gardens, County Kildare

Foaling season

In the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East  in County Kildare , equine legends are born and bred at the Irish National Stud and Gardens .

Horses are brought from all over Ireland to give birth to their foals here, and with 250 cute horse babies welcomed every spring, it's something of a horse hospital! Watch here as new life springs into action at the National Stud. As well as seeing these adorable creatures up close, visitors are given a fascinating insight into the lineage of world-famous horseracing champions, as well as the eccentric practices of the stud’s founding father, Colonel William Hall Walker.

Known as the finest of their kind in Europe, the Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens are a natural wonderland tracing the Life of Man from birth to afterlife.

Designed by the Colonel with the expertise of master horticulturalist, Tassa Eida, the gardens boast plants, stone lanterns and elegant Scots pines, as well as cherry trees, tunnelled pathways and an ancient fir tree, which symbolises knowledge. Springtime visitors can expect to see vivid cherry blossom trees and watch as nature buds into life after its winter slumber.

The Burren, County Clare

The Burren Ecotourism Network

If you’re looking to travel sustainably in Ireland  in April, the otherworldly beauty of The Burren  in County Clare is a fitting destination. After winter, the moon-like landscape starts to come alive again with a rich array of flora and fauna, including bright blue spring gentian, early-purple orchids, cute pine martens, and feral goats. Amid this limestone region, a collective of local tourism providers has joined forces to create The Burren Ecotourism Network , a Lonely Planet award-winning endeavour to position the area as a premier sustainable tourism location.

A wide array of tourism businesses are part of the network, including Burren Smokehouse, Aloha Surf School, Burren Distillery, E-Whizz Electric Bikes, Gregans Castle Hotel and many, many more. Each one ensures an eco-friendly experience in this unique part of the island.

For more green travel inspiration, visit our Sustainable Ireland  page and discover sustainable stays, activities and tours.

Dunlewey, County Donegal

April in Ireland travel tips

Weather on the island of Ireland in April is mostly sunny with some clouds. The temperature ranges from 6° to 15°, so early mornings and late evenings can be cool, but there is a good amount of warm sunshine throughout the day. It’s going to rain a bit, but sure how else would we have such a lush green landscape for you to enjoy! Just remember to pack a raincoat and umbrella.

Speaking of clothes, layers are the way to go. Ireland’s weather is famously changeable and you might (you definitely will) experience several seasons in one day. It’s all part of the fun of visiting this small but mighty island in the wild Atlantic Ocean.

For more tips and advice, check out our Ireland travel checklist . We’ll see you soon! One hundred thousand welcomes await...

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…