Cycling in the Connemara District of Ireland

I use the website Wunderground to suss out weather stats--you can check averages for the last decade and determine your chances. good luck!

I have not cycled Connemara, but I have cycled not far away on Inis Mor island. I hiked 100 miles of a trail on the nearby Dingle Peninsula, where I met a group of bicyclists from England. And I climbed the 2,500-ft.-high Croagh Patrick in nearby County Mayo.

August could prove an issue because St. Swithin's Day (July 15) marks the tradition of the start of the rainy season in western Ireland. It's folk belief akin to America's Groundhog Day. However, in my five visits to Ireland, I noticed that it's wetter in the second half of summer. The rain doesn't start running like a faucet immediately after St. Swithin's Day, but it's wetter as summer draws on. As for September, it's hard to say because it's cooler by them. Though I've never visited Ireland in September, I was there once in October when it's markedly cooler. That's when I climbed Croagh Patrick: I was drenched in rain on the way down.

I hiked on Dingle for seven days in June 2010: It only rained for a half-day. I bicycled Inis Mor also in June of a different year: no rain.

We were in Ireland, including a few days in the Connemara area, late August , departing Sept 3, about 11-12 years ago. We did not experience much, if any rain, but it was windy several days. Some days were chilly, but did not need much more than a light fleece jacket. But, that said, you know how weather can vary greatly year to year and week to week. I would plan for rain and be delighted if it turns out nicer. If it were to pour down heavy rain for several days, I personally would not want be be out on a bicycle. Perhaps you could have a fallback, alternative plan?

Thanks so much to all of you who responded. I appreciate the helpful information!

I looked back at photos from a few years ago when I was in Connemara in August. We were bundled up in jackets. It was quite cool. Hit one day of rain (a downpour).

If the Irish meteorologist says that the day is going to be dry; that means that it is only going to rain three times that day. There are many reasons to visit Ireland; dry weather isn’t one of them. Beloved spouse and I enjoyed Connemara very much.

We've cycled all over Ireland, including Connemara, on ten occasions over the years. Expect off-and-on rain nearly every day and dress for cool temps (55-60F) in the West. It's part of the country's charm and beauty.